How to Troubleshoot an iPhone that Won’t Turn On

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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When your iPhone won't turn on, it can be quite frustrating. However, before you panic and think that your phone is completely broken, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to fix the problem. This guide will guide you through various steps to help you troubleshoot an unresponsive iPhone. It is written in simple English so you can easily follow it.

Step 1: Check the battery

The first thing you should do is check if your iPhone's battery is drained.

1. Connect to charger: Plug your iPhone into the charger using the original cable and adapter. Leave it connected for at least 15 to 30 minutes. Sometimes, a completely drained battery may take a few minutes to turn on.
2. Check for charging signs: After a few minutes, see if you see any signs of charging, such as a battery icon on the screen. If you do, let your phone charge for a while, then try turning it on by pressing the power button.

If your phone shows no signs of charging, try using a different charger and cable to eliminate the possibility of a faulty charger.

Step 2: Perform a hard reset

If charging doesn't work, the next step is to perform a hard reset. A hard reset can sometimes revive an unresponsive iPhone.

1. For iPhone 6s and below: Press and hold Home button and Power button (also known as Sleep/Wake button) at the same time. Keep them pressed for about 10-15 seconds, or until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
2. For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold Volume Down button and Power button at the same time. Keep them pressed for about 10-15 seconds, or until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
3. For iPhone 8, X, XS, XR, 11, 12 and newer models: Quickly press and release Volume Up button, then quickly press and release Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold Power button until you see the Apple logo.

A hard reset often resolves minor software glitches that might prevent your iPhone from turning on.

Step 3: Inspect for physical damage

Physical damage can also be another reason why your iPhone won’t turn on. Here are a few things to check:

1. Check for physical damage: Inspect your iPhone carefully for any damage, such as cracks, dents, or signs of water exposure. If your phone has been dropped or gotten wet, these could be the culprit.
2. Look for lint or debris: Sometimes, lint or debris can get stuck in the charging port, preventing your phone from charging. Use a flashlight to inspect the charging port, and if you see any blockages, use a small, dry brush or compressed air to clear it out.

If you notice any physical damage that you cannot repair on your own, you may need professional repair services.

Step 4: Try a different power source

It's important to rule out the possibility that the power source, such as an outlet or power strip, is the problem.

1. Switch outlets: Plug your charger into a different electrical outlet or power strip. Sometimes, the outlet itself isn't working properly.
2. Use a computer: If you have a computer nearby, try connecting your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. If your computer recognizes the device, you can charge your phone this way.

Step 5: Check for software issues

If your iPhone still won't turn on, you may be dealing with a more complex software issue. Here's what you can do:

Connect to iTunes or Finder

1. For Windows and macOS Mojave or earlier: Open iTunes on your computer.
2. For macOS Catalina and later: Open Finder.
3. Connect your iPhone: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer.
4. Follow the prompts: If your computer recognizes the iPhone, follow the on-screen prompts to update or restore your device.

If your iPhone is recognized, you may see an option to update or restore your device. If you want to keep your data, select "Update." If updating doesn't work, you can choose to "Restore" your device, but keep in mind that restoring will erase all data on your iPhone.

Step 6: Put your iPhone in recovery mode

If iTunes or Finder doesn't recognize your iPhone, putting it into recovery mode may help:

1. Connect to computer: Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
2. Enter the recovery mode:
   • For iPhone 6s and below: Press and hold Home button and Power button at the same time until you see the Recovery Mode screen (a screen that shows the iTunes logo and cable).
   • For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold Volume Down button and Power button until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
   • For iPhone 8, X, XS, XR, 11, 12 and newer models: Quickly press and release Volume Up button, quickly press and release Volume Down button, then press and hold Power button until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
3. Follow the prompts: Once in Recovery Mode, your computer will detect the iPhone and prompt you to update or restore it.

Note: If restoring your iPhone in Recovery mode doesn't work, you can also try DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode as a last resort. This will put your iPhone in a state where it can interface with iTunes or Finder without loading the operating system. However, keep in mind that this will erase all data on your device.

Step 7: Seek professional help

If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps above and your iPhone still won't turn on, it's time to seek professional help.

1. Apple Support: Contact Apple Support for assistance. You can schedule a repair, contact their customer service, or visit the nearest Apple Store or authorized service provider.
2. Third-party repair services: If you don’t have access to an Apple Store, there are many reputable third-party repair services that specialize in fixing iPhones. Make sure you choose a reliable service provider to avoid further problems.

Remember to back up your device regularly to avoid data loss if you need to restore or replace your iPhone.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why an iPhone won't turn on, ranging from a drained battery to more complex software or hardware issues. By following the steps in this guide, you can identify and potentially resolve the problem. Always start with the simplest solutions and gradually move on to more complex troubleshooting steps. If all else fails, seek professional assistance to get your iPhone back to working condition.

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