OnePlus 5 Keeps Restarting? Fix Boot Loop

If your OnePlus 5 keeps restarting on its own, you are likely dealing with a boot loop or random reboot issue caused by a software glitch, a failing battery, or corrupted system data. The first fix to try is a forced restart by holding the power button for 10–15 seconds; if that does not stop the cycle, the next step is to boot into Recovery Mode and clear the cache partition. Below are the full troubleshooting steps, what causes each type of restart, and when you need to consider hardware repair.

Why the OnePlus 5 Restarts Unexpectedly

The OnePlus 5, released in 2017, runs OxygenOS based on Android. Random reboots and boot loops can have several distinct causes, and identifying which one you are experiencing is the first step to fixing it.

• Random restart (phone turns off and on during use): Often caused by a software crash, an app that is incompatible with the Android version, or a battery that can no longer deliver stable power.
• Boot loop (phone shows the OnePlus logo and restarts before reaching the home screen): Usually caused by a failed system update, corrupted cache, or a hardware fault like a swollen battery or a damaged motherboard.
• Restart when opening a specific app: Points to that app being the trigger, often due to a bug or memory pressure.

Because the OnePlus 5 is no longer receiving major Android updates, newer apps may not be fully compatible, which can lead to crashes and reboots. However, the most common cause of a boot loop on this specific model is a degraded battery—after several years, the battery can no longer provide the voltage spikes the phone needs, causing the device to shut down and restart.

Step-by-Step: Fix a Boot Loop or Random Restart

Work through these steps in order. Stop as soon as the phone is stable, and back up your data before doing anything that wipes the device.

1. Force restart the phone. Press and hold the power button for 10–15 seconds until the screen goes black and the OnePlus logo appears. This clears a temporary system hang and often stops a one-time boot loop.
2. Charge the phone for at least 30 minutes. A completely drained battery can cause the phone to restart repeatedly. Use the original charger and cable if possible.
3. Boot into Safe Mode. With the phone off, press and hold the power button. When the OnePlus logo appears, press and hold the volume down button until the home screen loads. In Safe Mode, third-party apps are disabled. If the phone does not restart in Safe Mode, a third-party app is the culprit—uninstall recently installed apps one by one.
4. Clear the cache partition. Turn off the phone. Press and hold the power and volume down buttons together until the Recovery Mode menu appears. Use the volume keys to select Wipe data and cache (or Clear cache on older OxygenOS versions) and press the power button to confirm. This does not delete your personal files, but it does remove temporary system files.
5. Perform a factory reset. If clearing the cache does not help, back up your data (if possible) and in Recovery Mode select Wipe data and cache then Format data. This restores the phone to factory settings and removes any corrupted system data. After the reset, set up the phone as new and test it for a few hours before restoring your apps.
6. Update or reinstall OxygenOS via the local upgrade. If the phone still loops, download the full OxygenOS ROM from the official OnePlus support site (not a random third-party link) and use the Local upgrade option in Settings > System Updates. This reinstalls the operating system without wiping data.

If none of these steps stop the restarting, the problem is very likely hardware—most often the battery or the motherboard.

When It’s a Battery Problem

The OnePlus 5 uses a 3300 mAh battery that is now several years old. Lithium-ion batteries degrade with charge cycles and age, and a degraded battery can cause sudden shutdowns and random reboots because the voltage drops under load. A swollen battery is a serious safety issue: if the back cover is bulging, or the screen is lifting away from the frame, stop using the phone immediately and do not attempt to remove the battery yourself unless you are experienced. Take it to a professional repair shop or contact OnePlus support if the device is still under warranty (unlikely for a 2017 phone, but check).

If the battery is the issue, replacing it is the only permanent fix. A reputable repair service can replace the battery in about 30 minutes. Do not attempt a DIY battery replacement without proper tools and a new adhesive seal, as puncturing the battery can cause a fire.

Software Updates and App Compatibility

The OnePlus 5 received its last major Android update (Android 10) in 2020. Since then, many apps have raised their minimum Android version requirements. If you have recently updated an app and then started seeing reboots, that app may be the trigger. In Safe Mode, the phone runs only preinstalled apps, so if the problem disappears, you can uninstall the most recently updated apps.

Also, check whether the phone has a pending system update. Go to Settings > System > System Updates. If an update is available, install it while the phone is charged above 50% and connected to Wi-Fi. A failed or interrupted update is a classic cause of a boot loop.

Hardware Issues Beyond the Battery

If the battery is fine and a factory reset does not help, the motherboard may have a fault. The OnePlus 5 is known to have some motherboards that develop micro-soldering failures over time, especially if the phone has been dropped or exposed to moisture. Symptoms include random reboots that become more frequent, the phone getting unusually hot, or the phone restarting when you press on the back cover. In these cases, a motherboard repair or replacement is needed, which often costs more than the phone is worth. It may be more economical to buy a new phone, but if you want to keep the OnePlus 5, a professional repair shop can diagnose the exact component failure.

Preventing Future Random Reboots

Once you have fixed the immediate problem, take these steps to reduce the chance of it happening again:

• Keep the phone updated with the latest available OxygenOS version, even if it is not the newest Android.
• Avoid installing apps from unknown sources, as they can contain malware that causes instability.
• Do not let the battery drain to 0% regularly; keep it between 20% and 80% for daily use.
• If you notice the phone getting hot, remove any thick case and stop using heavy apps until it cools down.
• Back up your data regularly (to Google Drive, OnePlus Cloud, or a computer) so a future boot loop does not cost you your photos and files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my OnePlus 5 keep restarting after the OnePlus logo?

This is a classic boot loop, usually caused by a corrupted system file or a failed update. Try clearing the cache partition first, then a factory reset. If the loop persists, the battery or motherboard is likely failing.

Will a factory reset delete my photos?

Yes, a factory reset wipes all data on the internal storage, including photos, messages, and app data. Back up everything you want to keep before doing a reset. If you cannot boot the phone to back up, you may be able to recover data via a computer if the phone is recognized in fastboot mode, but this is not guaranteed.

How do I enter Recovery Mode on the OnePlus 5?

Turn off the phone completely. Press and hold the power button and the volume down button simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Recovery Mode menu appears. Use the volume keys to navigate and the power button to select.

Is a swollen battery dangerous?

Yes. A swollen battery can rupture and catch fire. If you see the back cover bulging or the screen lifting, stop using the phone immediately and take it to a professional repair shop. Do not attempt to charge it or remove the battery yourself unless you are trained.

Can I update the OnePlus 5 to a newer Android version to fix reboots?

Officially, the OnePlus 5 is stuck on Android 10. You can install a custom ROM like LineageOS to get a newer Android version, but this requires unlocking the bootloader, which wipes the phone and voids any remaining warranty. Custom ROMs can improve stability, but they also carry risks if not installed correctly.

How much does it cost to replace the OnePlus 5 battery?

Battery replacement costs vary by location and service provider, but generally it is one of the cheaper repairs for this phone, often less than $50 for parts and labor. Always get a quote from a reputable shop before agreeing to the repair.

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