BenchReady — Safe mode: repeatable app-related symptom
Standard Pixel 7 (2022), stock Android · 2.0.0
Compare one freezing, crashing or restarting symptom with downloaded apps temporarily disabled.

MODEL FIT
Open Settings → About phone and confirm Pixel 7. Check Android version and security update locally. Pixel 7a and Pixel 7 Pro are separate models.
Android 14 December 2023 update or later for Repair Mode. Other checks: stock Android with the named settings available.
Excluded: Pixel 7a; Pixel 7 Pro; Pixel 6; custom Android ROM

PREPARATION
[ ] Stock Android; screen and buttons usable
[ ] Important accessible work saved
[ ] Symptom can be observed in a built-in function
[ ] Private reminder of home-screen widget layout if needed
[ ] Keep any existing backup accessible to you.
[ ] Keep credentials and personal files outside this record.

GUIDE
1. Choose one repeatable symptom in normal mode. Keep workload and network conditions in the record; a downloaded app unavailable in safe mode cannot be used as the same test.
Sources: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2852139?hl=en; Problem apps: restarting, freezing, crashing, slow operation
2. Save work and note widget layout privately: some home-screen widgets can be removed by safe mode.
Sources: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2852139?hl=en; Restart in safe mode: widget warning
3. On Pixel 7, hold Power + Volume up for the menu. Touch and hold Power off or Restart, then confirm OK.
Sources: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2852139?hl=en; If phone is on: Pixel 6 and later
4. Verify Safe mode appears at the bottom of the screen. Airplane mode turns on automatically; turn it off when the chosen permitted comparison needs connectivity.
Sources: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2852139?hl=en; Safe mode label; Airplane mode tip
5. Repeat the same built-in action. A changed result is a downloaded-app lead, while a short quiet period without the original trigger is inconclusive.
Sources: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2852139?hl=en; Check if the problem goes away
6. Use Power + Volume up → Restart to return to normal mode and compare again. Discuss any app removal separately after protecting its data.
Sources: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2852139?hl=en; Exit safe mode; check apps

EVIDENCE TO RECORD
Symptom to compare: Not recorded
Safe mode label: Not recorded
Connectivity during comparison: Not recorded
Return to normal mode: Not recorded
Normal mode baseline — Same built-in action; symptom observable: Not checked
Safe mode — Label visible; workload/connectivity matched: Not checked
Normal mode after exit — Restart completed; repeat the same action: Not checked

STOP CONDITIONS
Stop using and charging equipment with swelling, casing separation, smoke, a burning smell or suspected battery damage. Do not open or press on it.
Set damaged accessories aside. Do not open mains adapters or force connectors.
Do not erase, reset, flash firmware or bypass a lock as a default diagnostic step.

OUTCOMES
Comparison recorded: Save safe-mode and normal-mode results, then leave safe mode. A downloaded app may be involved; this record does not select an app to remove.
- Repeatable built-in action and normal-mode baseline
- Safe mode label and connectivity setting
- Safe-mode result and confirmed normal-mode return
Complete the missing preparation: Confirm the Safe mode label and matching connectivity before interpreting the comparison.
- Use the Pixel 6-and-later menu sequence and check the visible mode label.
- Repeatable built-in action and normal-mode baseline
- Safe mode label and connectivity setting
- Safe-mode result and confirmed normal-mode return
Discuss the recorded result with support: Give Google the matched normal/safe results, including restart or freeze behavior that persisted.
- Repeatable built-in action and normal-mode baseline
- Safe mode label and connectivity setting
- Safe-mode result and confirmed normal-mode return
Keep the unknowns in your handoff: Safe-mode entry or comparable conditions were not confirmed; absence of a symptom is not a completed comparison.
- Tell support whether entry, connectivity or the original trigger prevented a matched test.
- Repeatable built-in action and normal-mode baseline
- Safe mode label and connectivity setting
- Safe-mode result and confirmed normal-mode return
Stop powered checks: Stop using or charging damaged equipment. Do not open or press on the phone or handle hot or smoking equipment. Contact Google or an authorized provider; use local emergency help for immediate fire danger.
- Report physical damage or temperature danger instead of continuing software comparisons.
- Repeatable built-in action and normal-mode baseline
- Safe mode label and connectivity setting
- Safe-mode result and confirmed normal-mode return

SOURCES
Find problem apps with safe mode: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2852139?hl=en (Restart in safe mode; Check problem; Exit; checked 2026-10-13)
Turn your Pixel phone on and off: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7374159?hl=en (Pixel 6 and later; Restart; checked 2026-10-13)
Pixel 7 safety and regulatory guide: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/12164747?hl=en (Safety warnings; Repair and service; Charging; checked 2026-10-13)
Use Pixel Repair Mode: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/14266732?hl=en (Learn how it works; Access; Exit; checked 2026-10-13)

This is a blank guide. Use the website to save observations and export an importable record. No physical repair has been verified.