How To Turn Off Your Samsung Phone (S21 and newer models)

If you are trying to turn off or restart your phone, here are the four fastest ways to do it

By Kevin L
2 min read
How To Turn Off Your Samsung Phone (S21 and newer models)

Unlike older Android smartphones, holding down the side button on modern Samsung Galaxy devices (including the Galaxy S25, S24, S23, S22, S21 series, Z Fold, Z Flip, and A-series) activates Google Gemini or Bixby by default rather than the power menu. If you are trying to turn off or restart your phone, here are the four fastest ways to do it.

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Method 1: The Two-Button Hardware Shortcut

This is the standard physical button shortcut for all Samsung Galaxy phones running One UI:

  1. Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side Key (Power button) simultaneously for 2 to 3 seconds.
  2. When the Power options menu appears on your screen, tap Power off or Restart.
  3. Tap Power off a second time to confirm shutdown.

Method 2: Use the Notification Quick Settings Panel

If you prefer a software button or find holding physical buttons awkward, use the software power icon:

  1. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification panel.
  2. Swipe down a second time to expand the full Quick Settings menu.
  3. Tap the Power Icon located at the top right corner of the screen (next to the settings gear icon).
  4. Select Power off.

Method 3: Change the Side Key Settings (Fix the Bixby Issue)

You can reconfigure your phone so that long-pressing the physical side button brings up the power menu directly instead of opening Bixby or Gemini:

  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap Advanced features.
  3. Select Side key (or Side button).
  4. Under the Press and hold section, switch the option from Wake Bixby to Power off menu.

Once enabled, holding down the side button will immediately bring up the Power off menu without requiring you to hold the volume down button.

Method 4: How to Force Restart a Frozen Samsung Phone

If your device screen is frozen, unresponsive, or black, a standard shutdown will not work. Perform a hardware force restart instead:

  • Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Side Key simultaneously for 10 to 15 seconds.
  • Do not release the buttons when the power menu pops up. Keep holding them until the screen turns off and the Samsung Galaxy logo appears.

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