Samsung S21 power button not working

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Chris Hall, Editorial Director

· 28 February 2022 ·

Explainer Provides context or background, definition and detail on a specific topic.

(Pocket-lint) - There's been a small but significant change to the Galaxy S models in recent years, so for those looking to buy the Galaxy S21 or a newer model from the S22 series, you might find that you can't figure out how to turn your new device off.

That's because these handsets don't support a press-and-hold of the power button to give the power or standby buttons - instead Bixby voice assistant will load by default - but you can reprogramme this side button if you wish. 

Here's how to figure out all your Samsung Galaxy S22 and S21 power-off options.

Galaxy S21 or S22 power off using software

Firstly, here's how to power off or restart your Samsung Galaxy S22 or S21 handset: 

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1. When signed in, swipe down the quick settings pane.
2. You'll see a power icon. Tap that icon and you'll see the option to power off or restart in the screen that loads.

See, it's simple once you know where to find it. But that's only the software option - there is also a hardware option.

Galaxy S21 or S22 power off using buttons

Simply press and hold the power/standby button and volume down buttons together - but not for too short a time, as that'll take a screenshot - and you'll get to the same power-off options window.

Restarting S21 or S22 after a software crash

If your phone has crashed or becomes unresponsive, the same hardware option as above works. Simply press-and-hold the power/standby and volume down buttons for 10 seconds. You should feel a little buzz and your phone will reboot, without the need to select any software buttons (which wouldn't be possible due to a crash).

Reprogramme the S21 or S22's power button

By default, a press-and-hold of the side button on your Samsung Galaxy S22 or S21 device will trigger Bixby, letting you talk to Samsung's digital assistant.

If you don't want that or want to restore the power options that you had available on older Samsung devices, that's possible too:

1. Follow the steps above to get to the power screen.
2. At the bottom of the page, tap on 'Side key settings'.
3. Select what you want the button to do.

Here you have a range of options for a press-and-hold of the button (i.e. the old way of turning your device off), as well as a double-press option.

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We prefer to launch the camera app using a double press, but you can change that to launch any app you like.

If you've got your hands on a Samsung Galaxy S22device, we've run through a whole range of tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your phone.

All you need to apply is to have a debit or credit card, to be over 18 years of age, and to be a resident of Australia.

Late fees and additional eligibility criteria apply. The first payment may be due at the time of purchase.

Power Button Unresponsive on Samsung Galaxy

• Samsung Galaxy power button not working.
• Samsung Galaxy won’t turn off using power button.
• Can’t turn on Samsung Galaxy using power button.
• Power button unresponsive on Samsung.
• How to turn on device without using a power button.
• How to turn off Samsung Galaxy smartphone without power button. 

Solution

If your power button isn’t working on your Samsung, then this is usually due to a hardware issue and can’t be fixed unless you send your Samsung in for repair. However, it’s not completely over if you’re unable to repair your Samsung or it’s out of warranty. Here is how you can get by using your Galaxy without a power button:

• How to turn OFF your Galaxy without a power button.
  • If you’re looking to turn off your device without using a power button, you’re going to need a third-party app such as “Button Savior“.
  • To install Button Savior,  tap on the Apps icon and open Play Store.
    
  • Tap on the search bar that says Google Play at the top of the screen and search for “Button Savior” and install the non-root version.
  • Open Button Savior and Select “Kill/Start Button Savior Service”.
  • A small arrow on the right side of the screen will pop up.
  • Select it to convert it into icons.
  • Tap and hold the “Power” button  on the lowest part of the icon list to see device options.
  • Select the “Power off” option to turn off your device.
• How to turn ON your Galaxy without a power button.
  • With your phone turned off, press and hold the Volume down and Home button.
  • While holding the Volume Down and Home, use a USB cable to connect your phone to your computer.
  • Continue holding the Volume Down and Home button to until your phone will boot to Download mode.
  • Once your phone boots to Download mode, press on the Volume Down button to cancel the Download mode.
  • Once the Download mode has been cancelled, your Galaxy will reboot.
  • Wait for your phone to completely start.

I hope that this how-to post has helped you one way or another. Please help us spread the word by sharing this post to your friends or people who may also have similar problems.

Connect With Us 

We aimed to help our readers fix issues with their phones as well as to know how to properly use them. If you are experiencing other issues, please visit our Help Guide page. We have published articles that contain solutions to common issues. We also have a YouTube channel that has video tutorials and troubleshooting content for smartphones. Click this

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