‘Downloading… Do Not Turn Off Target’ Error in Android

Downloading… Do Not Turn Off Target is the error that is mainly faced by Samsung or Nexus device users. Many users report that their device unexpectedly reboots. Then, a black screen appears displaying this error message.

Android Downloading Do not turn off target error only occurs in Download mode. Download mode is also called Odin mode. It is used by Samsung to flash its devices. Also, it introduces new and custom ROMs and firmware.

Downloading Do not turn off target Error in Android

There are many reasons behind this error. Many times while entering into Recovery Mode, users mix button combinations. So instead of Recovery mode, they enter into Download Mode. So the “Downloading… Do Not Turn Off Target” message is displayed.

Another reason for this problem is software conflict. Usually, this conflict is resolved without so many efforts. Also, if your device’s sensitive files are mixed up badly, then even this problem may exist. Corrupted internal partitions or missing data in the EFS folder also contribute towards this issue.

If you’ve ever encountered the “Downloading… Do Not Turn Off Target” error message on your Android device, you probably know the unease it can bring. This message typically appears on a black screen and can seem confusing.

In this article, we’ll explore what this message means, the common causes behind it, how to stop it, and whether your device can download while in sleep mode.

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

This message usually appears when your Android device is in ‘Download Mode.’ This mode is a sub-system of your device that allows you to flash firmware or custom ROMs, amongst other tasks. Although this is a standard feature for maintenance and update purposes, you don’t usually enter this mode unless you intend to.

Causes of “Downloading… Do Not Turn Off Target” Error on Android

Here are some common reasons why this error might appear:

  1. Accidental Boot into Download Mode: Sometimes, a wrong combination of hardware keys during device startup can trigger this mode.
  2. System Glitch: Software glitches can randomly boot your device into Download Mode.
  3. Unsuccessful Software Update: If an OTA update fails or is interrupted, it might send your device into Download Mode.
  4. Failed Rooting Process: While trying to root your device, if something goes wrong, the device might display this message.

How to solve Downloading Don’t turn off target on Android Device

If you are struggling with Downloading Do not turn off target error, here are some of the fixes for you.

Solution 1: Forcing a Clean Restart

To resolve Downloading… Do Not Turn Off Target error, and you can also try to restart your device. Apply the following procedure to do so:

Step 1: Firstly, hold the Power button and wait until the device turns off.

Step 2: Next, remove the battery from your device.

Step 3: Also remove the SIM card and SD card if present in the device.

Step 4: Press and hold the Power button for some seconds. This will result into discharging all the electricity from capacitors and all components.

Step 5: Now, switch on your device. Check if your device boots normally.

Solution 2: Exiting Download Mode (Samsung Only)

This method is primarily for Samsung downloading do not turn off target. If you have entered in download mode by mistake, then apply this method. This method works well for Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S10 and Samsung Note 4, 5, 6 & etc. devices.

Here are the steps to exit from download mode:

Step 1: You need to present on Downloading… Do Not Turn Off Targetscreen.

Step 2: Now, press and hold the Power button+ Home button+ Volume Down button together.

Step 3: Release them once the screen turns black.

Step 4: If the device reboots automatically, then you need to press the Power button.

If you fail to reboot the device, then try the next methods.

Solution 3: Wiping the Cache Partition

If the above method fails to resolve the Downloading Do not turn off target error, then try this one. Maybe your phone is suffering from a software glitch. So to resolve the issue, you can remove the cache. Follow the given steps for this:

Step 1: Power off your device by holding the Power button. If this method doesn’t work, remove the battery from your device.

Step 2: Now, press Volume Up key + Home button + Power button together and hold them.

Step 3: Device starts vibrating, and the Android system recovery screen is displayed. After this, release all the buttons.

Step 4: Now, hold the Volume Down key to move downwards. Highlight the “wipe cache partition” option.

Step 5: Now, press the Power button to select this option.

Step 6: Wait until the process finishes. Now use the Volume keys to select Reboot System Now option.

Step 7: Press the Power button to switch on your device. Check if the error still persists or not.

Solution 4: Performing a Master Reset

If the above methods fail, then you can perform a master reset. This method results in losing your data. So, always take back up before applying this solution. Follow the steps given below:

Make a backup in Safe Mode:

Rebooting your device in Safe Mode helps to solve the issue. If the Safe Mode is working correctly, then it means the error is due to software conflict. In that case, apply the following steps:

Step 1: Turn off your device.

Step 2: If the device is not responding, hold the Power button or remove the battery.

Step 3: After that, press the Power key to power your phone.

Step 4: Initial screen will appear. Now, release the Power button and hold down the Volume Down key.

Step 5: Keep on holding the button until the device restarts.

Step 6: When you see the Safe Mode icon, then release the Volume Down key.

Step 7: If your phone successfully boots up, go to the Settings option.

Step 8: After that, click on the Advanced Settings and then on Backup & reset option. Now, tap on Back up my data option.

Step 9: After the backup process finishes, turn off your device.

Perform a Master Reset (Factory Reset):

Here are the steps for performing the factory reset:

Step 1: First of all, turn off your device.

Step 2: After that, press and hold Volume Up key + Power key + Home button simultaneously.

Step 3: Once the initial android screen appears, release the Power button.

Step 4: Once the Android recovery menu appears, release other two keys as well.

Step 5: With the help of Volume down key, navigate downwards. Now, highlight wipe data/factory reset option.

Step 6: Press the Power button to select this option. Use the Volume Down key to highlight “Yes-delete all user data” option.

Step 7: Press the Power button to start the factory reset. This process may take 15 minutes or less, depending on your storage space.

Step 8: After the process finishes, restart your device again.

Now check if the “Downloading… Do Not Turn Off Target” error resolves or not.

How Do I Stop “Downloading… Do Not Turn Off Target”?

If you encounter this issue, the first rule is not to panic. Here are steps you can take to resolve this issue:

  1. Force Restart: Hold down the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously for about 7 to 10 seconds. This usually reboots the device and exits Download Mode.
  2. Battery Removal: If your device has a removable battery, taking the battery out for a few seconds can also force a reboot.
  3. Factory Reset: If the above methods fail, performing a factory reset might be your last resort. Be warned, this will erase all data on your device.
  4. Consult Professionals: If you can’t resolve the issue yourself, consider seeking professional help, especially if your device is under warranty.

Does Downloading Still Work in Sleep Mode?

Downloading system updates or other data generally works even when your device is in sleep mode, unless there are settings or battery-saving features that restrict background data. However, in Download Mode (Do Not Turn Off Target state), your device is not in a standard operational state, so it won’t download in the way it normally does in sleep mode.

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Conclusion

Downloading… Do Not Turn Off Target error is faced by many users. Do not panic if you get this error message. Luckily, there are many fixes to resolve this error as well. Here, we have discussed 4 methods to solve this problem.

Apply all the steps carefully to get the best results to solve Downloading Do not turn off target problem. If these methods do not work for you, then take the help of an expert.

The “Downloading… Do Not Turn Off Target” message is generally more of a warning than an error. While it may seem alarming, it often has a simple fix. Knowing what causes this state can help you avoid it in the future and understanding how to safely exit Download Mode can save you a lot of stress. Always remember that if you’re stuck, professional help is a viable option.