What to Do If Your Phone Won’t Turn On
A phone that won’t turn on can be a stressful and frustrating experience. In today’s world, smartphones are essential tools for communication, managing daily tasks, entertainment, and even emergencies. When your phone refuses to power up, it can feel like losing a lifeline. But before you rush to replace it or panic, remember that many common causes of a phone not turning on are fixable. This guide will walk you through detailed troubleshooting steps, explain why your phone might not be turning on, and offer tips for prevention and next steps — all with clear, accessible instructions for both iPhone and Android users.
Understanding Why Your Phone Won’t Turn On
Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand some common reasons a phone might fail to start:
Completely drained battery: If the battery has been drained entirely, the phone won’t power on until it has charged for some time.
Software glitches: Sometimes, apps or the phone’s operating system can freeze or crash, making the device unresponsive.
Physical damage: Dropping your phone or water damage can cause internal hardware failure.
Faulty power button: If the button is stuck or broken, it might not register presses.
Charging issues: Broken or incompatible chargers, cables, or dirty ports can prevent the battery from charging.
Battery degradation: Batteries lose capacity over time, and an old or damaged battery might not hold enough charge to start the phone.
Knowing these common issues helps you better diagnose your phone’s problem and decide whether you can fix it at home or need professional help.
Step 1: Charge Your Phone Properly
Even if you think your phone has enough battery, the first step is always to plug it in and charge.
Use the original charger and cable that came with your phone, or a reputable certified replacement. Cheap or counterfeit chargers can cause problems or charge too slowly.
Connect to a wall outlet, not a USB port on a computer or car, as wall outlets usually provide more consistent power.
Let the phone charge uninterrupted for at least 15 to 30 minutes. Sometimes the battery is so drained that it takes time before any signs of life appear.
Look for signs of charging: a battery icon, a blinking LED light, or vibration. If none appear, try a different charger, cable, and outlet to rule out accessory issues.
For wireless charging phones, try placing the phone properly on the charging pad and ensure the charger is powered on.
Tip: Avoid using the phone while charging if it’s not turning on — this can slow charging and interfere with startup.
Step 2: Force Restart to Wake Up a Frozen Phone
Sometimes, the phone is powered on but frozen due to software glitches or app crashes. A forced restart (also called a hard reset) forces the device to reboot.
For iPhone users:
iPhone 8 or later (Face ID models):
Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake (Side) button until the Apple logo appears.iPhone 6s or earlier (with Home button):
Hold down the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button at the same time until the Apple logo shows.
For Android users:
Because Android devices come from many manufacturers, the exact method can vary. The most common forced restart is:
Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously for 10-15 seconds.
If that doesn’t work, try pressing Power + Volume Up instead.
Some brands may use different combinations, so consult your manual if these don’t work.
Forced restarts won’t erase your data but can fix frozen systems preventing the phone from turning on properly.
Step 3: Check for Physical Obstacles: Remove Cases and Inspect Hardware
Physical issues sometimes cause the phone not to turn on.
Remove your phone’s protective case. A tight or damaged case can press the power button continuously or interfere with charging.
Check the power button for being stuck or damaged. Press it several times to feel if it’s responsive.
Examine the charging port. Dust, lint, or debris inside the port can prevent charging. Use a soft brush, toothpick, or compressed air carefully to clean it out.
Look over your phone for signs of water damage or cracks. If your phone was recently dropped or exposed to moisture, internal parts could be damaged.
If you spot obvious damage or the power button feels stuck, professional repair might be necessary.
Step 4: Try Different Charging Methods
If your phone doesn’t show any signs of charging after step 1, consider alternative charging approaches:
Plug the charger into a different power outlet or try charging from a wall charger instead of a USB port.
Use a different cable and power adapter, preferably official or high-quality third-party accessories.
For phones with wireless charging, use a wireless charging pad if available, which bypasses the charging port.
Charge your phone while powered off to reduce power draw and increase charge speed.
Leave the phone connected to charge overnight to ensure enough time to build battery.
Sometimes charging issues mask themselves as a dead phone.
Step 5: Connect to a Computer and Use Recovery or Repair Tools
Connecting your phone to a computer allows you to use software tools to diagnose or fix issues.
For iPhones:
Connect your iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC with the latest version of iTunes installed.
Try a forced restart while connected (step 2).
If your computer detects the iPhone, it may prompt you to update or restore your device.
Choosing Update attempts to reinstall iOS without erasing data.
If Update fails, you may need to select Restore, which erases data but fixes deep software problems.
For Android:
Connect your phone to a PC via USB.
Some Android manufacturers offer PC software for phone repair or recovery (e.g., Samsung Smart Switch).
You may access Recovery Mode by pressing a specific button combination during boot (varies by manufacturer).
Recovery Mode allows you to clear caches, reset settings, or factory reset.
Proceed cautiously with restores or resets; back up important data when possible.
Step 6: Inspect Battery Health and Consider Replacement
Batteries degrade over time and lose the ability to hold charge. If your phone is several years old or shows rapid battery drain, it may no longer have enough power to start the phone.
Signs of battery failure include:
Phone shuts off unexpectedly even with charge remaining
Battery drains extremely quickly
Phone feels warm during charging
Swollen or misshapen phone case due to battery swelling
Replacing the battery can often bring an old phone back to life. Many manufacturers or authorized repair shops provide battery replacement services at a fraction of the cost of a new phone.
Step 7: Recognize When Hardware Repair is Needed
If your phone still won’t power on after all software and charging checks, it could have hardware damage:
Faulty power button
Broken charging port
Damaged motherboard or internal components
Water or liquid damage
Cracked or malfunctioning screen (sometimes the phone is on but the screen doesn’t display)
Professional diagnosis and repair may be necessary. Avoid attempting internal repairs unless you’re experienced, as it can cause further damage or void warranties.
Step 8: Prevent Future “Won’t Turn On” Issues
Taking care of your phone now can reduce future risks:
Charge regularly and avoid letting your battery drain completely
Use original or certified chargers and cables
Keep your phone dry and protect it from drops
Avoid installing untrusted apps that could cause crashes
Keep your phone’s software up to date (including system and apps)
Restart your phone periodically to clear temporary glitches
Use a sturdy case that protects buttons without sticking
Step 9: Back Up Your Data Regularly
One of the worst parts about a phone not turning on is the risk of losing your photos, contacts, and documents. Regular backups mean your data stays safe, even if the device fails.
iCloud (iPhone) and Google Drive (Android) offer automatic cloud backups.
Use computer backup software like iTunes or Samsung Smart Switch.
Regularly save important files and photos to an external hard drive or computer.
If your phone won’t turn on, backups make recovery much easier.
Step 10: When to Get Help from TechPals
If you’ve tried these steps and still can’t turn on your phone, or if you want help walking through these fixes carefully, TechPals is here.
Our trained experts provide patient, step-by-step support by phone, email, or chat. We can help:
Diagnose the problem
Walk you through safe troubleshooting
Advise if it’s time to repair or replace your device
Help back up your data
Answer any questions in plain language
Visit techpals.org or email help@techpals.org anytime. We’re ready to help you get back to using your phone confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I fix a phone that won’t turn on if the screen is black but the phone is actually on?
A: Yes. Sometimes the phone powers on but the display doesn’t work. You can try connecting to a computer to see if it’s recognized or get professional help to diagnose the screen.
Q: How long should I hold the buttons to force restart?
A: Hold the required button combination for at least 10 seconds, sometimes up to 30 seconds, until you see the logo or the phone vibrates.
Q: Will factory resetting my phone fix it if it won’t turn on?
A: Factory reset is only possible if the phone can power on and enter recovery mode. It erases all data, so use it only as a last resort.
Q: Is it safe to open my phone to try and fix the battery or charging port?
A: Opening your phone without experience can cause damage or void warranties. It’s best to have a professional repair it.
Q: Why does my phone freeze or become unresponsive before it won’t turn on?
A: Software glitches, low storage, or failing hardware can cause freezes that lead to shutdowns. Regular maintenance helps prevent this.
One important aspect often overlooked when troubleshooting a phone that won’t turn on is the role of software updates and system maintenance in preventing such issues. Many users don’t realize that keeping their phone’s operating system and apps updated not only provides new features but also plays a critical role in maintaining device stability and performance.
Why Software Updates Matter for Phone Health
Smartphones rely on complex software systems that coordinate hardware components, manage apps, and handle everything from touchscreen input to network connectivity. The operating system (iOS on iPhones, Android on most other devices) is the backbone of this software environment.
Manufacturers regularly release updates for their operating systems that include:
Bug fixes: These are corrections to problems discovered after the software was released, such as errors causing apps or the system to freeze or crash. If a bug affects the startup process, failing to install updates might eventually cause the phone to stop powering on properly.
Security patches: Cybersecurity threats evolve rapidly. Updates include patches that protect your device from malware or hacking attempts that could disable your phone or compromise your data.
Performance improvements: Updates can optimize how the software interacts with your hardware, improving battery life, speed, and stability.
Compatibility updates: New apps or app versions often require the latest OS features. Without updating, these apps might malfunction and cause system instability.
Ignoring these updates can increase the risk of your phone freezing, crashing, or failing to start altogether.
How to Check and Install Software Updates
On iPhone:
Open the Settings app.
Scroll down and tap General.
Tap Software Update.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery life before starting.
On Android:
Open the Settings app.
Scroll to System (or About Phone on some models).
Tap Software Update or System Update.
Follow the prompts to download and install updates.
Connect to Wi-Fi and plug in your phone during the update to avoid interruptions.
Maintaining Your Phone’s Software Health
Besides installing updates promptly, it’s good practice to:
Restart your phone regularly. Restarting clears temporary files and closes apps that might be using excess resources, reducing crashes.
Manage your storage space. When storage is nearly full, your phone can slow down or behave erratically. Delete unused apps, old photos, or transfer files to cloud storage or a computer.
Limit background app activity. Some apps run constantly in the background, consuming memory and battery. Adjust settings to restrict unnecessary background processes.
Avoid beta or unofficial software. While beta software can offer new features early, it can also be unstable and cause startup problems.
Software Issues That Can Cause Startup Problems
Some software problems can prevent your phone from turning on or cause it to get stuck on the boot screen. These include:
Corrupted system files due to interrupted updates or failed app installations.
Malware infections from untrusted apps or suspicious downloads.
App conflicts when apps compete for resources or contain bugs.
Overheating, which can trigger automatic shutdowns or prevent startup until the device cools down.
How TechPals Can Help with Software Troubleshooting
If your phone won’t turn on and you suspect a software issue, TechPals experts can help you:
Safely attempt to start the phone in recovery mode or safe mode to diagnose problems.
Walk you through factory reset steps if necessary, including backing up your data first.
Assist with installing software updates and managing app settings to avoid future crashes.
Explain technical terms in simple language so you feel confident about your device.
By regularly maintaining your phone’s software health, you can avoid many common causes of startup failure and keep your device running smoothly. When problems do arise, having a trusted resource like TechPals by your side ensures you never have to face confusing technical issues alone.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic — Help is Available
A phone that won’t turn on can feel like a crisis, but it’s often a fixable problem. Start with charging, forced restarts, and basic checks before moving to more advanced steps. Most issues come down to simple battery problems, software freezes, or minor hardware glitches.
Remember, you don’t have to figure it out alone. TechPals is here to guide you patiently and clearly, whether you want to try fixes yourself or need help finding trusted repair services.
With a little patience and the right support, you’ll be back up and running before you know it.
Visit techpals.org or email help@techpals.org anytime — we’re here for you.
