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How to fix Samsung Galaxy A3 that is stuck in boot loop? [|Troubleshooting Guide]

ByHarjie Hisona November 3, 2019August 31, 2023 August 31, 2023

There have been prior reports about the Samsung Galaxy A3 that suddenly reboots by itself and then upon restarting it gets stuck on the Android or Samsung logo. Sometimes it gets stuck on the animation, then powers down and back on. Being in that same situation is definitely frustrating but it happens, and can occur to any device regardless of the operating system it is running on.

Yes, bootloop problem is affecting both Android and iOS devices too. Something in the system is not right and that prevents the device from booting up completely. In this post, we will focus on the dreaded bootloop problems in Android device, particularly the Galaxy A3. Keep reading to learn why it occurs and how to fix it.

Now, before we jump to our troubleshooting guide, if even you found this post because you were trying to find a solution to different issue, then I suggest you visit our Galaxy A3 troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most commonly reported issues with this device. Try to find a problem that’s similar with yours and use the solutions or workarounds we suggested. If they don’t work for you and if you need further assistance, then fill up our Android issues questionnaire and we will include your concern in our next posts.

What causes bootloop problem on your Galaxy A3?

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Bootloop is tagged among the toughest system problems transpiring in various types of Android devices. And tough as it deems, it often requires more advanced solutions in order to be fixed.

A problem on bootloop usually happens after an erratic rooting, firmware updating, flashing, or installing custom ROM on your device. Apparently, it indicates that something went wrong in the prior procedure and that has caused the system to crash or get corrupted. As a result, the device is no longer able to boot normally and gets stuck on the Samsung or Android logo for an indefinite period of time. It is also unable to access the Home menu.

Aside from system processes, malware (malicious software) can also trigger a similar issue to occur on your device. This usually transpires when you download a particular file or third-party app, which contain some malware. When that file or app is installed, the malware infiltrates and eventually disrupts the normal system operation, which in this case is on booting up. Your device couldn’t complete its normal booting routine because the malware messed up with the system. Unless the malware is eradicated, the device will remain stuck in bootloop. The same thing can happen when installing a faulty update to an application or even Android itself. Software updates can also contain bugs, inflicting post-update issues to manifest. Unsuccessful rooting or installation of custom ROMs is also among the factors that can cause a device to get stuck or bricked. So instead of getting benefits, you ended up having a seemingly useless smartphone. So how are you going to fix it? Read on to find out your options.

Recommended solutions to bootloop problem on Samsung Galaxy A3

If you look into the possible causes, you would be able to determine that the underlying cause is on the software. Thus, your options for fixing also involve manipulating of your Galaxy A3’s system structure. Explicated below are recommended solutions to bootloop issues transpiring in the Galaxy A3, including unrooted devices. Here are the recommended fixes for unrooted Samsung Galaxy A3 that gets stuck on bootloop:

Before you do the following, try to force your device to restart. It’s worth a try especially if this is the first onset of the bootloop symptom. If you’ve tried it already but to no avail, then you may go ahead and take your chances with the following procedures.

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Remove and re-insert the battery

Removing the battery from your Galaxy A3 actually involves removing of the rear glass cover and the mid frame, and disassembling your phone. If you think you can’t do it, then better have it done by a technician. But if you can and that you are willing to take the risks, then here’s how to remove the battery on your Samsung Galaxy A3. Consider doing this if your device is no longer covered by warranty, otherwise it will become void.

Discharge the battery (below 25%), for safekeeping. There is a tendency for the battery to catch fire and/or explode if punctured accidentally. Discharging the battery below 25 per cent can prevent that from happening. Once the battery is discharged, proceed to the next step.
Power off your phone.
Use a preferred heating tool to heat up and soften the glue behind the back cover.
Lift the bottom part of the back cover using a suction handle then insert an opening pick.
Gently slide the opening pick towards the rear camera. Doing so separates the back cover from the frame.
Now, insert a second opening pick then move it around the other corner at the bottom part of the back cover.
Then move the second pick along the side of the back cover. Doing so will loosen the adhesive.
Move around the upper left corner to loosen the adhesive above the rear camera.
Once all the edges and sides of the back cover are loose, use your heating tool to loosen the adhesive underneath the center of it.
Insert a plastic card at the bottom part, and then slide it underneath the back cover.
Gently separate the glue until you reach the rear camera. Once it’s separated, slowly lift up the back cover and then remove it.
With the back cover removed, take the SIM card tray out from the slot.
Remove the 16 Phillips #00 screws on the midframe.
Now, loosen the adhesive around the mid frame with your heating tool.
Gently push the exposed part of the battery away from the mid-frame. Doing so separates the components.
Remove the midframe then.
Insert your opening pick between the frame and the battery then slide along the battery to separate the adhesive. Be careful not to go deep to prevent causing damage to the display underneath.
Then take the battery off.

To re-insert the battery, follow the same procedure but start from the bottom.
Enter Stock Recovery Mode then Wipe data/factory reset

Device issues like bootloops usually require a total reset on the system as remedy. That being said, your next option is a master reset not through the Settings menu but through stock recovery mode. Here’s how it’s done:

Press and hold the Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons simultaneously for a few seconds until the Android Recovery menu screen appears.
Use the Volume Up or Volume Down keys to navigate and switch between different options then press the Power button to make a selection.
Press the Volume key to highlight Wipe data/Factory Reset option then press the Power button to confirm.
Go back to the main menu then press the Volume key to highlight Wipe Cache Partition.
Press the Power button to confirm selection.
Now, go back to the main Recovery Menu then select the Reboot System Now option. Your device will then reboot.

Try to see if that will save your Galaxy A3 from being stuck on bootloop afterwards.

Fixing bootloop problem on a rooted Galaxy A3

Rooting in Android is equivalent to jailbreaking in iOS devices. Doing so removes restrictions and unlocks more new features and services on the phone, granting you full access to your Android device’s system. However rooting also involves hacking your device and risks of breaking it besides voiding warranties. So if something goes wrong in the rooting process, you are most likely to suffer the circumstances like bootloop problems or worst, a bricked phone. Boot loop problem can also occur when flashing custom ROMS and you failed to wipe your device after updating the firmware.

If your Galaxy A3 is rooted, you can try to fix the bootloop problem with the following methods:

Remove the battery, or keep your device turned off for about 5 minutes

If you would prefer removing of the battery, refer to the above procedures.

Reboot your device into Custom Recovery Mode

Since what have is a rooted device, you will need to enter Custom Recovery menu and do the cache wiping and system reset. Here’s how it’s exactly done:

Press and hold the Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons simultaneously for a few seconds until the Custom Recovery menu screen appears.
Use the Volume keys in order to navigate through the recovery menu.
Select Advanced and choose the option to Wipe Dalvik Cache.
Return to main menu.
Then select Wipe data/factory reset.
Return to the previous screen and this time choose Wipe cache partition.
Go back to the main menu then select Reboot system now.

Your device should start in Android OS now. Then try to see if that fixes the bootloop problem on your Galaxy A3. If the problem persists, consider other options below.

Seek more help if none of the prior methods is able to fix the problem and your Galaxy A3 remains stuck on bootloop after doing everything. In this case, you may need to contact your carrier’s technical support team or Samsung support and ask further assistance in troubleshooting. Most likely these people have a dedicated software for fixing complex system issues including infinite reboots or bootloops.

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