If your Android phone is stuck on the classic and dreaded infinite rebootYou're not alone. Many users, after a failed update, installing a ROM, or simply due to an unexpected system failure, find their device won't make it past the startup screen. Recovering it may seem like an impossible mission, but you just need to know how to repair an Android bootloop. ADB and Recovery Mode, even when the phone seems almost 'dead'.
In this article, we explain, in simple but technically accurate language, everything you need to do without missing a thing, so you can revive your phone like a true expert. You'll also find details for different cases, including highly problematic models, and solutions for common errors in Windows, Linux, and Mac environments.
What is a bootloop on Android and why does it happen?
El bootloop This is the state in which your phone attempts to boot, displays the Android logo or brand, and then immediately restarts again and again without ever reaching the system. This situation can be due to several reasons:
- Failed installation of a ROM, update, or firmware that is not compatible with the device or is corrupted during the process.
- Downloading malicious applications or with damaged files, especially if they come from unreliable sources.
- Manipulating system files or internal device settings, especially if it was rooted and you made advanced changes.
- Even in non-rooted devices This can happen after a failed official update, due to software errors or internal incompatibilities.
Many users think that this only happens on rooted devices, but according to sources like Dr.Fone, Any Android can fall into a bootloop, regardless of their status.
What boot modes are available in Android?
To address the bootloop problem, it is key to understand the different boot modes of an Android phone and which one is useful in each situation:
- Normal mode (system): The usual one, with the mobile working and full access to the system.
- Recovery mode: A limited environment from which you can perform recovery tasks, install ROMs, format partitions, and more. Some devices come with a very basic (stock) recovery, but there are more advanced ones such as CWM o TWRP that add many options.
- Fastboot/bootloader mode: Very useful when the phone is bricked or stuck in a bootloop. Here, interaction is done through commands from the PC using Fastboot, allowing you to flash partitions, unlock the bootloader, and perform other rescue actions.
- Other deeper modes: Each manufacturer may have special modes (download mode, emergency mode, QDL mode) that require specific tools to flash the original ROM and are usually the last resort when nothing else works.
General solutions to fix Android boot loops: The basics you should try
In many cases, the first thing that experts and forums recommend is to try the basic solutions, especially if you can still get into recovery mode:
- Full reboot: Press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds to force a shutdown and then restart. It may seem simple, but it sometimes fixes minor issues.
- Clear the cacheFrom Recovery, look for the 'wipe cache partition' option and run it. This removes temporary files that may be causing the conflict.
- Factory resetIf the above doesn't work, try performing a wipe data/factory reset from the Recovery menu. This erases all data, but in many cases, it eliminates the reboot cycle.
It's fundamental that, if you cannot enter Recovery by holding down the typical button combinations (usually power + volume), you can still try via ADB commands, as we will see later.
How to prepare your PC environment to rescue your phone
Before you jump into using ADB and Fastboot, you should make sure that the your computer's environment is properly set up. This includes:
- Install Android SDK Platform Tools (includes ADB and Fastboot) on your PC or, if you're using Linux, install the 'android-tools-adb' and 'android-tools-fastboot' packages.
- On Windows, make sure you have the drivers suitable for your mobile modelIf the driver is not signed on 64-bit systems, you may need to restart your PC by pressing F8 and disable the restriction on signed drivers before installing it.
- Activate, if you can, the USB debugging on the phone before the bootloop occurs. If you're already in a bootloop, this won't be possible, but if you have some access, it's essential.
- Connect the mobile to the PC using a original or quality USB cable.
If you are using a Mac and do not have compatible tools, you can install one Windows virtual machine (with VirtualBox, VMware or Parallels) to run the necessary utilities.
Using ADB: The Universal Method to Fix Android Bootloop
If your phone is detected by the system, you can try accessing it via ADB. To check, connect it via USB and run the command:
adb devicesIf you see a list with your device, you can continueIf you see 'device not found,' check drivers and cables, and make sure your phone is in a mode that allows this connection.
From here, you can try to reset your phone to Recovery with:
adb reboot recoveryIf you're lucky and it gets into Recovery, you can try the basic solutions mentioned above.
Fastboot mode and bootloader unlocking
When ADB isn't responding but you can access fastboot, you have a second rescue option. To enter fastboot, run:
adb reboot bootloaderIn this mode, your phone may not display anything on the screen or just a logo, but the PC should recognize it with:
fastboot devicesIf the device appears, you can check the bootloader status:
fastboot oem device-infofastboot getvar allIf the bootloader is locked, you'll need to unlock it (which erases all data) with:
fastboot oem unlockEye: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data and may void the warranty on some models.
Flash a new Recovery to expand rescue options
Many phones come with a very basic recovery that barely allows you to do anything. You can replace it with a more advanced one (such as TWRP or CWM) compatible with your model. To do this:
- Download the .img image of the recovery suitable for your device. Search specialized forums or the official website.
- With the mobile in fastboot and detected by the PC, run:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.imgTo test the recovery without installing it permanently:
fastboot boot twrp.imgOnce installed, restart your phone:
fastboot rebootYou should now be able to enter the new recovery, where you'll have many more options to repair your system, install a working ROM, perform wipes, or even install ZIP files to root or add utilities.
What to do if your phone doesn't appear as a device?
Many people on forums like HTCMania come across the message 'device not found' when trying to use ADB or Fastboot, or the phone is unresponsive. These are possible solutions:
- Verify that the drivers are installed correctly and are correct for your model.
- Check the cable and try other USB ports.
- Make sure the device is in the appropriate mode (Recovery, Fastboot, or Download, depending on the manufacturer).
- On 64-bit Windows, you may need to boot the system with the verification of signed drivers disabled.
- If you still don't get a response and your phone doesn't even show a logo, just a black screen, hardware components may be failing or the factory base ROM has been broken. Some models (especially LG, ZTE, and Xiaomi, according to reports) are more difficult to recover from this state, and you may need manufacturer tools (Smart Flash Tool, KDZ, MiFlash, etc.).
Special cases and community FAQs
From the forums and tutorials, several cases and questions are repeated that should be clarified:
- ¿This method works for all AndroidsIn most cases, yes, but there are models with restrictions (locked bootloader, extra protection) and others that require manufacturer-specific tools.
- ¿You can fix a bootloop on a Mac.? Absolutely not, unless you use resources like a Windows virtual machine, since most tools only exist for that system.
- ¿There is a solution if the screen is just black and does not respond to anything.This is the most serious case ('semi-brick'), but you can still try to get the PC to recognize it in some special mode (download/emergency) and flash an official stock ROM.
- ¿What do I do if the original recovery or custom ROM does not boot?Flash a new recovery following the process explained. This will allow you to regain access to the recovery menu and allow you to try other solutions.
- ¿I may void the warranty or irreparably damage the device.Unlocking the bootloader can void your warranty. Flashing an incompatible recovery or ROM could render it unusable, so you should always make sure to use files for your exact model.
Typical errors when repairing Android bootloops and how to fix them
- 'Installation aborted' or error when trying to install a ROM from recovery: This could be because the ROM is not compatible, the file is corrupted, or a more advanced recovery is needed.
- 'Upgrade stopped due to an error' when updating with official software: Reinstall drivers, try on another PC, clear caches, and try again with a fully charged phone.
- 'Device not found' in both ADB and Fastboot: Check the connection modes, change the cable, and make sure the PC recognizes the device in Device Manager.
- 'The SDK opens and closes very quickly': Run the tool as administrator or test from the command line.
Final considerations and practical advice
As you have seen, Fixing a bootloop on Android is fixable in most cases, even if the phone seems completely stuck.The key is to be methodical, not rush, and try out the different recovery methods in an orderly fashion:
- Always start by trying to get into recovery to make wipes. If you can't, move on to ADB y fastboot.
- If you have access to fastboot, consider installing an advanced recovery (TWRP or CWM) to expand your options.
- Do not hesitate to search and download the ROM stock official for your model if you need to restore the system completely.
- Remember that specialized forums are a valuable resource: if you can't find your model, ask and share your experience, as there may always be specific details depending on the brand and Android version.
- Take the backup the next time you're going to experiment with advanced implementations, mods, root, or unofficial updates.
This tutorial will help you better understand how your phone works internally, overcome your fear of the command line, and recover devices many would have given up for lost. If you follow these steps and adapt the commands and resources to your specific situation, you can have your Android back up and running, learning a lot along the way and feeling the satisfaction of having done it yourself. Share this guide and more people will know how to fix the bootloop on Android.