If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where your Samsung S20 FE’s screen is unresponsive or completely black, you may panic at the thought of not being able to restart your device. A smartphone is an integral part of our daily lives, and any disruption can be frustrating. Luckily, restarting your Samsung S20 FE without a screen is entirely possible with the right guidance. In this article, we will explore various methods to restart your device, troubleshoot underlying issues, and ensure that you regain full control over your phone.
Understanding the Importance of Restarting Your Device
Restarting your Samsung S20 FE is a fundamental troubleshooting step that can resolve a host of issues including sluggish performance, system glitches, and app malfunctions. When you restart your device:
- You refresh the operating system, freeing up RAM, and closing unused applications.
- You allow pending updates and system optimizations to take effect.
Beyond basic troubleshooting, knowing how to restart your device under various circumstances can be invaluable. In cases where the screen is not functioning, alternative methods can save you time and frustration.
What to Do When Your Samsung S20 FE Screen is Unresponsive
First and foremost, it is essential to determine the cause of your unresponsive screen. It could range from software glitches to hardware issues. Here’s a quick checklist of what to consider:
1. Software Issues
Software glitches can occur due to:
- Incompatibility with recent updates.
- Malfunctioning apps.
If you suspect that a software issue is at play, a force restart is generally the first step to take.
2. Hardware Problems
If your device has suffered physical damage, such as water exposure or a drop, you may be looking at hardware issues that require professional repair. In these cases, the steps outlined in this article might help temporarily, but a visit to a technician may be necessary for a permanent solution.
Method 1: Force Restart Your Samsung S20 FE
Even without a functional screen, a force restart can often be executed. This method can help reset the device and often restores functionality. Here’s how you can perform a force restart:
Step-by-Step Guide to Force Restart
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Locate the Power and Volume Buttons: On your Samsung S20 FE, the Power button is typically located on the right side, while the Volume Down button is situated on the left.
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Simultaneously Press the Buttons: Press and hold down both the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time.
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Hold for 10-15 Seconds: Keep the buttons pressed for about 10-15 seconds. This duration allows your device to execute a force restart.
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Wait for Vibration: You should feel your phone vibrate a few moments after releasing the buttons. This indicates that the system is restarting.
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Testing the Device: After the restart, check if the display is functioning as expected.
Method 2: Use Samsung’s Find My Mobile Feature
If the screen remains unresponsive, you can opt for a remote restart using Samsung’s Find My Mobile feature. This requires that you set up your Samsung account prior to losing control of your device and that your device is connected to the Internet.
Step-by-Step Guide to Restart via Find My Mobile
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Visit the Find My Mobile Website: On a computer or another device, navigate to the Find My Mobile website.
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Log Into Your Account: Log in using your Samsung account credentials associated with your Samsung S20 FE.
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Select Your Device: Once logged in, your registered devices will be listed. Click on your Samsung S20 FE.
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Choose the Restart Option: Look for the option labeled “Restart” or “Reboot”. Click on it.
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Confirm the Action: Follow the prompts to confirm the action. Your device should restart remotely.
Method 3: Battery Drain Method
If the above methods are not viable or successful, consider the battery drain method. However, this is a time-consuming technique and may not be applicable in all scenarios.
Steps to Drain the Battery Effectively
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Let the Battery Deplete: Leave your Samsung S20 FE without charging until the battery entirely drains. While this can take hours, it is often a last resort for many users.
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Plug it Back In: Once the device is completely out of battery, connect it to a charger.
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Wait for Indication: After plugging it in, wait for the battery to charge for a few minutes.
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Attempt a Restart: After a few minutes, attempt a force restart using the method described above.
Troubleshooting Persistent Screen Issues
If your Samsung S20 FE still has screen issues after trying similar methods, a few troubleshooting steps may help. Here’s how to troubleshoot and identify potential causes of the problem:
1. Safe Mode
Even if you cannot see the screen, you can enable Safe Mode to check if a third-party app is causing issues. This involves a specific button sequence:
- Press and hold the Power button.
- When “Power Off” appears, press and hold it for a few seconds until you see “Safe Mode.”
- Tap “Safe Mode” to confirm.
This step can only be confirmed if you know the usual sequence and timing of the prompts. If you successfully boot into safe mode, the issue might be caused by a third-party application.
2. Factory Reset as a Last Resort
If all else fails, a factory reset may be necessary. Note that a factory reset deletes all data on your device, so it should be an absolute last resort. This can be done using hardware buttons, but ensure you’ve backed up critical information if the device becomes responsive again.
To perform a factory reset without a screen:
- Press and hold the Power button and Volume Up button simultaneously until the software option appears (you may not see this but hold for about 10 seconds).
- After that, use the volume buttons to navigate and select “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” and confirm by pressing the Power button.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to restart your Samsung S20 FE without a screen is an invaluable skill that can save you from unnecessary frustration. Whether using a force restart, leveraging Samsung’s Find My Mobile feature, or resorting to battery drainage methods, there are multiple strategies to regain control over your device.
Remember, while performing these steps, always observe whether the screen resumes normal functionality. If persistent problems occur, professional help may be needed. Staying resilient during such challenges and knowing that you have options will help make your smartphone experience smoother and more enjoyable.
What should I do if my Samsung S20 FE screen is unresponsive?
If your Samsung S20 FE screen is unresponsive, the first step is to try a force restart. This can often resolve issues where the device seems frozen. To perform a force restart, press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously for about 10-15 seconds, until you see the Samsung logo appear on the screen.
If the force restart does not work and your device remains unresponsive, you may need to consider other options. It could indicate a more serious hardware or software problem. In such cases, consider seeking professional repair services or contacting Samsung support for further assistance in diagnosing the issue.
How can I restart my Samsung S20 FE without using the screen?
To restart your Samsung S20 FE without using the screen, you will need to use the hardware buttons. Begin by locating the Power and Volume Down buttons on the side of your device. Simultaneously press and hold these buttons for approximately 10-15 seconds. If done correctly, this should prompt your device to reboot, even if the screen display is not functional.
In addition to these button combinations, you can also use the device’s accessibility features if Voice Assistant is enabled. By using voice commands or other accessibility options, you can navigate and try to restart your device. However, this method requires some prior setup of accessibility features before the screen becomes unresponsive.
What if my device won’t turn on after attempting a restart?
If your Samsung S20 FE does not turn on after attempting a restart, you may want to ensure that the device has enough battery life. Plug it into a charger and wait for a few minutes to see if it starts to respond. If the charging icon appears, that indicates the device is gaining power, and you should allow it to charge for a while before trying to turn it on again.
If the device still does not turn on, it may be time to consider a factory reset or a software update via Recovery Mode, if accessible. If you’re unable to troubleshoot the issue yourself, it’s advisable to contact Samsung customer support or visit a certified service center to get specialized assistance.
Can I access data from my Samsung S20 FE if the screen is broken?
If the screen on your Samsung S20 FE is broken but the phone still powers on, you may be able to access your data through several methods. One option is to connect your phone to a computer using a USB cable. If your device was set up to allow file transfer, you may be able to copy photos, videos, and other files directly to your computer.
Alternatively, if you had previously enabled services like Samsung Cloud or Google Drive, you could retrieve your important data from these cloud services. Moreover, if you’ve enabled USB Debugging and have a compatible software program, you may be able to recover additional types of data. If you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to professional data recovery services for help.
What are the consequences of force restarting my Samsung S20 FE?
Force restarting your Samsung S20 FE generally does not pose significant risks, and it often helps resolve minor software glitches. It essentially acts as a hard reboot, which can clear temporary cache and refresh the system’s resources. However, there’s a small chance that unsaved data may be lost during this process if applications were running, so it’s best to use this option judiciously.
On rare occasions, repeated force restarts in a short period could lead to software instability. If you notice any ongoing issues after using this method frequently, consider exploring more permanent solutions such as software updates or factory resets. It’s advisable to keep your device’s software up to date to minimize the need for force restarts.
Is there a safe way to handle a device stuck in a boot loop?
When dealing with a Samsung S20 FE that is stuck in a boot loop, the first step is to perform a soft reset. You can attempt this by holding down the Power button and Volume Down button together for about 10-15 seconds. This action might help your device exit the boot loop and restart properly.
If the soft reset does not resolve the issue, you may need to enter Recovery Mode to perform additional troubleshooting. This can allow you to wipe the cache partition or perform a factory reset, which can help clear any corrupt files causing the boot loop. However, keep in mind that a factory reset will erase all data from the device, so proceed with caution if data recovery is a concern.
How can I prepare my Samsung S20 FE for potential screen issues?
To prepare your Samsung S20 FE for possible screen issues, it’s essential to regularly back up your important data. Utilize cloud services or external storage to keep your photos, contacts, and other critical files safe. This way, if the screen becomes unresponsive and you can’t access your data, you won’t lose anything significant.
Additionally, consider enabling accessibility features and alternative control options that allow you to operate your device without relying solely on the screen. Features like Voice Assistant can help guide you even if the display is not functioning. Regular care, such as using a sturdy phone case and avoiding drops, can also prevent screen damage and prolong the life of your device.