Sometimes, things go wrong, making your device’s hardware and software experience less than ideal. It may be related to a change you made or a newly installed system update that is causing glitches.
Thankfully, the built-in Android recovery mode is a quick way to resolve those issues. Anybudget-friendly Android phonecan also access this feature, making it a universal solution that works with virtually any device.
Whether you want to perform a simple factory reset or clear the system cache, this guide shows you how to access the Android recovery mode feature and outlines its services.
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How to boot into Android recovery mode
Getting your device to the Android recovery main menu is simple when you know how.
Depending on your device manufacturer, the process may differ slightly but should generally be the same.
The best method to get to the Android recovery menu is to turn off your device and then long press a button combination.
If Android recovery mode isn’t working, meaning you’re able to’t access the menu, plug your device into a computer using a USB cable and then follow the steps below.
To boot your device into Android recovery mode, do the following:
If you’re familiar withAndroid Debug Bridge (ADB) commands, quickly access your recovery menu using the following shortcut.
Enter theadb reboot recoverycommand to launch the recovery mode when connected to a computer.
You don’t need to press a key combination or scroll through the bootloader menu for theRecovery Modeoption.
How to turn off Android recovery mode
To exit Android recovery mode, navigate to the “Reboot system now” option using the volume buttons, and then press the power button to confirm your selection.
Your device will restart andexit recovery mode.
The common Android recovery mode features
Now that you can access the Android recovery mode screen, it’s time to learn some of its core features and what they can do.
Many Android recovery mode features are standard, so you’ll see them regardless of your manufacturer.
We break down the general Android recovery mode features commonly found on most smartphones.
Depending on the manufacturer and Android version, some devices have unique features that are not found elsewhere.
For example, you may see theRepair appsoption on an older Samsung Galaxy phone, but not on a newer one.
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‘Reboot system now’ quickly restarts your device
When you use the “Reboot system now” option, your device reboots like usual. Simply put, this allows you to return your phone to its normal state.
‘Reboot to bootloader’ is useful for advanced commands
You may have been in the bootloader when you selected theRecovery Modeoption the first time.
If you plan to use more advanced features after this, such as Fastboot commands, reboot into the bootloader first.
‘Enter fastboot’ is where you can use Fastboot commands
The “Enter fastboot” option allows you to open the separatefastbootmenu.
Using the fastboot menu helps youinstall custom firmwareor ROMs without requiring a custom recovery. This feature is primarily for advanced users and has a particular use case.
When you select “Enter fastboot,” you can reboot your device, return to the recovery screen, reboot to the bootloader, or power off again. However, you’ll usually use the regular bootloader or Fastboot mode for most of your needs.
‘Apply update from ADB’ is an advanced way of installing updates
The “Apply update from ADB” option is helpful if your device manufacturer lets you download firmware updates. Using this feature, you can bypass the built-in system update process.
If you know how to use ADB commands, sideloading a system update is a fast and reliable method to update your device.
‘Apply update from SD card’ installs updates stored on the device
Similar to theApply update from ADBoption, the “Apple update from SD card” option lets you install updates from your on-device storage.
If you’re uncomfortable using ADB commands and your device manufacturer allows you to download system update files, this is a great way to update your device manually.
‘Wipe data/factory reset’ removes all on-device data and accounts
The “Wipe data/factory reset” option is one of the most used options since it allows you to perform a full factory reset on your device.
It does the same thing as theSettingsapp when your device is turned on but in recovery mode.
Suppose your device doesn’t boot into Android, but you can still access the recovery menu. In that case, a factory reset could bring it back to life.
As long as you can access the recovery menu, you can factory reset your device whenever needed.
‘Wipe cache partition’ helps if your apps crash a lot
You might see the “Wipe cache partition” option on some devices, such as Samsung Galaxy phones, allowing you to wipe your system cache.
When many apps are installed, your system cache ortemporary app filescan bog down your device. This is especially true the longer you use it without clearing the cache.
The “Wipe cache partition” option allows you to start fresh, which can oftenfix crashing appsor ones that were slow to open.
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‘Mount /system’ is perfect for advanced users
The “Mount/System” option allows you to mount your device system file to view it and make any necessary changes.
The feature is helpful for advanced users. Only use this option if you know what you’re doing, as it mounts the/systempartition of your device.
However, your system files are only altered if you change them manually. Selecting the feature won’t harm your device.
‘View recovery logs’ keeps track of your user actions
The “View recovery logs” option is useful if you spend more than a few minutes using the recovery mode feature.
You can view a temporary log with a timestamp of your actions during that recovery session.
It can be helpful if you need to remember what you did earlier, especially when installing system image files.
‘Run graphics test’ can identify display issues
The “Run graphics test” option runs your device through a quick test. It ensures its on-device graphics and display function as they should.
The “Run graphics test” option also runs through recovery mode-related visual tests, which take a few seconds to complete.
This option might look like it’s wiping your device data or installing an update, but it isn’t doing that.
‘Run locale test’ is another visual method to test your display
This simple visual test shows the various on-screen languages your device can display.
The “Run locale test” is an extension of theRun graphics testoption. It allows you to see different languages displayed with various default messages.
‘Power off’ is a simple but useful option
If you don’t plan to use the device after this, the option puts it into a powered-off state.
You likely won’t use the “Power off” option much on your primary device, but it’s there if you need it.
‘Repair apps’ can help fix any app that may not be working correctly
You’ll see the “Repair apps” option on older Samsung devices. It allows you to re-optimize your apps, just like after installing a system update.
Doing so is helpful if your apps slow down or give you other issues.
Optimizing your apps using the “Repair apps” method can return them to peak performance. As a bonus, it may fix problems with your installed apps.
However, if you’re using a newer Samsung device (One UI 6.1 and Android 14), the repair option has been quietlydiscontinued.
The Android recovery mode on your device gives you peace of mind
Your Android device may not always boot up correctly, and your apps can occasionally act up without warning.
Sometimes, system updates are also known to cause more harm than good, causing battery drain or other system-related issues. The Android recovery mode feature helps when you encounter these problems.
If you’re able to’t boot to your Android lock screen, a factory reset from the recovery menu may resolve the issue.
Before it gets this far, learnhow to back up your Android phoneto keep your data safe and sound.
