To put a phone in safe mode, you generally use the power menu or a special key combo when restarting.

What safe mode does

  • Loads only built‑in system apps, temporarily disabling third‑party apps so you can troubleshoot crashes, freezes, or malware.
  • You’ll usually see “Safe mode” written on the screen (often in a corner) so you know it’s active.

Android (most phones)

Method 1: From the power menu

  1. Unlock your phone and go to the home screen.
  1. Swipe down and tap the power icon, or hold the Power/Side button until the power menu appears.
  1. On the screen, long‑press “Power off” (or sometimes “Restart”) until a “Reboot to safe mode” or “Safe mode” prompt appears.
  1. Tap OK. The phone will restart and boot into safe mode.

Method 2: With hardware buttons (if menu option isn’t there)

  1. Power off the phone completely.
  1. Turn it on normally. As soon as the screen lights up, press and hold Volume Up + Volume Down together until it finishes booting.
  1. When it’s done, you should see “Safe mode” on the screen.

Samsung Galaxy example

Samsung documents two main approaches:

  • While on:
    • Hold Power/Side key until power menu shows.
    • Tap and hold “Power off” until “Safe mode” appears, then tap it. The device restarts in safe mode.
  • From powered off:
    • Power on as usual; some Galaxy devices will let you enter safe mode with an on‑screen option or a key combo during boot (varies by model).

How to exit safe mode

  • Just restart the phone normally: hold Power/Side button, then tap Restart (or Power off → turn it back on). It should boot back into normal mode and the “Safe mode” text disappears.

TL;DR:
Most Android phones: hold the power button → when you see “Power off,” press and hold that on‑screen option → choose “Reboot to safe mode” → OK. To turn it off again, just restart the phone.