Galaxy S7 Keeps Restarting: Fixes for All Problems
If your Galaxy S7 keeps restarting on its own, the fix is usually a combination of clearing the cache, checking for bad apps, and updating or resetting the software. This guide covers every practical step to stop the random reboots, from simple power-cycle tricks to a full factory reset, and explains what to do if the problem is hardware-related.
Why the Galaxy S7 Restarts by Itself
The Galaxy S7 (released in 2016) can start a reboot loop for several reasons. The most common are software glitches after an update, a corrupted cache partition, a failing battery that can’t hold a charge, or an app that crashes the system. Less often, the phone’s motherboard or power button can fail. Understanding the cause helps you pick the right fix without wasting time.
Here are the typical triggers:
- Battery health: After years of use, the battery’s voltage can dip under load, causing the phone to shut down and restart.
- Corrupted cache: Temporary system files can become damaged after an update or a forceful shutdown.
- Problematic apps: A recently installed app might conflict with the Android OS version (Android 6–8) the S7 runs.
- Overheating: The phone restarts to protect itself if the processor gets too hot.
- Software update failure: An interrupted or buggy update can leave the system in an unstable state.
Quick Fixes to Try First
Before doing anything drastic, try these simple steps. They solve many reboot issues in under five minutes.
- Force restart: Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons together for about 10–20 seconds until the phone vibrates and restarts. This clears a temporary system hang.
- Charge the phone: Plug it into a wall charger (not a computer) and let it charge for at least 30 minutes. A completely drained battery can cause a boot loop.
- Check for overheating: If the phone feels hot, remove the case, turn it off, and let it cool down for 15 minutes before turning it on again.
- Remove the microSD card: A faulty or corrupted memory card can sometimes cause reboots. Eject it and see if the problem stops.
Clear the Cache Partition
The cache partition stores temporary system files. When these files get corrupted, the phone can restart randomly. Clearing the cache does not delete your personal data—it only removes temporary files.
- Turn off the phone completely.
- Press and hold Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons simultaneously.
- When the Samsung logo appears, release the Power button but keep holding the other two.
- When the Android recovery screen appears, use the Volume Down button to highlight “Wipe cache partition.�
- Press the Power button to select it.
- Use Volume Down to highlight “Yes� and press Power.
- After the wipe is complete, highlight “Reboot system now� and press Power.
This is one of the most effective fixes for reboot loops caused by system file corruption. If the problem persists, move on to the next step.
Boot into Safe Mode to Find Problem Apps
Safe mode temporarily disables all third-party apps. If the phone stops restarting in safe mode, then an app you installed is the culprit.
- Turn off the phone.
- Press and hold the Power button until the Samsung logo appears, then release it.
- Immediately press and hold the Volume Down button.
- Keep holding until the home screen appears with “Safe mode� written in the bottom-left corner.
- Use the phone normally for a few hours. If it doesn’t restart, an app is the problem.
To find the offending app, uninstall recently installed apps one by one. Start with apps that have background services, like launchers, battery savers, or weather widgets. After uninstalling each app, restart the phone and see if the issue returns.
Update or Reinstall the Software
If safe mode doesn’t help, the problem may be in the Android system itself. Check for updates first, then consider a factory reset.
Check for updates:
- Go to Settings → Software update → Download updates manually.
- If an update is available, install it. Samsung released several updates for the S7 that fixed reboot bugs.
Factory reset (backup first):
- Back up your photos, contacts, and other data to your Google account or a computer.
- Go to Settings → Backup and reset → Factory data reset.
- Tap “Reset device� and then “Erase everything.�
A factory reset will erase all data and restore the phone to its original state. If the reboot loop continues after a reset, the issue is almost certainly hardware-related.
Hardware Issues: Battery and Power Button
When software fixes don’t work, the hardware is the likely cause. The two most common hardware problems on the Galaxy S7 are the battery and the power button.
- Battery: The S7’s battery is not user-replaceable, but a technician can replace it. Symptoms of a failing battery include random shutdowns at 20–30% charge, swelling, or the phone restarting when the screen brightness increases.
- Power button: A stuck or faulty power button can cause the phone to think you’re pressing it repeatedly. If the button feels loose or sticks, it may need replacement.
If you’re comfortable opening the phone, you can inspect the battery for swelling. Otherwise, take it to a professional repair service. Replacing the battery on an S7 typically costs less than a new phone and can solve the reboot issue permanently.
When to Give Up and Replace the Phone
If you’ve tried all the software fixes and the hardware checks out, the phone may have a deeper motherboard issue. This is rare but possible after years of use. At that point, the cost of repair may exceed the phone’s value. The Galaxy S7 is now over eight years old, and a replacement phone—even a budget model—will outperform it in speed, battery life, and security updates.
Before replacing, you can try one last thing: reinstall the official firmware using Samsung’s Smart Switch or Odin tools. This is more technical and requires a PC, but it can fix a corrupted system that a factory reset doesn’t. Search for “S7 firmware� on Samsung’s official site or use Smart Switch’s “Emergency software recovery� option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset fix the reboot loop?
Often, yes. A factory reset clears all system data and returns the phone to its out-of-the-box state. If the reboot is caused by a software conflict or corrupted files, the reset will usually fix it. However, if the problem is a failing battery or other hardware, the reset won’t help.
Why does my S7 restart when I open the camera?
The camera app is power-hungry and can draw a lot of current from the battery. If your battery is old or weak, the voltage drops below the safe threshold, and the phone shuts down. This is a classic sign of battery wear. Replacing the battery usually solves it.
Can a virus cause my Galaxy S7 to restart?
It’s unlikely. Android is fairly secure, and the S7 doesn’t support the latest security patches, but random reboots are more commonly caused by app crashes or system corruption than by malware. If you suspect a virus, install a reputable antivirus app and run a scan, but don’t expect it to be the main cause.
How do I back up my data before a factory reset?
Use Samsung Smart Switch on a PC or the built-in backup in Settings. Go to Settings → Cloud and accounts → Backup and restore and back up to your Samsung account or Google Drive. You can also copy photos and files to a computer via USB.
Is it worth repairing a Galaxy S7 in 2025?
Only if the repair is cheap (like a battery replacement) and you’re not expecting high performance. The S7 is no longer supported with security updates, so using it as a daily driver carries risks. If you need a reliable phone, a new budget model is a better investment.
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