In a world dominated by touchscreen technology, encountering a malfunctioning touch screen can be incredibly frustrating. The Samsung A21s, like many modern smartphones, heavily relies on its touch interface for navigation. But what happens when your screen becomes unresponsive? This guide will take you through practical steps to restart your Samsung A21s without needing to rely on its touch screen.
Understanding the Importance of Restarting Your Device
Restarting your Samsung A21s can solve many issues that may arise due to software glitches, unresponsive applications, or memory overload. Regular restarts can help maintain optimal device performance and prolong its lifespan. In circumstances where a device is not responding, knowing how to restart it can be a lifesaver.
Why the Touch Screen May Become Unresponsive
Before we delve into the methods of restarting your Samsung A21s without a touch screen, it’s crucial to understand the reasons behind an unresponsive touch screen.
Common Causes for Unresponsiveness
There are various reasons your A21s screen might stop responding, including:
- Software Glitches: System malfunctions can lead to temporary issues, preventing touch inputs from being recognized.
- Overheating: Extended usage, high-performance tasks, or leaving the phone in a hot spot can cause the device to overheat, affecting performance.
- Physical Damage: Cracked screens or internal component failure can disrupt the touch functionality.
Understanding these causes can help you take preventative measures in the future and enables you to act quickly when issues arise.
How to Restart the Samsung A21s Without a Touch Screen
Now that we’ve covered the groundwork, let’s look at the most effective methods for restarting your Samsung A21s without needing a functioning touch screen.
Using the Physical Buttons
One of the simplest methods to restart your device is through its physical hardware buttons. The Samsung A21s features Power and Volume buttons that can be used to perform a forced restart.
Steps to Perform a Forced Restart
- Locate the Buttons: The Power button is on the right side of the phone, while the Volume Down button is on the left side.
- Press and Hold Both Buttons: Simultaneously press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button for about 10 seconds.
- Wait for Vibration: Once you feel a vibration, release both buttons. This indicates that the device is rebooting.
- Boot Up: Wait for a few moments for your device to boot back up. You should see the Samsung logo appearing on your screen, confirming that the restart was successful.
Alternative Methods to Restart Your Phone
In addition to the physical buttons approach, there are other methods and considerations to be aware of.
Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
ADB can be a powerful tool for advanced users who might require additional functionalities when the touch screen is unresponsive. However, this method requires prior setup.
Requirements for Using ADB
- USB Debugging Enabled: To use ADB, you should have USB debugging enabled on your Samsung A21s prior to it becoming unresponsive.
- Computer with ADB Installed: You need a computer with the ADB tool installed.
- USB Cable: A genuine USB cable to connect your phone to the computer.
Steps to Restart the Device Using ADB
- Connect Your Device: Use a USB cable to connect your Samsung A21s to your computer.
- Open Command Prompt: On your computer, open the Command Prompt or Terminal.
- Check Device Connection: Type
adb devicesand press Enter to ensure your phone is recognized. - Restart Your Device: If your device is recognized, enter the command
adb rebootand press Enter.
This command will instruct the phone to reboot without needing to interact with the touch screen.
What to Do If the Problem Persists
If restarting your Samsung A21s does not solve the issues with your touch screen, it may be time to consider further steps.
Diagnosing the Issue
When addressing a malfunction, consider the following steps:
-
Check for Software Updates: An out-of-date operating system can cause performance issues.
-
Perform a Safe Mode Boot: Safe mode helps in diagnosing if the issue is caused by third-party applications.
To boot into safe mode:
1. Turn off your device using the physical buttons.
2. Turn it back on and once you see the Samsung logo, press and hold the Volume Down button.
3. You will see “Safe Mode” mentioned on the bottom left of the screen, confirming that you’re in safe mode.
Professional Help
If the problem persists even in safe mode, it may be time to visit a qualified technician or contact Samsung’s customer support.
Preventive Measures for Future Issues
To avoid issues with your Samsung A21s touch screen in the future, consider taking these preventive steps:
Regular Maintenance
- Update Software: Ensure your device is always running the latest software.
- Optimize Storage: Regularly delete unwanted apps and files to free up space.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Keep your device away from places that are overly hot or cold.
Protective Measures
- Use a Screen Protector: A high-quality screen protector can protect your screen from cracks and scratches.
- Utilize a Case: A sturdy case can provide additional protection from drops and impacts.
Conclusion
The Samsung A21s is indeed a powerful device, but like all electronics, it is not immune to glitches. Whether it’s a software issue or a hardware malfunction, knowledge of how to restart your device without a functioning touch screen is invaluable. By following the outlined steps, you’ll not only be able to bypass the touch screen limitations but also maintain your device’s overall health. Should the problem persist, don’t hesitate to seek professional help to ensure your device remains in peak condition. Remember, regular maintenance and being proactive can significantly contribute to a seamless user experience.
What should I do if my Samsung A21s touch screen is not responding?
If your Samsung A21s touch screen is unresponsive, the first step is to try performing a soft reset. You can do this by pressing and holding the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds. This action will force your device to restart, allowing it to refresh its system. Once you’ve done this, wait a few moments for your device to power back on automatically.
If the soft reset does not work and the screen remains unresponsive, you should check if the device has any physical issues such as water damage or a cracked screen. If these issues aren’t present, you may want to try connecting your phone to a charger or checking if the battery is depleting. In case these troubleshooting steps still do not help, contacting Samsung customer support or visiting a certified service center may be your best solution.
Can I restart my Samsung A21s using hardware buttons?
Yes, you can restart your Samsung A21s using the hardware buttons even if the touch screen is unresponsive. To do this, you need to press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time. Hold both buttons until the device powers off, which usually takes around ten seconds. You may see the Samsung logo appear before the phone restarts.
Once the device has rebooted, it should return to normal functioning. If the issue persists after a restart, further troubleshooting may be necessary. This can include checking for software updates or resetting your device, but keep in mind that the latter will erase all data, so be sure to back up important files first.
What if my buttons are stuck or not working?
If the physical buttons on your Samsung A21s are stuck or not functioning properly, restarting the device can become more challenging. In this case, the first step is to ensure that there is no debris or foreign material obstructing the buttons. Cleaning around the buttons gently with a soft cloth can sometimes resolve the issue. Additionally, you may want to check if your phone’s casing is interfering with the button’s functionality.
If the buttons still don’t work after cleaning, you could try using the Samsung Find My Mobile service. This platform allows you to remotely control your phone, including performing a restart. Simply log in to your Samsung account on a computer, find your device, and choose the option to restart it. If you continue to experience difficulties, the best course of action might be to consult a professional repair service.
Is there a way to restart my Samsung A21s without using the touch screen or buttons?
While restarting the Samsung A21s typically requires the use of either the touch screen or physical buttons, you can utilize the Samsung Find My Mobile service for remotely managing your device. This service allows you access to various features online when your phone is connected to the internet. Log in to your Samsung account through a web browser, navigate to Find My Mobile, and select the option to restart your device.
Additionally, if your phone supports voice assistants like Google Assistant and has been configured beforehand, you might be able to issue a command to restart your phone. However, this option requires previous setup for voice commands and may not guarantee functionality if your phone is unresponsive. If all else fails, you may need to visit a Samsung repair center.
How can I troubleshoot software issues if the touch screen is unresponsive?
If your touch screen is unresponsive and you suspect software issues, the first step is to try running your device in Safe Mode. This mode starts your phone without any third-party apps, which can help identify whether a downloaded application is causing the issue. To enter Safe Mode, press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears, then press and hold on the “Power Off” option until a prompt appears asking if you want to reboot in Safe Mode. Confirm your choice.
Once in Safe Mode, observe whether the touch screen works correctly. If it does, the unresponsive issue may be related to third-party apps, and you can start removing recently installed apps one by one to pinpoint the culprit. If the touch screen remains unresponsive even in Safe Mode, consider performing a factory reset, which will clear all data and restore your device to its original settings. Ensure you back up important files before proceeding with a reset.
Will resetting my Samsung A21s delete my data?
Yes, performing a reset on your Samsung A21s will result in the deletion of all data stored on the device, including apps, contacts, messages, and media files. There are two types of resets: a soft reset, which merely reboots the device without affecting data, and a factory reset, which restores the device to its original state. If you need to reset your phone to troubleshoot persistent issues, it is highly advisable to back up your important data first.
You can back up your data using various methods such as Samsung’s Smart Switch application, which allows you to transfer files to a computer or another device. Additionally, you can use cloud storage options like Google Drive or Samsung Cloud to ensure your personal files are secured before a factory reset. Make sure to follow these precautionary steps to avoid accidental data loss.
What should I do if my Samsung A21s won’t turn on?
If your Samsung A21s won’t turn on, begin with basic troubleshooting steps. First, ensure your device has enough battery power by connecting it to a charger and allowing it to charge for at least 15 to 30 minutes. Sometimes, a completely drained battery can take time to respond even when plugged in. After charging, try performing a soft reset by pressing and holding the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously for about ten seconds.
If the device still does not turn on, it could indicate a deeper issue, such as hardware failure or a software crash. In such cases, consider visiting a Samsung service center for diagnostic and repair options. The technicians can assess whether the issue is repairable, or if a battery replacement or other component repair is necessary to restore functionality.