Over the years, smartphones have become more complex with the advancements in technology. Sometimes, performing a simple task like turning off a phone can be quite challenging. This is especially true for Google’s Pixel phones, where the power button’s functionality has changed in newer models. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of turning off and restarting your Google Pixel phone, depending on the model you own.
How to Turn Off or Restart the Google Pixel 5 and Older Pixels
If you own a Google Pixel 5 or an older Pixel phone running on Android 11 or Android 12, the process of turning off or restarting your device is relatively straightforward. Just follow these steps:
Press and hold the Power button on your Pixel for a few seconds.
The Power menu should appear on the screen.
From the Power menu, select the Power off option to turn off your Pixel. If you want to restart your phone, select the Restart option instead.
After selecting your desired option, a black screen will appear for a few seconds, indicating that your Pixel is turning off or rebooting, depending on your selection.
How to Turn Off or Restart the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 6
Powering off or restarting a Google Pixel 7 or Pixel 6 is slightly different compared to older Pixel models. By default, you cannot power off these devices by long-pressing the power button. To turn off or restart your Pixel 7 or Pixel 6, follow these steps:
Press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons simultaneously on your Google Pixel phone.
The Power menu should appear on the screen.
From the Power menu, tap on the Power off option to turn off your Pixel. If you want to restart your phone, tap on Restart instead.
To turn your Pixel back on, simply long-press the power button. Your phone will vibrate, indicating that the boot process has started.
If you want to customize the behavior of the power button on your Pixel 6 or Pixel 7, you can do so from the Settings menu. Here’s how:
Open the Settings menu on your Pixel 6 or Pixel 7.
Scroll down and select System > Gestures.
Tap on the Press & hold power button option.
Select Power menu.
This will change the functionality of the power button, allowing you to bring up the power menu by long-pressing the button. From the power menu, you can easily turn off, restart, or put your device in Lockdown mode. If you’re not a fan of the Google Assistant, you can also consider disabling it on your Android phone.
In case the power button on your Pixel is not working, there’s still a way to turn off or restart your device using the software-based power button. Follow these steps:
Swipe down on your Pixel’s home screen to bring up the notification shade.
Swipe again to expand the Quick Settings panel. In the bottom-right corner, you will see a software-based power button.
Tap on the software-based power button to bring up the power menu.
From the power menu, select the Power off or Restart option, depending on your needs.
This software-based power button can be a handy alternative when the physical power button is not functioning properly.
How to Hard Restart Your Google Pixel Phone
If your Pixel phone becomes unresponsive and doesn’t respond to any button inputs, you can try performing a hard restart. Here’s how:
Press and hold the Power button on your Pixel for at least 30 seconds.
The screen will automatically turn black, and your device will turn off. If it doesn’t power on automatically, press the power button again to turn it on.
Performing a hard reboot can help resolve issues with an unresponsive Pixel device.
Explore Your Pixel
Turning off or restarting a Google Pixel phone might not always be as straightforward as it seems. Thankfully, Google provides multiple options to power off your device, ensuring that you can find a method that works for you. If you’re still getting familiar with your new Pixel phone, check out our guide on how to set it up properly. It will help you navigate through all the features and functionalities of your device.
Remember, if you encounter any issues or have further questions about your Google Pixel phone, don’t hesitate to reach out to Google’s support team for assistance.
Happy Pixel-ing!
