• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
    • About Galaxy S20 Guides
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
  • New Features
    • Top 13 new features in One UI 5 update (Android 13 update) for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
    • Top 12 new features in Android 12 update for Galaxy S21, S20 and S10
    • Top 11 new features in Galaxy S20 Android 11 update
    • Everything about eSIM support and use eSIM on Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21
    • How to use single take camera mode on Galaxy S20?
    • What is Galaxy S20 Hybrid Optic Zoom and Super Resolution Zoom?
    • How to customize icon shape on Galaxy S20 and S10?
    • Top 10 differences among Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra
    • Top 5 new features of Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra
    • 5 worst features of Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra
  • How-to
    • Top 11 new features in Galaxy S20 Android 11 update
      • How to update Galaxy S20 to Android 11?
      • How to access, use, and customise widgets on Galaxy S20 lock screen and AOD screen with Android 11 update for Galaxy S20?
      • How to Use Enhanced Processing on Galaxy S20 with Android 11 update?
    • Meaning of status icons and notification icons on Galaxy S20
      • How to customize notification icon style in Galaxy S20 status bar?
      • How to enable and use Galaxy S20 developer options?
      • How to use and force Galaxy S20 dark mode?
      • A Complete Guide Of Galaxy S20 Assistant Menu
    • How to use and manage SIM card on Galaxy S20?
      • Everything about eSIM support and use eSIM on Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21
      • How to use a micro SD card on Galaxy S20?
      • Master Mobile Networks Settings on Galaxy S20
      • How to customize Galaxy S20 ringtone quickly without using any third-party apps?
    • How to charge Galaxy S20 battery?
      • What is fast charging, super-fast charging, fast wireless charging and fast wireless charging 2.0?
      • How to use and customize power mode on Galaxy S20?
      • How to set battery limit for Wireless PowerShare on Galaxy S20, Note 10, and S10?
    • How to unlock Galaxy S20 when you forget the password or PIN (without resetting the phone)?
      • How to hide password on Galaxy S20 when typing it to boost security of your phone?
      • How to confirm PIN without tapping OK on Galaxy S20 (and other Galaxy phones)?
      • How to unlock Galaxy S20 to Home screen directly (without swiping on Galaxy S20 lock screen) with face recognition?
      • How to use Galaxy S20 face recognition (face unlock)?
      • How to manage location services on Galaxy S20 to protect your privacy?
    • Unbox Galaxy S20: Understand Items in Galaxy S20 Box
      • How to use Galaxy S20 recovery mode?
      • How to power on, power off, and restart Galaxy S20?
      • How to enter, use, and exit Galaxy S20 safe mode?
      • How to migrate data to Galaxy S20 from Android and iOS devices?
    • Galaxy S20 layout
      • How to customize and use Galaxy S20 Quick Settings?
      • How to easily take a screenshot on Galaxy S20 without using any third-party apps?
      • How to remap and use Galaxy S20 Side key?
      • The Ultimate Guide of Galaxy S20 Touchscreen Gestures
      • How to adjust volume for media, ringtones, notifications and alarm tones on Galaxy S20?
    • How to use and customize Galaxy S20 lock screen?
      • How to use Galaxy S20 lockdown mode?
      • How to use Galaxy S20 always-on display (AOD) effectively?
      • Master Galaxy S20 lock screen settings
      • Use advanced features of Galaxy S20 wallpapers on the lock screen and home screen
      • How to use faceWidgets on Galaxy S20 lock screen and Always-on display screen?
      • How to use app shortcuts on Galaxy S20 lock screen?
      • How to use in-display fingerprint reader to unlock Galaxy S20?
    • How to use Galaxy S20 navigation gestures?
      • How to use and customize Galaxy S20 navigation buttons?
      • How to use the Galaxy S20 Recents screen on Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra?
    • Master Galaxy S20 Home screen
      • How to hide Samsung Daily (Bixby Home) on Galaxy S20?
      • How to lock the Galaxy S20 Home screen layout to prevent unintentional changes?
      • How to customize icon shape on Galaxy S20 and S10?
      • Use Galaxy S20 Home screen edit mode to customize Galaxy S20 Home screen
  • Camera
    • How to use, manage and master Galaxy S20 camera modes?
    • How to use 5 different shooting methods for Galaxy S20 camera?
    • How to avoid mirrored photos (selfies) on Galaxy S20?
    • What is Galaxy S20 Hybrid Optic Zoom and Super Resolution Zoom?
    • How to use different camera lens to zoom in and zoom out on Galaxy S20?
    • How to use Galaxy S20 camera app?
    • Understand and use Galaxy S20 Camera Settings
    • How to take burst shot photos with Galaxy S20 burst mode like a pro?
    • How to use single take camera mode on Galaxy S20?
  • User Manuals
  • Accessories
    • Galaxy S20 LED View Cover (LED Wallet Cover)
    • How to use Galaxy S20 Clear View Cover (S View cover)?
    • How to use Galaxy S20 LED back cover?
    • How to use SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C on Galaxy S20, S10, S9 and S8?
Galaxy S20 Guides

Samsung Galaxy S20 Guides

Everything about Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra

How to enter, use, and exit Galaxy S20 safe mode?

Last updated on: January 9, 2021 · First published on: August 9, 2020 Leave a Comment

How to enter, use, and exit Galaxy S20 safe mode?Galaxy S20 safe mode allows you to temporally turn off third-party apps and services so that you can debug some weird issues on Galaxy S20.

This Galaxy S20 guide explains what Galaxy S20 safe mode is, how to enter the Galaxy S20 safe mode, use the safe mode, and exit the safe mode on Galaxy S20.

Because the safe mode is one of the standard Android features, this guide applies to not only Galaxy S20 models (Galaxy S20, S20+, S20FE, and S20 Ultra) but also other Android phones including Galaxy S10, Galaxy  Note 10, Galaxy S9, and many others.

Table of Contents hide
1. What is Galaxy S20 safe mode?
2. How to boot into Galaxy S20 safe mode?
2.1. Method 1: Use the Power Button menu (safe method)
2.1.1. Step 1: Hold the side key to access the Power-off menu
2.1.2. Step 2: Hold the Power off button to unhide the safe mode button
2.1.3. Step 3: Tap the safe mode button
2.1.4. Step 4: Unlock the phone and test the phone in Galaxy S20 safe mode
2.2. Method 2: Use hardware keys (you may lose some home screen customizations)
2.2.1. Step 1: Power off Galaxy S20
2.2.2. Step 2: Hold the Side key
2.2.3. Step 3: Hold the volume down key
2.2.4. Step 4: Unlock the phone and test the phone in Galaxy S20 safe mode
3. How to use Galaxy S20 safe mode?
4. How to exit Galaxy S20 safe mode?

What is Galaxy S20 safe mode?

Galaxy S20 safe mode is a special mode with all third-party (non-preinstalled) apps and services suspended temporally.   All system settings and pre-installed app settings and data can be used normally.

So, safe mode does not reset your Galaxy S20 to the factory state. And therefore, it is “safe” for your data.

Of course, the real meaning of “safe” is that your Galaxy S20 is shielded from any third-party apps and services.

Under Galaxy S20 safe mode, you can figure out whether some weird issues are caused by any third-party apps, or pre-installed apps (and system settings). Normally, you should try safe mode before trying to wiping the cache partition in the Galaxy S20 recovery mode.

Safe mode is a built-in feature of Android.  You can actually find it in almost all Android devices. And it works almost identically on all Android devices.

In a nutshell, Galaxy S20 safe mode allows you to check whether a problem is caused by third-party apps or services installed by you, or caused by system and pre-installed apps.

How to boot into Galaxy S20 safe mode?

There are at least two ways to boot the phone into Galaxy S20 safe mode.

Method 1: Use the Power Button menu (safe method)

This method works if your Galaxy S20 can still boot up to at least the lock screen.

Step 1:  Hold the side key to access the Power-off menu

After the phone is booted to Galaxy S20 lock screen, or to Home screen, you can hold the side key (as illustrated below) for about 2-3 seconds, to call out the power-off menu (aka power menu,  power button options).

Please note, as explained in the Galaxy S20 Layout page, Samsung moved the side key to the right of the phone since Galaxy S20.

Galaxy S20 side keyPower off button in Galaxy S20 notification and quick settings panel

If you map the press and hold (long press) gesture for the side key to wake up Bixby, then you can use the Power off button in the quick settings panel or the notification panel, as shown above.

The power-off menu (power menu) is also available in the Assistant menu, as explained here.

You may check this guide on how to remap and use the side key on Galaxy S20.

Step 2: Hold the Power off button to unhide the safe mode button

On the Power-off menu, as shown in the screenshot below, you can find the Power off button.

Do NOT tap the button. Instead, you need to tap and hold (aka long tap) the Power off button (for about 2 seconds) to call out of the safe mode button, which is hidden by default to avoid misuses.

Galaxy S20 power off menu boot into Galaxy S20 safe mode

Within 1-2 seconds, the power-off menu changes to a big Safe mode button, as shown in the screenshot above.

A quick explanation is also provided below the safe mode button:

Tap again to restart your phone in Safe mode.

Downloaded apps will be temporally disabled to help you troubleshoot your phone.

Step 3: Tap the safe mode button

As instructed, you can raise your finger from the screen and tap the Safe mode button. The phone will immediately restart and boot into Galaxy S20 safe mode.

Galaxy S20 safe mode can be easily identified by the Safe mode label near the bottom left corner, as shown in the screenshot below.

Step 4: Unlock the phone and test the phone in Galaxy S20 safe mode

You can unlock the phone normally to use the phone in the safe mode.

Please note, you cannot use face recognition to unlock the phone because Galaxy S20 was just restarted. You always need to use the PIN/password to unlock Galaxy S20 after a reboot.

The Galaxy S20 safe mode will also put the phone into flight mode (aeroplane mode). You need to manually enable WiFi or mobile data to use Samsung’s Find My Mobile to unlock the phone (in case you forget your PIN/password).

boot into Galaxy S20 safe mode: lock screenboot into Galaxy S20 safe mode

On the Home screen, as shown in the screenshot above, you may find the Safe mode label.

Also, many items are greyed out.  Read on.

Method 2: Use hardware keys (you may lose some home screen customizations)

You can also boot into Galaxy S20 safe mode directly when the phone is off.

This method is useful when Galaxy S20 can not boot up normally to the Home screen. But you should be aware that you will lose some Galaxy S20 Home screen customizations, mainly the widgets.  You need to manually add these widgets to the Home screen again after exiting the safe mode.

Step 1: Power off Galaxy S20

To use the hardware buttons to boot Galaxy S20 into safe mode, you need to make sure the phone is powered off first.

You can use any of these methods to power off Galaxy S20.

Step 2: Hold the Side key

Like normal power-on, you need to hold the side key until you see any text (usually Samsung logo first) on the screen.

Step 3: Hold the volume down key

Once you see the Samsung logo or any text on the screen, hold the volume down button immediately.

At the same time, you should release the side key.

You should keep holding the volume down key until you see the lock screen.

Step 4: Unlock the phone and test the phone in Galaxy S20 safe mode

You can unlock the phone and test it in the Galaxy S20 safe mode.

How to use Galaxy S20 safe mode?

As mentioned, all third-party apps and services will be temporarily disabled in the safe mode. So, you will see a lot of greyed icons.

Widgets will also be greyed out if you use the first method to enter Galaxy S20 safe mode. These widgets will be recovered once you exit the safe mode.

If you use the second method, then widgets will be removed (even if you locked Galaxy S20 home screen layout). Unfortunately, the widgets will NOT be restored after you exit the safe mode. You have to manually add them again.

In the safe mode, you can only use the pre-installed apps. If you tap any greyed icons, the phone will remind you “Downloaded apps disabled in Safe mode”.

Flight mode (aeroplane mode) is enabled in the Galaxy S20 safe mode.  You can manually turn on the mobile network (including mobile data), WiFi and Bluetooth if you need to test them in the safe mode.

How to exit Galaxy S20 safe mode?

When the phone is in the safe mode, you should see the following notification in the notification panel:

Safe mode is on

Tap here to turn off Safe mode.

At the same time, in most regions, there is a notification icon in the status bar.

As shown in the screenshot below, you can tap the notification to exit Safe mode and reboot the phone normally.

exit Galaxy S20 safe mode

Of course, you can also hold the side key to call out the power-off menu and reboot the phone normally.

Do you have any questions on using Galaxy S20 safe mode in Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra?

If you have any questions on Galaxy S20 safe mode on Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, please let us know in the comment box below.

The community will help you get the answer.

If you have any questions on Galaxy S20, you may check other Galaxy S20 guides:

  • Galaxy S20 new features guides.
  • Galaxy S20 how-to guides.
  • Galaxy S20 camera guides.
  • Galaxy S20 accessories guides.
  • Official Galaxy S20 user manual in your local language.

You can also join us on our  Facebook page. 

Filed Under: How to guides Tagged With: Assistant menu, Galaxy S20 Home screen, Galaxy S20 lock screen, Galaxy S20 notification icons, Galaxy S20 quick settings, Galaxy S20 recovery mode, Galaxy S20 safe mode, long tapping gesture, notification panel, Power key, power off, Power off menu, power on Galaxy S20, reboot Galaxy S20, restart Galaxy S20, safe mode, Side key, widget

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • RSS Feed

RSS Galaxy S22 Guides

  • How to use multiwindow on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • How to Use the Help Icon and Histogram for Pro Camera Mode in Android 13 (One UI 5) Update for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • How to customize the call background on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20 with the Android 13 update (One UI 5)?
  • How to Automatically Add and Customize Watermarks on Photos on Galaxy S22, S21, or S20 with the Android 13 update (One UI 5)?
  • The Definite Guide to Stack Widgets in One UI 5 on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • Top 13 new features in One UI 5 update (Android 13 update) for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • Master Galaxy S22 Lock Screen Settings
  • The complete guide to Home Screen panels on Galaxy S22
  • How to Use Galaxy S22 Home Screen Edit Mode?
  • Lockdown Mode On Galaxy S22: The Definite Guide

RSS Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides

  • Top 12 new features in Android 12 update for Galaxy S21, S20 and S10
  • Android 12 update vs One UI 4.0 vs One UI 4.1: update Galaxy S21, S20 and S10 to Android 12
  • How to set and resize photo size on Samsung Galaxy S21, S20, S10, and S9 without using any third-party apps?
  • How to Customize Galaxy S21 Home Screen?
  • Master Galaxy S21 Lock Screen Settings
  • How to use widgets on Galaxy S21?
  • How to Use and Customize Galaxy S21 Side Key?
  • How to hide Galaxy S21 password and PIN when typing?
  • How to power on, power off, and reboot Galaxy S21,even when the phone hangs?
  • How to use Galaxy S21 quick settings panel?

RSS Headphone Guide Pro

  • AirPods Pro 2 New features explained
  • What is Samsung Seamless Codec? 4 things you should know about this new codec
  • How to use widgets to check battery levels and control Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, and Galaxy Buds?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: which one should you choose?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2: Top 8 improvements and new features of AirPods 3
  • How to Use and Adjust Force Sensor on AirPods Pro like a Pro?
  • Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: the Top 8 Pros and Cons
  • 4 ways to check Galaxy Buds Live battery level
  • How to manage Galaxy Buds Live in Galaxy Wearable App?
  • How to use touch control on Galaxy Buds Live?

RSS Chromecast Guides

  • Site Search
  • What’s new in Chromecast 2018 (3rd gen of Chromecast)?
  • About AllAboutChromecast.com
  • How to play games on Chromecast from mobile devices (Android and iOS)?
  • Chromecast VS Amazon Fire TV stick: which one is for you?
  • How to change Chromecast time format and time zone?
  • How to use Videostream extension to stream local videos for Chromecast?
  • How to change Chromecast WiFi network?
  • How to rename Chromecast?
  • Contact Us

RSS Moto G Guides

  • Moto G8 vs Moto G8 Power vs Moto G8 Power Lite vs Moto G Power vs Moto G Stylus vs Moto G Pro vs Moto G fast: What are the differences?
  • Moto G8 User Manual for Moto G8 Plus and Moto G8 Play
  • Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play: Differences and common features
  • Official Moto G7 user manual
  • Moto G7 vs Moto G7 Play vs Moto G7 Plus vs Moto G7 Power: what are the differences?

RSS Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides

  • Top 12 new features in Android 12 update for Galaxy S21, S20 and S10
  • Android 12 update vs One UI 4.0 vs One UI 4.1: update Galaxy S21, S20 and S10 to Android 12
  • How to set and resize photo size on Samsung Galaxy S21, S20, S10, and S9 without using any third-party apps?
  • How to Customize Galaxy S21 Home Screen?
  • Master Galaxy S21 Lock Screen Settings
  • How to use widgets on Galaxy S21?
  • How to Use and Customize Galaxy S21 Side Key?
  • How to hide Galaxy S21 password and PIN when typing?
  • How to power on, power off, and reboot Galaxy S21,even when the phone hangs?
  • How to use Galaxy S21 quick settings panel?

RSS Headphone Guide Pro

  • AirPods Pro 2 New features explained
  • What is Samsung Seamless Codec? 4 things you should know about this new codec
  • How to use widgets to check battery levels and control Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, and Galaxy Buds?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: which one should you choose?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2: Top 8 improvements and new features of AirPods 3
  • How to Use and Adjust Force Sensor on AirPods Pro like a Pro?
  • Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: the Top 8 Pros and Cons
  • 4 ways to check Galaxy Buds Live battery level
  • How to manage Galaxy Buds Live in Galaxy Wearable App?
  • How to use touch control on Galaxy Buds Live?

RSS Chromecast Guides

  • Site Search
  • What’s new in Chromecast 2018 (3rd gen of Chromecast)?
  • About AllAboutChromecast.com
  • How to play games on Chromecast from mobile devices (Android and iOS)?
  • Chromecast VS Amazon Fire TV stick: which one is for you?
  • How to change Chromecast time format and time zone?
  • How to use Videostream extension to stream local videos for Chromecast?
  • How to change Chromecast WiFi network?
  • How to rename Chromecast?
  • Contact Us

RSS Moto G Guides

  • Moto G8 vs Moto G8 Power vs Moto G8 Power Lite vs Moto G Power vs Moto G Stylus vs Moto G Pro vs Moto G fast: What are the differences?
  • Moto G8 User Manual for Moto G8 Plus and Moto G8 Play
  • Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play: Differences and common features
  • Official Moto G7 user manual
  • Moto G7 vs Moto G7 Play vs Moto G7 Plus vs Moto G7 Power: what are the differences?

Copyright © 2023 · Galaxy S20 Guides@GadgetGuideOnline.com · Powered by WordPress with Genesis Framework · Hosted by PTRhosting
Samsung Galaxy S20 how-to guides, user manuals, tips and tricks for Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra owners.
Disclaimer: Samsung, Galaxy, Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ (S20 Plus) and Galaxy S20 Ultra are trademarks of Samsung. Android is a trademark of Google. This website is NOT affiliated with Samsung or Google in any way. All the information provided on this website is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own risk.
Galaxy S20 Guides@GadgetGuideOnline is a member site of GadgetGuideOnline.com : Guides for your Gadgets.

Add Samsung Galaxy S20 Guides to your Homescreen!

Add