The Motorola Moto Z is a phone like we've never seen before, but that doesn't mean it can't fall prey to issues we know all too well. Like any smartphone, the Moto Z can have software or hardware issues. Like any Android device, your smartphone is at your mercy. Adding apps outside of the Google Play Store can compromise it. Installing poorly designed apps can drain your battery. On rare occasions, you can do things that leave you with a frozen Moto Z.
You can end up with a frozen Moto Z for a number of reasons. Sometimes apps that we add to Android may stop working causing our handset to crash. Other times it's not even really something we've done. Facebook is notorious for releasing updates that can hurt battery life. Google's own app updates can affect the stability of the operating system.
Here's how to reset a frozen Moto Z. This tutorial also works for the Moto Z Droid, Verizon's exclusive variant of the device available only in the United States.
How to reset a frozen Moto Z and Moto Z Droid: Get your phone back to working order
The first thing you need to worry about when resetting a frozen Moto Z is getting the phone back to working condition in an emergency. While blocked, you are cut off from the world. You cannot receive phone calls. You will also not receive text messages or instant messages. This could leave you without crucial information.
On the Moto Z and Moto Z Droid, you'll need to force restart your phone.
Detach any Moto Mods you have connected to the back of your Moto Z. Style Mods are fine, but disconnect any add-ons that have their own battery.
Now press and hold the button on the right edge of your Moto Z until you feel the phone vibrate in your hands.
Leave your device on the table. In a minute or two you should see and hear the Hello Moto animation. After that, you should end up on your device's lock screen. Every time your Moto Z restarts instead of going to sleep, you'll need to provide your PIN again, even if you normally use the fingerprint scanner to unlock your device.
How to reset a frozen Moto Z and Moto Z Droid: prevent it from freezing again
Now that your phone is currently working, you first need to figure out what caused it to lock up. Otherwise, you'll have to keep doing it regularly, and it's not very convenient.
Take the time to review the apps you may have installed on your device over the past few days and weeks. If you can't remember what you added to your device, open the Google Play Store. There is a list there.
Go to the Play Store and press the button to the left of the Google search bar.
Now press .
In addition to providing you with a list of apps that need to be updated, this screen includes a list of recently updated apps. Use it to narrow down the list of apps that may be affecting your device. Uninstall the apps you suspect are causing the problem and wait a few days.
Of course, this all depends on whether an app is the real cause of your frequently freezing Moto Z.
How to reset a frozen Moto Z and Moto Z Droid : Reset
If you still end up with a frozen Moto Z after reviewing your recently updated apps, it's time to reset your device. This means deleting everything in there and starting over.
If you manage to boot the device successfully, go to the app.
Scroll down the list until you see . Make sure automatic backups are enabled.
Then press the . Connect your phone to a power adapter and let Android guide you through the reset process. If all goes well, your phone will be back to full working order and you will still have all your information.
If your device still won't restart, you'll need to initiate the process from outside Android. Connect your device to a power outlet, then press and hold the power button to turn it off.
With the device off, press and hold the button. Keep pressing it.
Now press the button while you hold .
Use the volume up and volume down keys to switch the phone to mode. Press the button to select it. Follow any other prompts your phone asks you.
Soon your frozen Moto Z or Moto Z Droid should be working, with no freezing or software issues.