5 Critical Ways To Restart Your Frozen Phone In 2025 (The NSA-Recommended Weekly Reboot)

Restarting your phone is the oldest trick in the tech support book, yet it remains the single most effective solution for 90% of smartphone problems in late 2025.

Whether you're dealing with a frustrating app crash, unexpected lag, or a completely frozen screen, a simple power cycle is your first and best line of defense. This comprehensive guide breaks down the latest, most reliable methods for both Android and iPhone, including the critical "force restart" techniques you need when your device completely locks up, and why security experts now recommend a weekly reboot.

The Essential Guide: Standard and Advanced Restart Methods (2025)

The method you use to restart your phone depends entirely on its current state. Is it responsive, or completely frozen? We'll cover the 'soft reset' (standard restart) first, followed by the 'hard reboot' (force restart) for unresponsive devices.

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1. The Standard "Soft Reset" (The Everyday Fix)

A soft reset is the normal, gentle way to shut down and reboot your device. It's the method you should use for routine maintenance, like the weekly reboot recommended by the National Security Agency (NSA) to help clear out temporary memory-based issues and non-persistent malware.

For Modern Android Phones (Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, etc.):

• Step 1: Press and hold the Power Button (usually on the right side) for a few seconds.
• Step 2: A power menu will appear on the screen.
• Step 3: Tap the "Restart" or "Reboot" option.
• Alternative: If your power menu only shows "Power Off," select that, wait 30 seconds for the phone to completely shut down, and then press and hold the Power Button again to turn it back on.

For Modern iPhones (iPhone X and newer):

• Step 1: Press and hold the Side Button (Power Button) and either the Volume Up or Volume Down button simultaneously.
• Step 2: The "Slide to Power Off" slider will appear.
• Step 3: Drag the slider to the right. Wait about 30 seconds for the phone to fully shut down.
• Step 4: Press and hold the Side Button again until the Apple logo appears to turn the phone back on.

2. The "Settings" Restart (The Power Button Alternative)

What if your physical power button is broken, or you simply prefer a software-based solution? Both major operating systems offer a way to shut down or restart through the Settings menu.

For iOS Devices:

• Step 1: Go to Settings.
• Step 2: Tap General.
• Step 3: Scroll all the way down and tap Shut Down.
• Step 4: Use the "Slide to Power Off" slider. You will have to use the Side Button to power it back on.

For Android Devices:

• The exact location varies by manufacturer (Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola), but you can usually find a restart option under: Settings -> System -> Restart or Settings -> About Phone -> Restart.

3. The Force Restart (The Hard Reboot for Frozen Screens)

When your phone is completely unresponsive—the screen is black, frozen, or stuck in a loop—the standard soft reset won't work. You need a "Force Restart," also known as a "Hard Reboot." This method bypasses the operating system's software controls and forces the hardware to power cycle, which is essential for fixing deep software glitches or memory leaks.

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For Modern iPhones (iPhone 8 / SE (2nd gen) and newer):

This is a rapid, three-button sequence that must be performed quickly:

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side Button (Power Button) until the Apple logo appears (this can take 10-20 seconds).

For Most Modern Android Phones:

The most common and reliable method is a simple long press:

• Press and hold the Power Button for a continuous 10 to 20 seconds. This forces the device's hardware to shut down and reboot, regardless of the software state.

For Samsung and Google Pixel Devices:

Some devices require a combination key press for a hard reboot:

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• Press and hold the Power Button and the Volume Down button simultaneously for about 10 seconds. Release the buttons when the device vibrates or the brand logo appears.

The Critical Reasons Why You Must Restart Your Phone Weekly

Many users only restart their phones when something goes wrong, but experts now agree that a regular, weekly reboot is a critical maintenance practice. This isn't just about fixing problems; it's about prevention, performance, and security.

Performance: Clearing Memory Leaks and Cache

When you use apps, they reserve a portion of your phone's Random Access Memory (RAM). Even when you close them, some apps don't fully release this memory, leading to what's called a "memory leak." Over days or weeks, these leaks accumulate, causing your phone to slow down, lag, and become unstable. A restart purges the RAM, clearing out all residual data and giving your phone a completely fresh start, resulting in noticeably snappier performance.

Security: The NSA's Weekly Recommendation

Perhaps the most compelling reason to adopt a weekly restart habit comes from the National Security Agency (NSA). The NSA explicitly recommends a weekly reboot for both Android and iPhone users to protect against certain types of cyber threats.

This practice is effective against "non-persistent malware" or spyware that only resides in your phone's active memory (RAM). When the phone is powered off, the RAM is completely wiped, eliminating this type of malicious code before it can establish a permanent foothold.

Battery Health and Longevity

The constant, heavy load on your phone's processor from accumulated background processes and memory leaks forces the hardware to work harder, which drains your battery faster. By regularly restarting your device, you reduce this unnecessary strain, leading to more consistent battery life throughout the day and potentially prolonging the overall lifespan of your phone's hardware.

4. What to Do If Your Phone Still Won't Restart

If you've tried the correct force restart method for your device and it still won't turn on, there are two common scenarios:

• The Battery is Dead: Plug your phone into a wall charger (not a computer USB port) and let it charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting the force restart again. Sometimes the battery is so depleted it can’t even power the reboot sequence.
• The Phone is Stuck in Recovery Mode: If you see a screen with text, a battery icon, or a connecting cable, you may have accidentally entered a special boot mode. Try the force restart sequence one more time. If that fails, you may need to visit a certified service provider, as the issue could be hardware-related or require a more advanced "factory reset," which will erase all your data.

5. The Final Word: Embrace the Weekly Reboot

In a world of constant updates and complex software, the simple act of restarting your phone remains the most powerful troubleshooting tool. Make it a habit to perform a soft reset every Sunday night. This easy, two-minute task will not only ensure your device runs smoothly but will also provide a foundational layer of defense against modern security threats, keeping your Android or iPhone performing its best throughout 2025 and beyond.