What does no command mean on a phone

Are you stuck on the No Command Error? Simple tricks like force-restarting and removing your phone's battery (if applicable) can help.

I've faced the recovery mode issue a few times and have been able to get rid of it by force-rebooting. But a friend wasn't this lucky. The error message didn't go away no matter what he did, so he asked me to fix his phone.

I've run through the tricks that helped below. Read ahead.

  • How to Fix No Command Error in Android Phones?
  • Solution 1: Force Reboot System (Hard Reset)
  • Solution 2: Remove Your Battery
  • Solution 3: Android Recovery Tools
  • DroidKit
  • Android Repair
  • Solution 4: Update Android Operating System
  • Solution 5: Wipe Cache Partition
  • Solution 6: Factory Reset Phone
  • Solution 7: Flash Your ROM
  • FAQ
  • Why Does Recovery Mode Say No Command?
  • Why is My Android Mobile Stuck On Boot Screen?
  • Final Thoughts

How to Fix No Command Error in Android Phones?

There are many fixes:

Solution 1: Force Reboot System (Hard Reset)

A force restart is the easiest way to deal with the issue. This would shut down everything that’s running to try and exit recovery mode. 

You're probably aware that Androids come in multiple OEMs. So, the force restart process can differ. 

I've run through what to do, depending on your manufacturer.

Click the following key combinations on Samsung Phones:

  • Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time
  • Keep holding the two until your Android phone restarts

Google Pixel:

  • Hold the Power key for around 30 seconds
  • Release it when your handset restarts

LG:

  • Press the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously
  • Release the two when your device reboots

HTC:

  • Simultaneously hold the Volume Down and Power buttons
  • Let go of them when your phone starts up

Solution 2: Remove Your Battery

Try removing your phone battery. Yes, I know that this fix isn’t applicable to all phones. Newer Android phones don't come with removable backs. However, if you’re one of the few that own such a device, this trick can help. 

Simply remove your battery, wait a few seconds, and then reinsert it. You should be good to go now.

What does no command mean on a phone

Solution 3: Android Recovery Tools

Give an Android recovery tool a try. It would force you out of recovery mode by wiping your system. This troubleshooting method kills two birds with one stone - it will also wipe whatever caused you to get stuck on the command screen. 

There are many recovery tools on the market. So, how do you know which to use? I've recommended two that I've tried and tested below:

DroidKit

DroidKit has to be my favorite recovery tool. It's easy to use and is also free.

Although it will wipe your system, it won't result in any data loss.

Here's what you do to fix Android no command error screen:

  • Go to the DroidKit website
  • Click on the Download button on the mainpage
  • Connect your Android Phone to your computer's USB port
  • Launch the recovery tool
  • Click on the Fix System Issues section (on the software homepage)
  • Tap on the Start button
  • Click Download Now
  • A firmware package will be installed. Wait for this to complete
  • Click Fix Now
  • You will see a logo on the screen when  the repair process is complete

Reboot your phone. Hopefully, it will be up and running again. 

Android Repair

Second, up, is the Android Repair Tool. I know, its name isn't the most interesting. But it still gets the job done. And yes, it’s free. 

Here's how you use it: 

  • Go to the Android Repair Tool website and download the software
  • Plug your handset to your computer's USB port 
  • Click on the Repair button on the main page
  • Enter your correct device details
  • Tap on Next to confirm
  • Type the 0000000 code into the screen
  • Click on confirm

Solution 4: Update Android Operating System

Manually updating your OS might help. The new firmware might not only get you out of the command screen, but it might also clear whatever caused you to get stuck on it. 

Here's what you do:

  • Use the two Volume Buttons to move through the recovery menu
  • Use the Power button to select the Apply Update From Cache option 
  • Select the system update that pops up
  • Click on Apply Update From External Storage
  • Click on the Software File you just downloaded

Solution 5: Wipe Cache Partition

Are you still having trouble? Performing a cache partition may help. I've personally had luck with it when everything else I tried didn’t work. 

In case you're wondering, no, there won't be any data loss. Your phone's temporary memory would just be refreshed. 

Here's how you fix recovery mode issue:

  • Use the Volume keys to scroll down until you find the Wipe Cache Partition option
  • Select it using the Power button

Solution 6: Factory Reset Phone

Most people have factory reset before. They’ve done it to wipe their system and make it feel brand new. You can use this system wipe to get rid of your problem. 

Just remember that all your data will be erased. Proceed with caution, as you may not have backed up beforehand. You'll lose all your files and videos unless you use a third party tool.

Here's what you do:

  • Use the Volume keys to navigate the Recovery screen
  • Scroll down and click on the Wipe Data/Factory Reset option
  • Use the Power Button to select it
  • Click on the prompt that pops up
  • Click Restart System Now once your phone has been factory reset

Before I move on, I want to discuss how to recover any files you might have deleted. You may unfortunately not have made a backup beforehand. As mentioned, the only way to get your data back would be through third-party tools.

I’ve discussed how to use a personal favorite below: 

  • Go to the Android Data Recovery Software website
  • Download the program
  • Use an USB cable to connect your mobile phone to your PC/Mac's USB port
  • Launch the data recovery tool
  • Follow the instructions that pop up

Solution 7: Flash Your ROM

Lastly, give flashing your ROM a try.  I’ve recommended this last because it’s a little more complex than the others. 

You'll need special software on your phone to successfully flash it. If you've not downloaded it before you got stuck on the recovery screen, you won't be able to try this trick. These software are the CWM and TWRP custom recovery tools.

Here's what you do if you're good to go:

  • Download compatible ROM to your PC for either CWM or TWRP from the XDA website
  • Move the custom ROM file to your phone's internal storage or SD card
  • Select Install from the Android Recovery Mode screen
  • Click on the ROM you want to download

A more detailed guide can be found here

What does no command mean on a phone

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FAQ

Answered below are some popular questions.

Why Does Recovery Mode Say No Command?

There are many possible reasons:

  • Your phone may have glitched out while trying to enter recovery mode. A force restart should help. If not, you can try and take your device’s battery out. As you can imagine, this is not applicable to most users, as only older Android devices come with removable backs. 
  • A bug might be responsible, so install the latest firmware. You can do this directly through the recovery screen. Sometimes, the bug can be very stubborn. You’ll have to fix Android stuck in recovery mode by factory resetting or using special third party tools. I've run through some 2 great third party software in my article.

Why is My Android Mobile Stuck On Boot Screen?

This issue may seem serious, but it's usually due to your phone battery being low. Leave it to charge for around half an hour. Switch it on afterwards. Hopefully, your phone will work fine now. 

In turn, the issue could be due to your battery, but charging may not help. Your charging cable may be broken.Plug the cable into another smartphone to check if it’s working. If the device doesn't charge, you have your answer. You can buy a new cable for a couple of bucks online.

Alternatively, the problem can be due to an isolated glitch. Force reboot your device. I've discussed how you can do this in the first solution in my article. Now if the problem is due to a glitch, and a force restart doesn't help, this means that it’s very stubborn. You will have to factory reset.

You may be wondering how you’re supposed to factory reset when you're stuck on the boot screen. Use your hard keys to enter recovery mode. You’ll have to press a specific key combination to do this, which differs depending on your device and manufacturer.

Usually holding the Volume Up, Volume Down, and Power buttons, or Volume Up, Home, and  Power Buttons at the same time does the trick. You’ll then have to use the Volume and Power keys to maneuver through the screen and tap on the Factory Reset option.

Related Reading

  • 6 Easy Solutions To Android Is Starting Optimizing App Issue

Final Thoughts

Android devices stuck on the Command error may seem like a major problem to fix. However, it's not that bad at all. Simply force restarting, or selecting Update/Wipe Cache Partition from the recovery menu can help. My troubleshooting tricks will work no matter the mobile phone you own.

What do you do when your phone says no command?

To fix the annoying “No command” error on Android, use the Power button to restart your phone. Then boot into Recovery Mode, and wipe the cache partition to clear temporary OS and app files. If the issue persists, reset your device to factory settings.

What causes no command error?

Android “no command” error usually shows up when you try to access the recovery mode or while installing a new software update. In most cases, your phone is just waiting for a command to access recovery options.

Why is my infinix phone showing no command?

Android no command screen appears mostly due to inappropriate resetting of your android device. Another reason why you may encounter this error is if there is an issue with an application on your device. An interruption to the installation of the app store will cause this error to pop-up.

How do you reset a Nokia phone when its locked no command?

Turn off the phone and connect it to a PC or a charger..
Wait until the battery sign appears..
Hold the Power + Volume Up buttons until the phone vibrates..
Release the Power button, but keep holding Volume Up until an Android robot appears..