To turn off a Samsung phone, press and hold the Side button and the Volume down button at the same time for a few seconds until the Power menu appears. This is the primary method for most newer Galaxy models, and it directly answers how to turn off Samsung phone without digging through menus.
How to turn off a Samsung phone with the side button
On many newer Samsung Galaxy phones (such as the S, Z Flip, Z Fold, and A series), pressing and holding only the Side button may launch Bixby instead of the power menu. To reach the Power menu, press and hold the Side button and the Volume down button simultaneously for a few seconds. Once the menu appears, tap "Power off," then tap "Power off" again to confirm the shutdown.
If your Samsung device has a dedicated Power button (typically on older models), simply press and hold that Power button until the "Power menu" appears, then tap "Power off" twice to shut down.
How to turn off a Samsung phone from the quick settings panel
If the physical buttons are difficult to press or you prefer using the touchscreen, use the Quick settings panel. Swipe down from the top of the screen using two fingers. In the panel, tap the Power icon (often located in the upper right corner, next to the Settings icon), then tap "Power off" twice to confirm. This method is useful for powering your phone on and off without relying on the side buttons.
How to turn off a Samsung phone with Bixby voice
For a hands-free option, use Bixby Voice Assistant. First, ensure Bixby Voice is set up on your device. Activate Bixby by pressing and holding the Side button or by saying "Hi Bixby" (if voice activation is enabled). Then say "Turn off the phone" or "Power off the phone" and confirm the request. This is a convenient way to power off my Android phone when your hands are busy.
How to change what the side button does
On many newer Samsung Galaxy phones, pressing and holding the Side button by default activates Bixby Voice instead of opening the Power menu. If you prefer the old behavior, you can remap the button. Go to Settings > Advanced features > Side button. Under the "Press and hold" option, select "Power off menu." After this change, pressing and holding the Side button will bring up the power options directly.
How to force restart a frozen Samsung phone
If your Samsung phone is frozen or unresponsive, you can force a restart. Press and hold the Volume down button and the Side button (or Power button) simultaneously for approximately 7-10 seconds. The device will turn off and then turn back on, displaying the Samsung logo. This is a troubleshooting step, not a normal shutdown. To power the device back on after it has been turned off normally, press and hold the Side button (or Power button) until you feel a vibration and the "SAMSUNG" logo appears on the screen.
On models with a removable back cover, you can also remove the battery to force a shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off my Samsung phone delete my data?
No, turning off your phone simply cuts power to the device. All your data, apps, and settings remain saved and will be there when you turn it back on.
Why does my Samsung phone turn back on by itself after I turn it off?
This can happen if the phone is set to automatically power on at a scheduled time (in Settings > Advanced features > Auto restart) or if the Side button is being pressed accidentally while the phone is in a pocket or bag.
Can I turn off my Samsung phone without using the side buttons?
Yes. You can use the Quick settings panel (two-finger swipe down and tap the Power icon) or use Bixby voice commands to turn off the phone hands-free. You can also activate Emergency Mode to conserve battery and limit functions, then exit it to turn off the phone.
How do I turn off my Samsung phone if the screen is black but the phone is on?
If the screen is black but the phone is still on, try a force restart by holding the Volume down and Side buttons for 7-10 seconds. If the phone responds, the power menu may appear, or the device will restart.
What is the difference between turning off and restarting my Samsung phone?
Turning off completely shuts down the device, stopping all processes. Restarting reboots the phone without a full shutdown, which can help resolve minor software glitches and refresh the system.
Is it necessary to turn off my Samsung cell phone?
It is recommended to power off from time to time to refresh and clear temporary files.
Can I turn off my Samsung cell phone during software updates?
It is not recommended as it can interrupt installation and cause issues.
