Android Recovery Mode is the built-in troubleshooting environment on every Android phone. Whether you need to factory reset, clear the cache partition, or apply system updates - this is where it happens. Here’s how to enter it on your device.
Speaking of Android phones, there are loads of technical issues that users are confused about and seeking solutions to online, like how to root Android, how to factory reset my Android, how to update the system, how to deal with a virus in my Android, and more. You can solve all of these questions in Android system recovery mode.
As mentioned, this built-in maintenance environment lets you factory reset, clear the cache, or apply updates when your phone won’t boot normally. To access Android Recovery Mode on your phone, using hardware key combinations may be the easiest way. However, methods vary slightly by device brand (Samsung Galaxy, Pixel, HTC, LG) and Android version. Continue reading to learn several methods to enter Recovery Mode on Android.
How We Tested
We tested Android recovery mode entry methods on 8 devices: Samsung Galaxy S23, Pixel 8, OnePlus 12, LG V60, HTC U23, and legacy Xiaomi/HUAWEI devices.
To enter Recovery Mode on Android, you can press a combination of buttons. Here are related methods for mainstream Android devices to boot into Recovery Mode:
New models (Samsung Galaxy S24/S23 and later):
Samsung Galaxy S24/S23: Press and hold Power + Volume Up (no Home button)
Legacy devices (Galaxy S7/S6 Edge/S6/S5/Note 5/Note Edge and other older Galaxy series):
Hold down the Power key and turn off the phone. Press and hold Power + Home + Volume Up.
Keep holding until you see the Samsung logo. After that, you have entered Recovery Mode successfully. Use the Volume keys to select options from the menu.
For newer Samsung devices without a physical Home button, the combination is Power + Volume Up - the Home button is no longer required.
Newer models (Google Pixel 8/7 and later):
Google Pixel 8/7: Press and hold Power + Volume Down
Older devices (Nexus 9/6P/5X and other older series):
Turn off the Google phone. Press and hold Power + Volume Up + Volume Down until you see a menu with the Recovery Mode option.
Navigate to Recovery mode with Volume keys and access it with the Power key.
On newer Pixel devices, the combination has been simplified to Power + Volume Down.
OnePlus 12 and newer models: Press and hold Power + Volume Down.
Turn off your LG phone. Press and hold Power + Volume Down until you see the LG logo, then let go of the Power key and press it again.
The menu appears, and you can navigate to Recovery by Volume keys.
Follow the path Settings > Battery and disable Fastboot.
Hold down the Power key and turn off the device.
Press and hold Power + Volume Down until a menu including Recovery Mode options show. Use Volume keys to select it and enter with Power key.
If your hardware buttons are broken or unresponsive, you can also boot into recovery mode using ADB (Android Debugging Bridge) commands from a computer:
Enable USB debugging on your Android device. Connect your phone to a computer via a USB cable. Open a command prompt or terminal and run: adb reboot recovery.
The Android Recovery Mode options may differ by device, just like Recovery access methods. But there are some basic functions that you can always get:
This option restarts your Android phone or tablet manually. If your Android phone is frozen, you can try to enter Android Recovery Mode and reboot the system again.
ADB, short for Android Debugging Bridge, is a tool that enables you to run and operate your Android devices through a computer. Android application developers widely use it to fix bugs. You could also use ADB to send files from your PC to your phone.
This is a very common way to reset your Android device. It can be applied when you need to clear all data on your old phone. After this, all your Android data, including photos, videos, apps, text messages and more, will be deleted.
The Cache Partition stores temporary data on your phone. Most users ignore the Android cache and let it add up. But that would slow down your phone. Therefore, you should use this function regularly to make your Android boot up quicker, and apps run faster.
In addition to the functions mentioned above, some Android devices also let you apply updates from external storage, install custom ROMs and more.
Even though Android Recovery Mode can be useful in many situations, you don't need it all the time. For unknown reasons, some Android phones may get stuck in Android Recovery Mode and can’t get out. Well, don’t worry, here are a few tips for you to fix your phone:
1. To get out of Android Recovery Mode, the first thing you need to do is check that the handset keys are in the proper position. As we have mentioned above, Recovery Mode can be accessed by pressing a few buttons together, but if they are stuck and pressed down all the time, of course you can’t get out.
2. Power the phone on once you have pressed down on the keys for a bit. See if it will boot up.
3. Remove the battery if possible, and then put it back in. Check if it will work.
4. If none of above methods work, you can choose “Wipe data/Factory reset” from the Android Recovery Mode options and try to reset your phone. But this method might wipe out data you intend to keep. You can also try Android System Repair.
Still doesn’t work? Your phone has probably become a brick. You may need to replace it now.
Rescued your phone, but not your data? There is a great possibility that data is lost after you finally get your phone out of Android Recovery Mode somehow. Is there any way to save your data? Of course, an excellent Android data recovery tool would solve your problem easily. You can follow the steps below:
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What is Android Recovery Mode used for?
Android Recovery Mode is a built-in maintenance environment that runs independently from your main operating system. It is primarily used for system-level troubleshooting, including factory resetting your device, wiping the cache partition to speed up performance, applying OTA system updates, and installing custom ROMs. You typically boot into it when your phone won’t start normally or when you need to perform a clean reset.
Will entering Android Recovery Mode delete my data?
No, entering Recovery Mode will not delete any of your personal data (photos, contacts, messages, etc.). Your data is only erased if you manually select the "Wipe data/Factory reset" option from the menu. Choosing “Wipe Cache Partition” is safe and only removes temporary system files without affecting your personal content. Prevent data loss: back up your Android.
How to exit Android Recovery Mode?
The easiest way is to use the Volume keys and press Power to confirm. If your screen shows the “Android recovery mode no command” error, press and hold the Power button, then tap Volume Up once to reveal the hidden menu - from there you can select “Reboot system now”. If the device is completely frozen, press and hold the Power button to force a restart.
Why is my Android stuck in recovery mode?
Being stuck in recovery mode usually happens due to:
A stuck or broken hardware button (e.g., Volume or Power key pressed down accidentally).
A failed system update that interrupted the boot process.
A corrupted cache partition that prevents normal startup.
Software crashes or boot loop issues.
How to enter recovery mode without the Power button?
If your Power button is broken or damaged, you can still enter Recovery Mode using the ADB (Android Debugging Bridge) method from a computer. You can follow the steps above. Alternatively, some older or rooted devices may use third-party apps like Quick Reboot to access recovery, but the ADB method is the most reliable and button-free solution.
Conclusion
After reading this post, you can learn the necessary information about Android Recovery Mode. Moreover, you can learn to enter and exit Recovery Mode on your phone. Whether you need to perform a factory reset, clear a cache, or install a system update, you can boot into this mode.
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