A long press of the power button alone often launches a digital assistant instead of the power menu to power off my Android phone on newer devices like Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones.
How to power off my Android phone in 2024
On many newer Android phones, including Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices, a long press of the power button may activate Google Assistant or Bixby rather than the power menu. This change was introduced to give you faster access to your digital assistant, but it means the old method no longer works for turning off the phone. For newer Samsung devices running Android 12 or later, press and hold the Side button (power button) and the Volume Down button together for a few seconds. A pop-up menu will appear; tap "Power off" to shut down the device. This same combination works on many other Android phones as well, making it the most reliable universal method for powering your phone on and off. Before powering off, save and backup your data using cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox, or by connecting to a computer via USB cable to manually transfer files. Dedicated backup apps from the Google Play Store can automate the backup process and allow scheduling regular backups at specific times or intervals.
Use the quick settings panel
An alternative software-based method does not require any hardware buttons. Swipe down twice from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings panel. Look for the power icon, often located in the upper or bottom right corner of the panel. Tap this icon, then select "Power off" from the menu that appears. This method works on all Android phones regardless of manufacturer or software version.
- Swipe down once from the top of the screen to see your notifications.
- Swipe down again to fully expand the Quick Settings panel.
- Tap the power icon (circle with a vertical line).
- Tap "Power off" in the pop-up menu.
Ask Google Assistant or Bixby
If your digital assistant is set up and your phone is unlocked, you can use a voice command to turn off the device. Say "Hey Google, turn off my phone" to use Google Assistant, or say "Bixby, turn off my device" on Samsung phones. The assistant will confirm your command and may ask for your PIN or password before proceeding. This method is especially useful when your hands are occupied or you cannot reach the buttons.
Change what your power button does
If you prefer the traditional behavior where a long press of the power button shows the power menu instead of launching a digital assistant, you can change this setting. Navigate to your phone's Settings, then search for "side button" or "gestures." Select "Press & hold power button" and choose "Power menu" from the options. This reverts the long-press action back to showing the power off, restart, and emergency options you may be accustomed to.
- Open the Settings app.
- Search for "side button" or "gestures" using the search bar at the top.
- Select "Power menu" instead of the digital assistant option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I force restart my Android phone if the screen is unresponsive?
For Google Pixel phones, press and hold the Power button for up to 60 seconds. For Samsung Galaxy phones, press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button simultaneously for about 10 seconds. This combination varies by model, so check your user manual if this does not work.
Is it safe to power off my Android phone during a system update?
No, it is not recommended. Interrupting a system update can lead to incomplete installation, software glitches, or even bricking the device. Always let the update process complete, and the phone will restart automatically if needed.
Can I power off my Android phone using the Settings menu?
Yes, you can navigate to Settings, then System, then Advanced or Additional Settings, and look for a "Shutdown" or "Power off" option. This method is useful if your physical power button is malfunctioning.
Why does my Android phone turn on by itself after I power it off?
This can happen if the power button is stuck or if scheduled tasks like alarms or automatic updates are set to wake the device. Check your settings for any scheduled power-on features and ensure the power button is not physically jammed.
Does powering off my phone save battery life?
Yes, turning off your phone when not in use conserves battery power by stopping all background processes, syncing, and network activity. This can extend the overall lifespan of your battery over time. Powering off your Android phone clears temporary files, background processes, and cached data that can slow down performance. Powering off can resolve app-related issues where certain apps become unresponsive or crash frequently by closing all background apps and refreshing system memory. Restarting your phone can refresh network settings and clear temporary network-related problems to establish a new connection. Modern Android devices are designed to handle frequent power cycling, so there is no harm in regularly powering off your phone.
Related reading: How To Reboot My Android Phone.
