Why Does a Phone Suddenly Shut Down? Here’s How to Fix It!

The usage intensity of smartphones has been increasing lately. The main reason is the easy access to social media, which often makes users lose track of time.

Coupled with the variety of games available on smartphones, it’s easy for anyone to become addicted to staring at that rectangular screen for as long as possible.

However, there’s something that can be quite frustrating. Your smartphone suddenly shuts down without any clear reason. It’s not uncommon for the phone to become completely unresponsive and unable to be turned back on.

There are reasons behind all of this, and you may be wondering what solutions can be taken to fix it. But before all that, you need to know the causes of a sudden phone shutdown in order to address it properly.

Reasons Why a Phone Suddenly Shuts Down and Their Solutions

Here are some of the most common reasons why a phone may suddenly shut down and how to fix it.

1. Overheating Chipset

The most common reason for a phone to shut down on its own is an overheating chipset. This usually happens when playing games for too long or playing games that are too demanding for the phone to handle.

Alternatively, the issue may be with the chipset itself, as some chipsets are prone to overheating, such as the Snapdragon 8 series from the previous generation.

The solution? You may try lowering the graphics settings to medium or low and see if the chipset still overheats. If it does, you may need to either change the game or consider getting a more capable phone.

2. Android Software Issues

Sometimes, the problem is not just with the hardware but also with the software. It could be due to a fatal error in Android or other intangible issues. The solution when your phone shuts down is to reset the factory settings or reflash the ROM.

3. Faulty Battery

Using your phone extensively for a long period of time can cause damage, especially to the battery. If you play games while charging your phone, the battery will naturally heat up.

Remember that heat is the main enemy of batteries, and if you frequently engage in this practice for a long period of time, you can expect the battery to become completely damaged.

The solution is to replace the battery either at an authorized service center or use a third-party battery that has been tested for quality.

4. Full Internal Storage

It’s best not to let your phone’s internal storage become too full. Aside from causing slow performance, it can also lead to frequent shutdowns. Delete unnecessary files or apps that you no longer use to free up storage space.

5. Stuck or Continuously Pressed Power Button

A sudden phone shutdown can also be caused by a malfunctioning power button. This usually happens when the button gets stuck, resulting in continuous input and the phone refusing to turn on.

I’ve personally experienced this and immediately took it to a service center for repairs. It’s recommended that you do the same.

6. Software Damage due to Rooting

In the past, rooting an Android device provided many new features not offered by the default OS. However, rooting has lost its momentum recently as Android itself has become feature-rich, and rooting has been abandoned.

However, some users still root their devices to gain specific features not available in the stock ROM. But as with any rooting process, there are inherent risks. One of them is the possibility of the phone suddenly shutting down without any apparent reason. This could be due to the operating system being damaged as a side effect of rooting.

7. Liquid Damage

Have you ever accidentally dropped your phone in the bathtub or been caught in the rain? That could be the cause of your phone shutting down on its own. Water is the enemy of electronic devices, and the internal components of the phone can corrode, especially if it’s exposed to saltwater. Waterproof ratings are not a guarantee that water cannot enter forever.

8. Loose or Disconnected Internal Components

Frequent drops or impacts on the phone can sometimes cause internal components, such as flexible cables, to become loose or disconnected. If the battery cable becomes detached, for example, the phone won’t receive any power. The solution for a phone that won’t turn on due to this issue is to have it diagnosed by a repair technician.

9. Damaged Smartphone Screen

Sometimes, a phone won’t turn on not because of chipset, battery, or software issues, but because of a damaged screen. If this happens, be prepared to spend a significant amount of money because repairing or replacing the screen, especially for OLED or AMOLED displays, can be costly.

10. It’s Time to Get a New Phone

If you’ve been using your phone for more than 5 years and it frequently shuts down without any clear reason, it may be time to move on and switch to a newer phone. The lifespan of a smartphone is not as long as that of a feature phone like the old Nokia devices.

Due to the higher intensity of smartphone usage, the lifespan of a smartphone is shortened. The solution is clear: upgrade to a newer phone that suits your needs, without the need to spend a fortune.

So, those are the reasons why a phone can suddenly shut down without any apparent cause. Have you ever experienced a similar situation, and did you find the solution to be surprisingly easy? Feel free to share your experiences.