What to do if your smartphone won't turn on?

Smartphone
What to do if your smartphone won't turn on (Image via Unsplash/Joel Rohland)

Few things are more frustrating than a smartphone that won't turn on. Not only is it difficult to communicate with friends and family, but it also means you can't access your important files and apps. If you face this problem, don't panic. There are several things you can try to fix this.

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This article will discuss possible reasons and solutions you can try to solve this issue.


Possible reasons your smartphone won't turn on

There are several reasons why a smartphone may not turn on, including the following:

  1. Dead battery: When your battery is completely dead, this problem can occur.
  2. Software issues: A glitch or malfunction may prevent the phone from turning on.
  3. Physical damage: The phone may have sustained physical damage, such as a cracked screen or water damage, preventing it from turning on.
  4. Charging port issues: The charging port may be damaged or dirty, preventing the phone from charging.
  5. Power button issues: The power button may malfunction, preventing the phone from turning on.
  6. Battery issues: The battery may be damaged, old or malfunctioning and need to be replaced.
  7. Firmware issue: A firmware issue can also prevent the phone from turning on, in this case, a firmware update or a factory reset could help.
  8. Hardware issues: The phone could have other hardware issues, such as the malfunctioning motherboard.

Solutions you can try on your own

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Method 1: Check the Battery

The first thing you should do is check the battery of your smartphone. Ensure it's charged and the charger is properly plugged in. If it is low, try charging it for a few minutes. If it is completely dead, it may take longer to charge.

Method 2: Restart the Device

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If the battery is fine, the next step is to try restarting the device. This can sometimes fix minor software glitches preventing the phone from turning on.

To restart an iPhone, press and hold the power button until the "Slide to power off" slider appears.

On an Android device, hold the power button for a few seconds until the options menu appears.

Method 3: Check for Physical Damage

If your phone still won't turn on, the next step is to check for physical damage. Look for any signs, such as a cracked screen, water damage, or a bent charging port. If you find any, the phone must be repaired or replaced.

Method 4: Try a Hard Reset

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If the phone still doesn't turn on, try a hard reset. This will erase all data and settings on the device and is typically used as a last resort.

On an iPhone, press and hold the power button and the home button at the same time for a few seconds.

The process varies depending on the model of an Android device, so it's best to check the manufacturer's website for instructions.

Method 5: Contact the Manufacturer

If none of the other methods work, contact the manufacturer. They may be able to offer additional troubleshooting tips or advise you on how to get the phone repaired or replaced.


A smartphone that won't turn on can be a major inconvenience, but there are several things you can try to fix the problem. From checking the battery to trying a hard reset, there are several steps you can take to get your phone up and running again.

It's important to regularly back up your smartphone to avoid losing your precious data and always check the warranty status of your device before attempting any repair. It can be repaired or replaced for free.

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Edited by Anirudh Padmanabhan