Screen hung, how to force a shutdown?

[Awaw3915]

Galaxy A50
Two days ago my screen hung because I stupidly wiped the screen while the screen was on, so it registered too many actions at once. So it slowly cycled thru different apps over a 15min time period & then the screen hung. I could not shut it down.

I googled what to do & came up this website result: http://www.samsungsfour.com/tutoria...amsung-galaxy-smartphone-without-battery.html
* Instructions= press and hold the "Vol Down"+"Power" button at the same time for a minimum of 8 seconds or until it gets Shutdown/Switch Off.
* Well don't try this at home on your A50 because it erased all my data without it even asking for acknowledgment! I tried this button combo again since all data was gone just to confirm that I pressed Vol Down & not Vol Up. But it definitely erased all the data again.

QUESTIONS:
1) Is this the expected action of using those 2 buttons on an A50?
2) Or is my (Open Box device) defective or had been rooted & the button definitions changed?
3) Where is the best place to discover valid, reputable troubleshooting tips?

 

[ocnbrze]

1. no according to this article:https://thedroidguy.com/samsung-galaxy-a50-turned-off-by-itself-and-wont-turn-on-1105237 it is a way to simulate removing the battery to fully power off and reboot. so it should not have erased your data.

2. were you able to boot up? keep an eye on it. if it happens again, then yes something is wrong.

3.you have us here on AF. best forum on the net. you can always take it in to your carrier and see if they have a repair shop or something they can recommend.

 

[Awaw3915]

Thanks!!
I've since called Samsung directly (I forgot that they have great customer service hours & actually answer the phone.) They agreed that the phone has been rooted (the kernel # doesn't match the model A50) & the two keys function had been altered. So now I am in the process of seeing if I can get a replacement from the eBay seller. I've now been scared off from buying "open Box" cell phones because of this. I fear that I'm going to have to shop for a new phone that is available as "new" and unlocked and in the mid-range price slot like the A50. Ugh... how time consuming...