Moto G5 Keeps Restarting Itself

martindow

This is a 2nd Generation G5 running Android 8.1.  It has taken to restarting on its own sometimes when it is in use but also when it it not and I am alerted by the sounds it makes as it restarts.  Otherwise it seems to work normally.

Is there anything I can do about this or is the phone just telling me it wishes to die?

mongoose2009

how old is battery?

martindow

mongoose2009 said:

how old is battery?

It's the original battery so a few years old -  I'm not sure exactly when I bought it.  It seems to stay charged for a reasonably long time so it doesn't appear to be on its last legs.

[Deleted User]

A factory reset is likely to sort it out, having had similar issues with a G5 in the past.

SonOfPearl

It could be almost anything. Try removing any apps you don't use as it could be one of them causing the problem. Are you running out of storage space? Try deleting any saved files/pictures/videos that aren't needed. As a last resort you could reset your phone to factory settings and see if that fixes it.  But, yes it could just be that it's getting old and it might be a good time to buy a new phone! 

martindow

Thanks for the suggestions.  I think it could be lack of free storage space.  I've deleted a few apps to see if that makes a difference and will report back.  I very much appreciate your taking the time to make helpful suggestions.

martindow

I've removed some rarely used apps and cleared the downloads folder but the problem persists.  Storage is now down to 90% used - is this low enough to expect the phone to behave or should I be more brutal in removing apps?

martindow

UPDATE:  I spoke too soon, no sooner posted than it restarted itself again.  Any suggestions?

I had written this:

All seems well now.  I've taken off some more apps including Avast anti-virus which seems to have solved the problem - srorage is now down to 80%.  Is it OK to run without an anti-virus program?  If something is needed what would you recommend.

Browntoa

If you download direct from play store then there is absolutely no need for antivirus

martindow

Thanks.  I thought the anti-virus was the culprit but it seems not to be causing the problem.

SonOfPearl

Sorry to hear it's still playing up. Have you tried starting your phone in safe mode? You should be able to do this by tapping and holding the "power off" option when you switch off the phone (rather than just tapping it). This will then restart the phone in safe mode which disables all third party apps. If that fixes the problem then it's probably one of the third-party apps to blame. 

Alternatively, it could just be a loose or overheating battery. If it's an overheating battery then it should be noticeably and uncomfortably warm to hold.