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Restart or force reboot Sidephone

Restart or force reboot a Sidephone when the screen is frozen, unresponsive, or behaving unexpectedly.

Updated over a week ago

Summary

If Sidephone is unresponsive, you can force it to reboot by holding the Power button continuously while the device is on. This will immediately end all running processes.

Steps

  1. Attempt a normal restart first (if possible).
    Hold the Power button briefly and tap Restart.

  2. If the screen is frozen, press and hold Power continuously.
    Keep holding the Power button for ~10–15 seconds.

  3. Release the button when the device powers off.
    The Sidephone screen should be powered off / black.

  4. Let the device fully boot.
    Do not press buttons while the system is starting.

Considerations

  • Process interruption: A force reboot will immediately terminate all active apps and services, which may interrupt messaging, file transfers, or background sync.

  • Data risk: This is generally safe, but unsaved data in open apps may be lost.

  • Variance: Button timing may vary slightly. If the screen stays powered on after 15 seconds, keep holding Power for up to 30 seconds before releasing.

  • No ability to power off: Do not charge the unit. Once it runs out of battery, attempt to restart it normally.


When to Contact Support

Contact Support if the phone does not power off or reboot after holding Power for 30 seconds, or if it repeatedly becomes unresponsive after restarting.

What to Collect for Support

  • Sidephone model and OS version

  • What happens when you hold Power (nothing, vibrates, boot loop, etc.)

  • Was the screen frozen or black before attempting this?

  • Did the issue start after an app install or update?

  • Approximate date/time the issue began

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