How to use Safe mode to identify app issues

  • Updated 

Restarting your Fairphone in Safe mode temporarily turns off downloaded apps. This helps you identify whether a downloaded app causes your phone to slow down, freeze, or experience random restarts.

Before you begin

  • In Safe mode, only pre-installed system apps remain active.
  • Downloaded apps are temporarily disabled, and their app icons appear greyed out.
  • Safe mode does not erase your personal data.

How to restart in Safe mode

Select the option below that matches your phone's current state:

Phone is turned on
  1. Press the Power button to wake the screen.
  2. Press and hold the Power and Volume up buttons at the same time. On some Fairphone models, press and hold the Power button only.
  3. Tap and hold Power off for a few seconds.
  4. Tap OK.
Phone is turned off
  1. Press and hold the Power button to turn on your Fairphone.
  2. When the green switch animation appears on screen, press and hold the Volume down button.
  3. Release the Volume down button when you see the lock screen.

How to test your phone in Safe mode

Use your phone normally while in Safe mode and check if the malfunction continues:

  • The problem stops: A downloaded app is likely causing the issue. Go to the next section to identify and remove the app.
  • The problem continues: A downloaded app is not the cause. Use our troubleshooting tool to continue troubleshooting:

How to exit Safe mode

To leave Safe mode, restart your phone:

  1. Press and hold the Power and Volume up buttons at the same time. On some Fairphone models, press and hold the Power button only.
  2. Tap Restart.

How to find and remove problematic apps

If the issue stops while your phone is in Safe mode, follow these steps to find the responsible app:

  1. Uninstall apps one by one. If you suspect a specific app, remove that app first. If you are not sure, start with the most recently installed apps.
  2. Restart your Fairphone normally after removing each app.
  3. Check if the issue occurs again. Once removing an app solves the problem, you can reinstall the other apps you removed.

Learn more about managing your applications in our guide on how to download and manage apps.

Still need help?

First try our self-service portal and then reach out to our customer support team. You can also open a support request directly through the My Fairphone app pre-installed on your device.