5 Fixes For “Downloading Do Not Turn Off Target”- 2023 Guide

The “Downloading do not turn off target” problem is mainly seen on Samsung and Nexus devices. Well, to understand and fix the problem you have to know about the Odin software. However, you can resolve this problem by escaping the downloading mode, wiping the cache partition, or performing a clean restart on your device. Also, read this entire article for more solutions in detail.

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What Does “Downloading Do Not Turn Off Target” Mean?

As said that this error mostly occurs in Samsung and Nexus devices while it is in download mode. Samsung devices come with a unique way of flashing ROMs i.e Odin. The Odin software flashes new ROMs or updates the firmware in its devices.

But recently many users are complaining about getting their phones stuck on a black screen with a message saying “Downloading do not turn off target”. The problem initially looks serious as it left your device stuck in a blank black screen and you are not able to use it. However, with this article, the error won’t be any difficult for you.

What Causes The “Downloading Do Not Turn Off Target” Error?

The error can be caused due to quite a few reasons actually. Let’s look at them.

  • Software glitch.
  • Corrupt internal partition.
  • Missing data on EFS folder.
  • Any tampering with device’s software.
  • Pressing incorrect key combinations.

How To Fix “Downloading Do Not Turn Off Target” Error?

Solution 1: Exit Download Mode

Well, it doesn’t get any easier than that. Simply exit the download mode. However, this solution is exclusively for Samsung users.

If you got into the download mode by mistake and are getting the ‘downloading do not turn off target’ message, then this method should work like a charm for you:

downloading do not turn off target

  • Press and hold the Power button +Home button + volume down button simultaneously.
  • Hold the buttons until the screen becomes black.
  • Wait for the device to reboot. However, wait for some time, and if it doesn’t boot automatically then reboot it yourself using the power button.

This will restart your phone and you will be able to use it normally.

Solution 2: Forced Clean Restart

In most cases, your device’s internal problems or software glitches can also cause such problems. Therefore, here we suggest you perform a clean restart on your device or use our professional Android Repair Tool to solve any Android-related issues.

 

This tool is effective and can fix any Android errors and issues such as being Stuck on boot loop, Black screen of death, Apps keep crashing, and several others. Moreover, this powerful tool works on almost every model of Samsung phone such as Galaxy S9, S8, S7, Galaxy Note 8, Note 7, and others.

 

You just need to download the software and follow the user guide to use it.


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Note: It is recommended to download and use the software on your PC or laptop only.


Follow the below steps carefully to perform a clean restart:

  • Press and hold your phone’s power button till it turns off.
  • If the power button doesn’t work then you have 2 options:
  1. In case, your phone has a removable battery, remove the battery.
  2. But if your phone has a non-removable battery then you’ll have to simulate a battery disconnection by pressing and holding together the Power button + Volume Down button till the phone screen goes off.
  • Remove any SIM card or SD card that you might have.
  • To discharge any remaining power in the device press and hold the power button for more than 15 seconds.

Connect the battery and reboot your device to check if the device works fine.

Solution 3: Wipe Out the Cache Partition

If the “Downloading do not turn off target” error came up after a recent firmware or a system update then the cause might be a bad re-flash or a firmware glitch.

In that case, wiping out the Cache partition can come in handy. To do so just follow the steps:

  • Turn off your device. If the phone doesn’t turn off by holding the power button then remove the battery from the device if possible. Otherwise, simulate a battery disconnection by holding the volume down button and the power button together till the phone screen goes off.
  • Press and Hold Volume Up key + Home button + Power button together.
  • Hold the buttons until your device vibrates and the android recovery screen appears.

android recovery mode

  • Use your volume down button to select the wipe cache partition option.

wipe cache partition

  • Then press the power button twice to select and confirm the option.
  • Wait for the process to complete.
  • Once the process has finished select reboot system now using your volume buttons and press the power button to reboot your device.

This method should solve any cache partition corruption and in turn, solve the Downloading do not turn off target problem.

Solution 4: Perform a Factory Reset

This is kind of a last resort before taking the phone to a service center or a certified technician. The factory reset will definitely clear the internal memory of your smartphone.

So in order to save yourself from any data loss, I will suggest you boot up in a safe mode and back up your important data. Follow the steps:

  1. Turn off your device. If the phone doesn’t turn off by holding the power button then remove the battery from the device if possible. Otherwise, simulate a battery disconnection by holding the volume down button and the power button together till the phone screen goes off.
  2. Now long-press the power button to turn on the device.
  3. As soon as the screen lights up release the power button and hold the volume down button until the device restarts completely in safe mode.(safe mode will be written in the left bottom corner of your home screen)android safe mode
  4. After the phone boots up in safe mode navigate to settings and select advanced settings.
  5. Then go to the backup and reset option.
  6. And in there press backup now.backup my data
  7. When the process is over, turn off the device and follow the factory reset method mentioned ahead in this article.

However, sometimes when the phone is stuck in downloading do not turn off target screen it won’t boot up in safe mode, hence it is advised to use the Android Backup & Restore tool to back up your important data saved on the Android device.

To start with the factory reset, follow these steps:

  • Switch the phone off.
  • Long press the Volume Up button + Home button + Power button simultaneously.
  • As soon as the phone vibrates and the screen lights up, release the power button but keep holding the other two until you see the android recovery mode screen.
  • Go to the wipe data/factory reset option using the volume buttons.
  • Now tap the power button once to select the option and then use the volume buttons to select Yes – delete all user data option and press the power button again.
  • Wait for the process to finish. Be patient it may take some time.
  • Now restart your phone and check if the Downloading do not turn off target problem solved.

Solution 5: Visit Service Centre

If none of the above solutions helped you fix the problem, visit your nearest service center to get help directly from trained professionals. They will examine your device physically and will provide you with the best assistance.

Recommended: To Recover Your Lost Data Use Android Data Recovery Tool.

If during the factory reset or repair work you lost the data stored in the internal memory of your smartphone you can always recover the data.

There are always two ways to recover any data from devices, manual and automatic. Manual methods don’t ensure data recovery, whereas if you will go with the right tool, it will definitely recover 100% of your lost and deleted data.

Here, I will suggest you use the Android Data Recovery tool. Using this tool, you can recover all kinds of data, such as contacts, messages, music, videos, photos, files, and much more.  This tool works on almost all Android devices.

Not just this, but it can also recover data from dead phones and broken screen phones. So, if you want instant recovery without much hassle, then you should go with this option.


btn_imgfree-download-winbtn_imgfree-download-mac

Note: It is recommended to download and use the software on your PC or laptop. It is because recovery of phone data on the phone itself is risky as you may end up losing all your data because of data overriding.


Conclusion:

All these methods are tried and trusted to solve the downloading do not turn off target issue in android devices.

I hope, you found this article helpful. If you find any related queries or doubts, do comment us on our official Twitter or Facebook page.