Why Does My Phone Randomly Restart And How To Stop It From Crashing

There’s nothing more frustrating than your phone shutting down or rebooting unexpectedly in the middle of a call, message, or app session. While occasional glitches happen, frequent random restarts are not normal—and they’re usually fixable. Whether you're using an iPhone or an Android device, understanding the root causes behind these crashes is the first step toward restoring stability. From software bugs to failing batteries, overheating to rogue apps, multiple factors can trigger this behavior. The good news? Most issues can be diagnosed and resolved without professional repair.

Common Causes of Random Phone Restarts

Before jumping into fixes, it's essential to identify what might be causing your phone to restart on its own. These triggers fall into two broad categories: hardware-related and software-related.

• Failing or degraded battery: Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. When voltage drops suddenly due to internal resistance, the phone may shut down even if the battery shows 20% or more.
• Overheating: Excessive heat from prolonged gaming, charging, or direct sunlight can force the system to reboot as a protective measure.
• Software bugs or OS updates: Glitches introduced during system updates—especially beta versions—can destabilize core processes.
• Conflicting or malfunctioning apps: Third-party apps with poor optimization or background activity may crash the system.
• Insufficient storage space: When internal memory is nearly full, the operating system struggles to manage temporary files, leading to instability.
• Hardware damage: Drops, water exposure, or faulty components (like logic boards) can cause intermittent power loss.

Tip: If your phone reboots only when charging, suspect battery or charger issues. Try a different cable and power adapter before assuming software failure.

Step-by-Step Guide to Diagnose and Stop Crashes

Follow this structured troubleshooting process to isolate and resolve the issue. Start with the simplest solutions and move toward advanced options only if needed.

1. Check for overheating signs. Feel the back of your phone. Is it unusually hot? Let it cool down completely. Avoid using it while charging or under direct sun.
2. Review recent changes. Did you install a new app, update the OS, or restore from backup recently? Note any timing correlation between the update and the restarts.
3. Boot into Safe Mode (Android). This disables third-party apps temporarily. On most Android phones, press and hold the power button, then long-press “Power off” until “Safe Mode” appears. Tap OK. If the phone stops restarting in Safe Mode, a downloaded app is likely the culprit.
4. Update all apps and the operating system. Outdated apps may conflict with current system versions. Go to App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and ensure everything is up to date.
5. Free up storage space. Delete unused apps, old photos, and cached data. Aim to keep at least 1–2 GB free on devices with 64GB or less storage.
6. Reset settings (not data). On iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. On Android: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. This clears misconfigurations without deleting personal files.
7. Perform a factory reset as a last resort. Backup your data first, then erase everything. If the problem persists after a clean install, it’s likely hardware-related.

What to Do After a Factory Reset

After resetting, avoid immediately reinstalling all your apps. Instead, bring them back one by one, monitoring the phone for stability. This helps pinpoint which app—if any—is responsible for the crashes.

Do’s and Don’ts: Managing Phone Stability

Do	Don’t
Keep your OS updated to the latest stable version	Install beta software unless you understand the risks
Use original chargers and cables	Charge your phone under pillows or on soft surfaces that trap heat
Clear cache regularly (Android: Settings > Storage > Internal > Cached Data)	Ignore persistent warning signs like slow performance or rapid battery drain
Monitor app behavior using built-in tools (e.g., Battery Usage section)	Download apps from unknown sources or third-party stores
Restart your phone weekly to clear memory leaks	Assume all crashes are normal—even older phones should run smoothly with proper care

Real Example: Sarah’s Overheating iPhone

Sarah, a freelance photographer, noticed her iPhone 12 Pro restarting every few hours, especially when editing photos in Lightroom. She initially thought it was a software bug after updating to iOS 17. However, she observed that reboots occurred only when the phone felt warm—particularly during outdoor shoots in summer.

She tested several steps: closing background apps, reducing screen brightness, and avoiding multitasking. The restarts decreased but didn’t stop. Then, she disabled iCloud Photos syncing temporarily and stopped using GPS-heavy apps in the background. The phone stabilized completely.

The root cause? A combination of high CPU usage, ambient heat, and background sync processes pushing thermal limits. By managing resource-intensive tasks and allowing cooldown periods, Sarah restored reliability without needing repairs.

“Modern smartphones are powerful, but thermal throttling and sudden shutdowns are design safeguards—not defects. Users often overlook environmental stressors.” — Dr. Alan Zhou, Mobile Systems Engineer at TechReliability Labs

Tips to Prevent Future Crashes

Prevention is always better than repair. Implement these habits to maintain consistent performance and reduce the risk of unexpected restarts.

Tip: Schedule a monthly \"phone health check\": review storage, delete unused apps, restart the device, and inspect for physical damage.

• Avoid extreme temperatures. Don’t leave your phone in a hot car or freezing environment. Ideal operating range is 0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F).
• Limit background app refresh. On iPhone: Settings > General > Background App Refresh. On Android: Settings > Apps > Special Access > Background Restrictions.
• Use airplane mode in low-signal areas. When signal is weak, your phone boosts radio power searching for towers, increasing heat and battery strain.
• Enable automatic backups. This ensures you can safely factory reset if needed without losing critical data.
• Inspect for physical wear. Swollen batteries, cracked screens, or bent frames can affect internal connections and lead to instability.

When It’s Time to See a Professional

If you’ve followed all software troubleshooting steps and your phone still restarts randomly, the issue is likely hardware-based. Common red flags include:

• Reboots occur even when the phone is idle and fully charged
• Battery visibly bulges or feels loose inside the casing
• Phone fails to stay powered on for more than a few minutes
• Crashing started immediately after a drop or liquid exposure

In such cases, visit an authorized service center. Attempting DIY repairs—especially battery replacement—can void warranties or create safety hazards. Professionals can run diagnostic tests, replace faulty components, and confirm whether the logic board or power management IC is failing.

“About 30% of ‘crashing’ phones we see have undiagnosed battery swelling. It’s subtle at first but disrupts voltage regulation, causing random shutdowns.” — Maria Lin, Senior Technician at Apple-Certified Repair Hub

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my phone restart when the battery is above 20%?

This often points to a degraded battery. Even if the percentage reads high, old batteries can’t deliver consistent voltage under load. Your phone shuts down to protect itself from sudden power loss. Consider a battery health check: on iPhone, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health; on Android, use apps like AccuBattery.

Can a virus make my phone restart?

True malware is rare on iOS due to strict sandboxing. On Android, malicious apps from untrusted sources can cause instability. If you suspect malware, boot into Safe Mode, uninstall suspicious apps, and run a scan using Google Play Protect. Never download APKs from unknown websites.

Will clearing cache partition help with random restarts?

Yes, especially on Android. The cache partition stores temporary system data. Corruption here can lead to boot loops or crashes. To clear: power off, then press and hold Power + Volume Up (varies by brand) to enter Recovery Mode. Select “Wipe Cache Partition.” This won’t delete personal data.

Final Checklist: Stop the Reboots for Good

Use this actionable checklist to systematically address and eliminate random restarts:

1. ✅ Check battery health and replace if below 80% capacity
2. ✅ Boot into Safe Mode to test for problematic third-party apps
3. ✅ Update the operating system and all installed apps
4. ✅ Free up at least 1–2 GB of storage space
5. ✅ Disable unnecessary background processes and sync features
6. ✅ Monitor temperature and avoid heat buildup
7. ✅ Perform a factory reset if software issues persist
8. ✅ Consult a certified technician if hardware failure is suspected

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Phone’s Stability

Random restarts aren’t something you should just accept. They’re symptoms of underlying issues—many of which are within your control to fix. By understanding the interplay between battery health, software updates, app behavior, and environmental conditions, you can restore your phone’s reliability and extend its lifespan. Small habits like regular maintenance, mindful charging, and timely updates go a long way. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Apply these strategies today, and enjoy a smoother, crash-free experience.

💬 Experiencing random restarts? Share your story or solution in the comments—your insight could help someone else get their phone back on track!