How to Fix a Phone Stuck on the Logo or in a Restart Loop

Posted on | by rliftadmin

Written By: Ronnie Gonenc

There is a specific kind of sinking feeling that happens when you turn on your phone, see the familiar brand logo, and… nothing. It stays there. Or worse, it shows the logo, goes black, and vibrates before showing the logo again in an infinite, maddening loop.

This is known in the tech world as a “Boot Loop.” It effectively turns your $1,000 piece of cutting-edge technology into a very expensive paperweight. At CT Fix Wireless, this is one of the most common issues we diagnose. The good news? It doesn’t always mean your phone is “bricked.” Often, it is just a software conflict that needs a gentle (or firm) nudge to resolve.

In this guide, we’ll walk through why this happens and the exact steps you can take to break the loop.

Section 1: Why Is My Phone Stuck in a Loop? (Topic Overview)

A boot loop occurs when the device’s Power-On Self-Test (POST) or the operating system (OS) fails to “hand off” to the next stage of the startup process. Think of it like a runner failing to pass a baton in a relay race; the race just stops.

According to repair data from 2025, the primary causes of boot loops include:

  • Failed System Updates: If your phone runs out of battery or loses Wi-Fi during a critical OS update, the system files become “half-written” and unreadable.
  • App Conflicts: Low-level system apps or malware can interfere with the boot sequence.
  • Hardware Fatigue: A failing battery or a stuck power button can trick the phone into thinking it needs to restart constantly.
  • Motherboard Issues: According to Samsung Community experts, chipset corruption (like on the Exynos 9611) can lead to permanent motherboard failure if not addressed.

If your phone is stuck right now, you can get a quick estimate on repair costs using our Instant Quote Widget.

Section 2: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. The “Soft Reset” (Force Restart)

Since you can’t access the on-screen menu, you must use physical buttons to force the hardware to cut power and try again.

  • iPhone 8 and Newer: Press Vol Up, then Vol Down, then hold the Side Button until the Apple logo reappears.
  • Android (Samsung/Pixel/LG): Press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons for a full 15 seconds.

2. Check the Power Button

This sounds simple, but it’s a “silent killer.” If your power button is jammed or dirty, it might be sending a constant “Restart” signal.

  • The Fix: Rapidly click the power button 10–20 times to dislodge any debris. Use a tiny bit of 90% isopropyl alcohol on a Q-tip to clean around the edges of the button.

3. Enter Recovery Mode & Wipe Cache

Wiping the “Cache Partition” is a lifesaver. It deletes temporary system files that might be corrupted without touching your photos or messages.

  1. Turn the device off (or wait for it to restart).
  2. Hold Volume Up + Power (on most Androids) until you see a text-based menu.
  3. Use the volume keys to highlight “Wipe Cache Partition” and press Power to select.
  4. Once finished, select “Reboot System Now.”

4. Remove the SIM and SD Card

Sometimes a corrupted SD card or a shorted SIM card can prevent the OS from mounting the file system properly. Pop the tray out and try booting the phone “naked.”

Section 3: When to Seek Professional Help

If you have tried a factory reset and the phone still gets stuck on the logo, the issue is likely Physical Hardware. ### Signs of Hardware Failure:

  • The Battery: If your battery is old, it may not be providing enough “peak voltage” to push the phone past the power-heavy boot sequence.
  • Liquid Damage: Even old water damage can cause corrosion on the motherboard that shorts out the boot sequence.
  • Storage IC Failure: The physical memory chip inside your phone can wear out, meaning the phone literally cannot find the operating system to load it.

Before you give up on your device, check out our About Us page to see how our micro-soldering experts handle complex motherboard repairs that big-box stores won’t touch.

Section 4: Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Dealing with a boot loop is stressful, especially when your data isn’t backed up. If your phone finally boots up, the very first thing you should do is perform a full cloud backup.

Summary Checklist:

  1. Try a Force Restart.
  2. Clean your Power Button.
  3. Wipe the Cache Partition in Recovery Mode.
  4. If it’s still stuck, the motherboard or battery likely needs professional attention.

If the repair ends up being too costly, you don’t have to throw the phone away. We offer a Buy and Sell program where you can trade in your damaged device for credit toward a high-quality refurbished model.

External and Internal Links

Internal Links:

External Links:

FAQs

Q: Will a factory reset delete my photos?

A: Yes. A factory reset (Wipe Data) will return the phone to the state it was in when you first opened the box. Always try “Wipe Cache” first, as that does not delete your data.

Q: My phone gets hot while it’s stuck on the logo. Is that normal?

A: It’s common, but not “good.” The processor is working at maximum capacity trying to boot. If the phone gets dangerously hot, unplug it and bring it to a professional immediately.

Disclaimer: The troubleshooting steps provided are for informational purposes. CT Fix Wireless is not responsible for data loss. Please ensure you have backups or consult a professional before performing a factory reset.