How to Automatically Shutdown Your Android Smartphone (Rooted Device)

If you came here with the intention of finding out whether or not you can get your Android device to automatically shutdown, I don’t blame you. There’s a lot of conflicting information on the net about whether or not you can set your device to automatically turn off without root access.

The simple answer is; without a root, it will be extremely difficult to do so on most modern handsets.

There are so many apps on the store that promise to manage your power settings, but they inevitably end with a message that says that it’ll require a root.

For example, Shutdown Timer is a simple application that you can use to turn off your device at a given time or date, and it’s very easy to use. The one star reviews on the app are most likely from users who don’t have root access.

It could be worth looking into rooting your device if you seriously need this feature.

We have a number of rooting articles available,from the Galaxy S6 to the Motorola Nexus 6. Type your handset model and ‘root’ into the search bar in the top right corner to have a look.

If you’re not sure whether you want to root, here’s everything you need to know before rooting your Android phone.

When Your Device is Rooted

It’s relatively easy to setup automatic shutdowns if your device is rooted.

Download Shutdown Timer from the Play Store.

Find and open the app.

(You may have to click Allow for it to work the first time if a warning message pops up.)a

You can choose the time and date of the automatic shutdown from here.

Near the bottom of your screen, you can choose which Action you would like to perform by tapping the tab. (You can also set your phone to reboot or switch to flight mode at a specified time from this menu.)

Tap the Schedule button below to set the automatic shutdown timer.

Your device will now shut down when it gets to the specified time.

(The shutdown is abrupt, so make sure to keep an eye on the clock if you’re doing something important.)

If Shutdown Timer is a little too basic for you, there are a number of alternatives available on the Play Store that offer advanced options for users. Type “Shutdown” to find a list of apps that can do the job on a rooted device.

Conclusion

It’s a shame that you need root access for a feature like this, but it makes sense not to give apps the power to turn your device on and off by default. You can always use a scheduling app such as Phone Schedule to put your device on Airplane mode and turn off your Wi-Fi at a scheduled time if that helps.