Recovery Mode is a separate Android startup menu used for troubleshooting, wiping cache where supported, applying updates, and factory resetting. It does not use normal touch navigation on many phones; volume buttons move and Power selects.
These steps apply to Samsung, Pixel, Motorola, and many other Android phones. Button combinations vary by model.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if a guide asks you to enter Recovery Mode, wipe the cache partition, sideload an update, or troubleshoot a phone that will not boot normally.
Samsung Galaxy Recovery Mode
- Turn the phone completely off.
- Press and hold Volume Up and Power together. On older models with Bixby, hold Volume Up, Bixby, and Power.
- Keep holding through the Samsung logo.
- Release when the Recovery menu appears.
- Use Volume buttons to move and Power to select.
Google Pixel Recovery Mode
- Turn the phone completely off.
- Hold Power and Volume Down until the bootloader screen appears.
- Use Volume Down to highlight Recovery mode.
- Press Power.
- When the Android robot with an exclamation mark appears, hold Power and tap Volume Up once.
- Use the Recovery menu with Volume and Power.
Motorola and Many Other Android Phones
- Turn the phone off.
- Hold Volume Down and Power together.
- Keep holding until the logo, vibration, or boot menu appears.
- Choose Recovery Mode if a bootloader menu appears.
- Use Volume and Power to navigate.
Recovery Menu Options
Wipe Cache Partition
Where available, this clears temporary system files and does not delete photos, apps, or settings. Some modern phones no longer include this option.
Factory Reset
Wipe data/factory reset erases the phone. Do not choose it unless you intend to erase everything and have backups.
Apply Update or Sideload
Some phones allow update files to be installed from recovery. Follow manufacturer instructions exactly for your model.
Reboot System Now
This is safe. It exits Recovery Mode and starts normal Android without changing anything. Choose it if you entered by accident.
Sources
- Android Open Source Project: Enter and use recovery mode
- Samsung Support: Enter Recovery mode on your Galaxy device
- Google Pixel Help: Force restart or boot into Safe Mode or recovery