The most common cause is accidentally pressing the wrong button combination, like Volume Down + Power or Volume Down + Home, during startup or charging. Another frequent cause is a failed OTA update or issues with custom ROMs. Now that we know the causes, let’s move on to the solutions.
1. Exit Download Mode (Samsung Only)
To leave the “Downloading… Do not turn off target” state, exit Download Mode by pressing and holding the Power and Volume Down buttons for about 10 seconds. This will reboot the device without affecting data or the system, useful for accidental entry into Download Mode.
2. Force a Clean Restart
Forcing a clean restart cuts off power to the device, prompting it to reboot and exit states like Download Mode. This bypasses software hang-ups without complex troubleshooting.
3. Wipe the Cache Partition
Wiping the cache partition clears temporary files that may cause performance issues. This step removes outdated or corrupted data, allowing the system to generate new files and ensuring smoother operation without affecting personal data.
4. Perform a Master Reset
If other solutions don’t work, a master reset might help. This wipes the device, restoring factory settings and removing software glitches causing the “Downloading… Do not turn off target” error. Note that this erases all personal data, so back up important information first.
Making a Backup in Safe Mode
Performing a Master Reset (Factory Reset)
