🔌 How to Turn Off the R36S Handheld Console Safely – Complete Guide
So, you’ve just finished a marathon retro gaming session on your R36S handheld console and you’re wondering how to turn it off properly?
Don’t worry — you’re not alone! Many new R36S users search for “how to turn off R36S” because the power menu isn’t always obvious at first glance.
This quick guide will walk you through the right way to power down your device, plus a few tips to avoid system errors or data loss.
🕹️ Step 1: Use the Power Button (Standard Method)
-Locate the Power Button on the top or side of your R36S.
-Press and hold the button for 2–3 seconds until the shutdown menu appears.
-On the screen, select “Power Off” using the D-pad or joystick.
-Press the A button to confirm.
Your R36S handheld will now safely shut down all processes before turning off completely.
This ensures that your save files and emulator data are not corrupted.
⚠️ Tip: Don’t just tap the power button — holding it for 2–3 seconds triggers the shutdown menu properly.
⚙️ Step 2: Use the Software Shutdown (if menu is accessible)
If you’re already inside a game or emulator:
-Press the Menu button (often the “Function” or “Start + Select” combo).
-Navigate to the main RetroArch menu or ArkOS/JELOS main screen (depending on your firmware).
-Choose Power → Shutdown or Quit → Power Off System.
This is the safest method when your device is running multiple background processes.
It properly closes emulators, saves configurations, and prevents “black screen” bugs at the next startup.
🧊 Step 3: Forced Shutdown (if the R36S Freezes)
Sometimes the R36S may freeze or become unresponsive — especially when switching emulators or using unstable ROMs.
In that case:
Press and hold the power button for 10–12 seconds until the screen turns off.
Wait another 5 seconds before turning it back on.
⚠️ Warning: Forced shutdown should only be used when absolutely necessary, as it skips the normal save process.
If your console freezes frequently, consider updating your firmware to the latest version of ArkOS, JELOS, or Batocera — newer builds often fix these bugs.
🔋 Step 4: Save Battery by Using Sleep Mode
If you just want to pause without turning off:
-Press the Power button once (quick tap).
-The screen will turn off, putting the R36S into Sleep Mode.
-Press any button again to wake it instantly.
This is perfect when you want to save battery but resume the game later without rebooting.
🛠️ Troubleshooting – R36S Won’t Turn Off or On?
Here are quick fixes if your R36S doesn’t respond:
1️⃣ Stuck on boot logo?
Hold the Power button for 15 seconds, then recharge and restart.
2️⃣ Screen black but LED on?
Wait 5–10 minutes — the system might be updating firmware in the background.
3️⃣ Battery drained completely?
Charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting to power on again.
🧠 Pro Tip: Keep Your Firmware Updated
Outdated firmware versions sometimes cause shutdown menu bugs or freezing loops.
Check your R36S’s “System Info” section or visit your firmware community (ArkOS / JELOS GitHub) for the latest stable release.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Turning off the R36S handheld safely ensures your save files, SD card data, and emulator settings stay intact.
Just remember:
Short press = Sleep Mode
Hold 2–3 seconds = Safe Shutdown
Hold 10 seconds = Force Power Off
Once you get used to it, managing power on your R36S becomes second nature — just like switching cartridges back in the good old days of retro gaming.