To restart your Galaxy S21 Ultra, press and hold Volume down and Side at the same time until the power menu appears, then tap Restart and confirm by tapping Restart again. This standard restart method refreshes the system software, making it the first step to try when you need to restart galaxy s21 ultra for issues like freezing or slow performance.
How to restart your Galaxy S21 Ultra
There are two main restart methods for the Galaxy S21 Ultra: the standard power menu restart and a forced restart for when the screen is unresponsive. A third option uses a Bixby voice command for hands-free operation. The steps below cover all three, starting with the standard method that works when your phone is responsive.
- Press and hold Volume down and Side at the same time.
- Wait for the power menu to appear on the screen.
- Tap Restart.
- If a confirmation prompt appears, tap Restart again.
- Wait for the device to restart automatically.
Force restart a frozen Galaxy S21 Ultra
When your Galaxy S21 Ultra is frozen and the screen is unresponsive, a forced restart bypasses the power menu entirely. This method is designed for situations where you cannot interact with the touchscreen or the standard button combination does nothing.
- Press and hold Volume down and Side simultaneously.
- Keep holding both buttons for about 10 seconds (Samsung documentation varies, stating a hold time of at least 7 seconds, about 10 seconds, or at least 10 seconds depending on region).
- Release the buttons as soon as the Samsung logo appears on the screen.
- Wait for the device to complete the restart process.
Restart with Bixby voice command
If you prefer a hands-free method or cannot reach the physical buttons, you can restart your Galaxy S21 Ultra using Bixby. This is useful for accessibility needs or when you simply want to avoid using the buttons.
- Activate Bixby by saying "Hi, Bixby" or pressing the Side key (if configured).
- Say the voice command: "Hi, Bixby, restart my phone".
- Confirm the action if prompted, and wait for the device to restart.
This feature is documented by Samsung on its official Galaxy restart page, confirming that restarting and rebooting phones can be accomplished entirely through voice commands on supported devices. Samsung documents Bixby restart with the exact phrase "Hi, Bixby, restart my tablet" for tablets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will restarting my Galaxy S21 Ultra erase any data?
No, restarting your Galaxy S21 Ultra will not erase any data. It simply refreshes the operating system and can help resolve minor software issues without affecting your personal files or settings.
Can I schedule automatic restarts on my Galaxy S21 Ultra?
Yes, you can schedule automatic restarts by going to Settings, searching for "Auto restart," and setting the time and frequency for the device to restart periodically. This helps maintain performance without manual intervention.
What should I do if my Galaxy S21 Ultra is frozen and won't respond to touch or button presses?
Perform a forced restart by holding volume down and power for about 10 seconds until the Samsung logo appears.
What should I do if a forced restart fails and my phone is still unresponsive?
If the forced restart does not work and your phone remains unresponsive, Samsung states that some devices may enter Android Recovery. In this mode, use the Volume keys to navigate to Reboot system now and press the Side key to select it. If the device still does not respond, further troubleshooting or service may be needed.
Is there a way to restart my Galaxy S21 Ultra without using the physical buttons?
Go to Settings > General management > Reset > Reset settings.
How do I restart without using the screen?
Hold Volume down and Side together until the device turns off and the Samsung logo appears. This forced restart method works without any screen interaction, making it ideal for unresponsive displays.
What if the power menu does not appear when I press the buttons?
If the power menu does not appear, your phone may be frozen or the buttons may not be held long enough. Try the forced restart method by holding Volume down and Side for about 10 seconds. If the phone is still unresponsive, it may enter Android Recovery as described above.
Related reading: How To Turn Off Galaxy S21 Ultra.
