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LG V20 Keeps Rebooting? Fix It Now

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If your LG V20 keeps rebooting, the most common cause is a failing battery or a software glitch, and the fix usually starts with a fresh battery or a factory reset. This guide walks you through the likely causes and the exact steps to stop the boot loop, from simple checks to more involved repairs.

Why Does the LG V20 Reboot on Its Own?

The LG V20, released in 2016, is known for its removable battery and sturdy build. However, like any aging phone, it can develop reboot issues. The reasons fall into three main categories:

  • Battery problems: The V20’s battery is removable, and over time it can wear out, lose contact, or swell. A loose or dying battery is the #1 cause of random reboots on this model.
  • Software corruption: A bad app update, a partial system update, or corrupted cache files can cause the operating system to crash and restart.
  • Hardware failure: Less common, but a failing motherboard, damaged power button, or overheating components can also trigger reboots.

Immediate Fixes to Try First

Before you do anything drastic, try these quick steps. They solve a surprising number of reboot issues.

  1. Remove and reinsert the battery: Power off the phone (if it stays on long enough), remove the back cover, take out the battery, wait 30 seconds, and put it back in. This clears minor electrical glitches.
  2. Check the battery connection: With the battery out, look at the gold contact pins on the phone and the battery. If they look dirty, gently clean them with a dry cotton swab or a soft eraser.
  3. Try a different battery: If you have access to another LG V20 battery (or a compatible one), swap it in. If the reboots stop, your old battery is the culprit. A new OEM-style battery is the most reliable fix.
  4. Boot into Safe Mode: With the phone on, press and hold the Power button, then tap and hold “Power off” until the “Safe mode” prompt appears. In Safe Mode, all third-party apps are disabled. If the phone stops rebooting, a downloaded app is causing the problem. Uninstall recently installed apps one by one until the issue stops.

Software Fixes: Clearing Cache and Factory Reset

If the battery isn’t the issue, the problem is likely in the software. Here’s how to fix it, starting with the least destructive method.

Clear the System Cache

  1. Power off the phone completely.
  2. Press and hold Volume Down and Power simultaneously until the LG logo appears, then release the Power button but keep holding Volume Down for a few more seconds.
  3. When the “Factory data reset” screen appears, use the volume keys to navigate to Yes and press Power to confirm.
  4. On the next screen, select Yes again to wipe all user data. This will erase everything, so back up first if you can.
  5. After the reset, the phone will reboot and go through initial setup. This often fixes boot loops caused by corrupted system files.

Note: This is a factory reset, not just a cache wipe. It will delete all your photos, messages, and apps. If you can still access the phone, back up your data before doing this.

When Software and Battery Are Not the Problem

If a new battery and a factory reset don’t stop the rebooting, the issue is likely hardware-related. Common hardware culprits include:

  • Failing motherboard: This is the most serious issue. It can be caused by a drop, water damage, or just age. A motherboard repair is often more expensive than the phone is worth.
  • Damaged power button: A stuck or shorted power button can cause the phone to reboot. Try pressing the button firmly a few times to see if it’s stuck.
  • Overheating: The V20 can overheat during heavy use or charging. If the phone reboots when it gets hot, let it cool down and avoid using it while charging.

If you suspect hardware failure, your options are to take it to a professional repair shop or consider replacing the phone. Given the V20’s age, a repair may not be cost-effective.

Preventing Future Reboots

Once you’ve fixed the issue, take these steps to reduce the chances of it happening again:

  • Use a quality battery: Avoid cheap, third-party batteries. They may not have proper protection circuits, which can cause power fluctuations.
  • Keep the phone cool: Don’t leave it in direct sunlight or in a hot car.
  • Update apps and OS: Keep your apps and Android version up to date to avoid known bugs.
  • Don’t overcharge: Unplug the phone once it reaches 100%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my LG V20 reboot when I shake it?

This is almost certainly a loose battery connection. The V20’s battery contacts can wear out over time, and a shake can cause the battery to momentarily disconnect, triggering a reboot. Try placing a small piece of paper or a thin shim between the battery and the back cover to press it down more firmly.

Can a bad SD card cause the LG V20 to reboot?

Yes, a corrupted or faulty SD card can cause system instability and reboots. Remove the SD card and see if the problem stops. If it does, try formatting the card in a computer or replace it.

How do I force restart my LG V20 if it’s stuck in a boot loop?

Press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously for about 10 seconds. This will force a hardware restart. If the phone is completely frozen, you may need to remove the battery and reinsert it after 30 seconds.

Is it worth repairing an LG V20 that keeps rebooting?

It depends on the cause. A battery replacement is cheap and worth it. A motherboard repair can cost more than the phone’s resale value, so it’s usually not worth it. Consider the cost of the repair versus buying a newer phone.

Will a factory reset delete my photos?

Yes, a factory reset erases everything on the phone’s internal storage, including photos, videos, and messages. Make sure to back up any important data to a computer, cloud service, or SD card before performing a reset.

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