How to troubleshoot a phone that won’t turn on

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Phone TroubleshootingPower IssuesSmartphoneAndroidiPhoneDevice ManagementBatteryPerformanceMobile OSHardware

Mobile phones are an integral part of our everyday lives, and when they won't turn on, it can be a frustrating experience. However, before concluding that the phone is completely damaged, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and possibly fix the problem. This guide will guide you through various steps to identify and potentially resolve the problem.

1. Check the battery

The most common reason why a phone won't turn on is a drained battery. Before delving into more complex solutions, make sure the problem isn't with the battery.

• Connect the phone to the charger: Connect the phone to the charger and see if the charging icon appears on the screen. If it does, leave it for at least 15-20 minutes before turning it on.
• Change the charger and cable: Sometimes, the problem is with the charger or USB cable. Try using a different charger and cable to see if it makes a difference.
• Inspect the charging port: Look for dust or debris inside the charging port. Use a can of compressed air to clean it if necessary.

2. Perform a hard reset

If the phone does not respond to regular charging, a hard reset may help. This method varies between different models and brands, but it usually involves holding down a combination of buttons.

• For iPhones: Quickly press and release the volume up button, then quickly press and release the volume down button, and finally, press and hold the side button until the screen turns on.
• For Android phones: The process may vary. Generally, holding down the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously for about 10-15 seconds will initiate a hard reset.

3. Check for physical damage

Physical damage can prevent your phone from turning on. Inspect the exterior of the phone thoroughly for any signs of damage.

• Water damage: Check for any watermarks or signs of moisture exposure on the phone. The charging port, headphone jack, and SIM tray are common entry points for water damage.
• Screen damage: Sometimes a cracked screen can cause the phone to stop working. Make sure there are no major cracks or damages on the display.

4. Use safe mode (for Android)

Booting your phone in safe mode can help diagnose if a third-party app is causing the problem.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press and hold the Power button until you see the phone's logo.
3. Release the Power button, then immediately press and hold the Volume Down button.
4. Keep holding the Volume Down button until the phone boots up completely. You will see "Safe Mode" at the bottom of the screen.

If the phone turns on in Safe Mode, the problem could be caused by an app. Uninstall recently downloaded apps one by one to find out what's causing the problem.

5. Try recovery mode (for Android)

Recovery mode allows you to perform advanced troubleshooting steps. This mode is helpful when the phone won’t turn on but shows signs of turning on.

• Turn the phone off completely.
• Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Up button together until the phone boots into recovery mode.
• Use the Volume buttons to navigate and the Power button to select options.

In recovery mode, you can perform a factory reset or wipe the cache partition. Remember that a factory reset will erase all data on the device.

6. Connect to computer

If the phone is not charging with a wall charger, try connecting it to a computer via a USB cable. This can sometimes trigger a different power pathway and help the phone recognize the connection.

• For iPhone: Connect the iPhone to a computer with iTunes installed. If iTunes recognizes the device, follow the prompts to update or restore the phone.
• For Android phones: Connect the phone to the computer. Sometimes, you may need to use specific software provided by the phone's manufacturer for further troubleshooting.

7. Replace the battery

If you have an older phone with a removable battery, try replacing it with a new one. Make sure the new battery is compatible with your phone model.

8. See a professional

If none of the above solutions work, it's time to consult a professional. Visit an authorized service center for your phone's brand. The technicians there can diagnose hardware problems and provide solutions that may not be within the reach of a common user.

Conclusion

The phone won't turn on problem can be resolved by following a step-by-step process. Start with the simplest solutions like checking the battery and move on to more complex ones like using safe mode or visiting a professional. Always handle your phone with care, and remember that some problems require technical expertise to solve. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of getting your phone back to working condition.

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