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Why Does My Smartphone Restart by Itself? 5 Common Causes Explained Simply (Android & iPhone)
Difficulty : Easy
Is your phone restarting by itself? This article explains the main causes and the best solutions!
My Phone restarts by itsel, what should i do ?
Sometimes, a smartphone can restart automatically without warning, which can be very worrying, especially when you don’t understand why. However, this problem is very common, and in most cases, there is a simple explanation and an effective solution.
On both Android phones and iPhones, these unexpected restarts are usually related to the battery, temperature, software, or an internal hardware component. In this article, we explain the 5 main causes in simple words, along with easy solutions to prevent this problem.
1. Battery Problem: Worn Out or Defective
The battery is the most common cause of unexpected restarts. Over time, it loses capacity and becomes unstable. When it can no longer provide enough power, the phone may suddenly shut down and restart automatically.
This often happens when the battery level is between 10% and 40%, with sudden drops in percentage. The phone may even turn off while the battery indicator still shows charge.
In this case, the best solution is to replace the battery, which usually restores normal operation.
2. Phone Overheating
A smartphone that gets too hot may restart automatically to protect itself. This typically happens when the processor is under heavy load, such as during gaming, video playback, GPS navigation, or when many apps are running at the same time.
Prolonged exposure to the sun, a thick protective case, or heavy use while charging can also cause excessive heating. I personally experienced this with an iPhone: charging, GPS on, and direct sunlight on the phone 😉
To avoid this issue:
Remove the protective case
Close unnecessary apps
Let the phone cool down for a few minutes
If your phone overheats and shuts down completely without restarting, it is almost certainly the thermal protection system kicking in.
3. Software Bug or Unstable Application
Sometimes, the problem is purely software-related. A poorly installed update or a faulty application can disrupt the system and cause random reboots.
In this case, you may notice:
Slowness
Freezing
Display glitches
General instability
The solution:
Update the operating system
Uninstall suspicious apps
If necessary, perform a full factory reset after backing up your data
From my experience with customers, this happens quite often and is very frequently caused by poorly designed apps, especially some games.
4. Internal Hardware Problem
A defective internal component can also cause sudden restarts. This may include:
Loose battery connection
Faulty power button
Oxidation (moisture damage)
Motherboard issues
In such cases, the phone may restart after a small shock, movement, or pressing the power button.
These failures usually require professional diagnosis and repair, as they involve replacing internal connectors, flex cables, or components.
5. Full Memory or Faulty Storage
When a smartphone’s internal storage is almost full, the system can become unstable. Android and iOS both need free space to function properly.
If storage drops below 3 to 5 GB of free space, the phone may:
Slow down
Freeze
Restart
To fix this:
Delete unnecessary photos and videos
Uninstall unused apps
Empty the photo gallery trash regularly
You can also read my guide: “Tips to Free Up Storage on Your Smartphone” to clean up your phone effectively.
Conclusion
A smartphone that restarts by itself does not necessarily mean a serious hardware failure. In most cases, the issue comes from:
A worn-out battery
Overheating
A buggy app
Insufficient storage space
By following these simple tips, you can often solve the problem quickly and avoid expensive repairs. If the restarts continue, a professional diagnosis can identify a possible hardware issue.
For more practical guides, simple tutorials, and beginner-friendly tips, visit Premiers Clics, the reference website for learning computers and smartphones step by step.
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Thibaut Mathieu
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Thibaut MATHIEU
Editor of Premiers Clics
Editor and writer of Premiers Clics, and author of the book “Je me mets à l’informatique” (only avalaible in french), I share all my computer knowledge to help you learn, using the Premiers Clics computer courses.
Also the manager of a computer support and repair company, I fully understand your needs in computer training and assistance. Every day, I answer my clients’ questions about their computers, phones, or tablets.
This experience has given me extensive knowledge in consumer digital technology, allowing me to separate fact from fiction in device protection, identify the most common user mistakes, and provide numerous tips to make the best use of PCs, smartphones, and tablets.
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