OnePlus phones, like other Android devices, have a safe mode that can be useful for troubleshooting problems. Safe mode starts the device in a basic state with only the original software and apps. This allows you to determine if third-party apps are causing issues. Safe mode is easy to access on OnePlus phones, here is what you need to know.
What is Safe Mode?
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option built into Android devices like OnePlus phones. When enabled, safe mode starts the device with only the original system software, apps and services. All third-party apps are disabled. This allows you to identify potential software or app issues.
If a problem goes away in safe mode, it likely means an installed app or its data is causing the issue. If issues remain in safe mode, it points to a more serious system problem.
Benefits of Safe Mode
There are a few key benefits to using safe mode on your OnePlus phone:
- Diagnose app-related issues – As mentioned, safe mode determines if third-party apps are causing problems.
- Remove malware/viruses – Safe mode can help remove persistent malware or viruses.
- Test apps – You can test apps in safe mode to see if they cause crashes or other issues.
- Fix software problems – It can resolve software problems, like fixing launcher issues that prevent accessing the home screen.
In most cases, booting into safe mode temporarily is enough to fix crashing, freezing, or other software issues. If problems return once you exit safe mode, you can then troubleshoot further or uninstall problematic apps.
How to Boot into Safe Mode
OnePlus makes it simple to enable safe mode. There are a couple of different ways to boot into safe mode depending on your model.
For OnePlus 8 Series & Newer
For newer OnePlus phones like the 8T and 9 series, use these steps:
- Press and hold the power button to turn off your phone.
- Once the phone is off, press and hold the power button to turn it back on.
- When you see the OnePlus logo during boot, press and hold the volume down button.
- Continue holding volume down until you see “Safe mode” at the bottom left.
- Release the volume button when safe mode is enabled.
This will boot your OnePlus phone into safe mode. The process is the same for models like the 8, 8 Pro, 8T, 9, and 9 Pro.
For OnePlus 7 Series & Older
For older OnePlus models like the 6T and 7 series, use this process instead:
- Turn off your phone.
- Press and hold the power button to turn it back on.
- When you see the OnePlus logo, press and hold the volume up and power buttons together.
- Keep holding both buttons until you see the lock screen.
- Your phone will now boot into safe mode.
This method works on phones like the 6, 6T, 7, and 7 Pro. Once in safe mode, you’ll see “Safe mode” in the bottom left corner.
Using Safe Mode
When safe mode is enabled on your OnePlus phone, you’ll notice a few key changes:
- Home screen – Your home screen, wallpaper and customizations are temporarily reset to defaults.
- Apps – Only default system apps are available. All third-party apps are disabled.
- “Safe mode” text – This text shows at the bottom left to indicate safe mode is on.
Besides those changes, you can use your phone normally in safe mode. Test the apps and features that were problematic to see if the issues remain. If the problems go away, an app is likely causing it.
Exiting Safe Mode
To exit safe mode on your OnePlus device:
- Press and hold the power button.
- Tap “Restart” to exit safe mode.
- Your phone will restart normally with all apps enabled again.
If you noticed a problematic app in safe mode, consider uninstalling it. If issues recur once exiting safe mode, you may need to troubleshoot further or reset your device.
Fixing Safe Mode Problems
On rare occasions, you may encounter issues trying to use safe mode on your OnePlus phone:
Can’t Boot into Safe Mode
If your phone doesn’t boot into safe mode using the volume button method, try these fixes:
- Use a different button combo – Try the volume up + power button method instead.
- Reset your phone – Backup data and reset your phone to factory settings if needed.
- Factory reset – Boot into recovery mode and wipe data/factory reset if standard reset fails.
Stuck in Safe Mode
If your OnePlus gets stuck booting in safe mode, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Restart your phone – Press and hold power to restart your phone normally.
- Clear app cache – Boot to recovery and wipe the cache partition.
- Factory reset – Do a full factory reset to resolve software issues.
This should resolved any problems exiting safe mode. Back up important data first before wiping your phone.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips to remember about safe mode on OnePlus phones:
- Access by holding Volume Down during reboot (OnePlus 8 series & newer)
- Or press Volume Up + Power together when rebooting (OnePlus 7 & older)
- Fix app crashes, software issues, and malware
- Third-party apps disabled, only system apps work
- Exit by restarting phone normally
- Reset phone if you can’t exit safe mode
Safe mode remains an invaluable troubleshooting tool on OnePlus devices. If you encounter app issues, crashes, or other problems, boot into safe mode first to identify potential software causes before resetting your phone.
| OnePlus Model | Safe Mode Key Combo |
|---|---|
| OnePlus 9 Pro | Volume Down |
| OnePlus 9 | Volume Down |
| OnePlus 8T | Volume Down |
| OnePlus 8 Pro | Volume Down |
| OnePlus 8 | Volume Down |
| OnePlus 7T Pro | Volume Up + Power |
| OnePlus 7T | Volume Up + Power |
| OnePlus 7 Pro | Volume Up + Power |
| OnePlus 7 | Volume Up + Power |
| OnePlus 6T | Volume Up + Power |
| OnePlus 6 | Volume Up + Power |
This covers the basics of using safe mode on OnePlus phones. Booting into safe mode can help identify and troubleshoot a wide range of issues while avoiding a factory reset. Give it a try next time you encounter crashes, freezing, or other problems with your OnePlus device.
