Phone Won't Turn On
Quick Answer
A phone that won't turn on can be caused by a completely drained battery, a software crash, or hardware failure. Before assuming the worst, there are several steps you can try to bring it back to life.
Please note: This guide is provided for informational purposes only. Any steps you choose to follow are at your own discretion and risk. If you're unsure, we recommend booking a professional diagnosis.
Quick Checks
Try these fast checks first — they solve most cases.
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Charge for 30 minutes
Connect to a known-working charger and cable. Wait at least 30 minutes before trying to turn it on.
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Force restart
Hold the power button and volume down button together for 15-20 seconds.
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Try a different charger and cable
The issue may be the charging accessories, not the phone itself.
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Check for physical damage
Look for swelling, cracks, or water damage indicators.
Guided Troubleshooting
Answer these questions to narrow down the issue.
Did the phone die suddenly or did the battery drain normally?
Does the phone get warm when plugged in?
Did you drop the phone recently?
Possible Causes
Completely drained battery
Very CommonThe battery has discharged to zero and needs extended charging time.
Faulty charger or cable
CommonThe charging accessories may be damaged.
Software crash
CommonThe operating system has frozen and needs a force restart.
Battery failure
ModerateThe battery has degraded and can no longer hold a charge.
Logic board failure
Less CommonInternal circuitry damage preventing the phone from powering on.
If the cause requires professional attention, see Fix Phone wont turn on issues.
Self-Fix Instructions
Safe steps you can try at home.
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Extended charge
Leave the phone connected to a wall charger for at least 1 hour. Some deeply discharged batteries need significant time.
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Force restart sequence
Android: Hold Power + Volume Down for 15-20 seconds. iPhone 8+: Quick press Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Side button for 10+ seconds.
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Try wireless charging
If your phone supports it, try a wireless charger to rule out port issues.
Safety Warnings
- Do not attempt to open the phone yourself — you risk damaging components or voiding warranty.
- If the battery appears swollen, stop charging immediately and seek professional repair.
If a phone will not turn on, rule out a deeply discharged battery, charger or cable problem, and a frozen operating system before assuming an internal failure. Use a known-working charger, allow time for charging, then try the normal force-restart sequence for the device. Stop if the battery looks swollen.
Safe checks for a completely unresponsive phone
- 01Connect a known-working wall charger and cable and leave the phone connected before trying to power it on again.
- 02Try the normal force-restart sequence for the phone rather than repeatedly pressing the power button.
- 03Test another known-working charger or cable to rule out the charging accessories.
- 04Look for signs of a recent drop, liquid exposure, cracked casing or battery swelling.
- 05Note whether the phone shows any response while connected to power, such as warmth, vibration, sound or a charging indication.
When does it need diagnosis rather than more restarting?
If the phone remains completely unresponsive after a known-working charging setup and the correct restart procedure, one possibility is a battery or power-delivery fault; another is a different internal problem. We would confirm which path is failing before deciding what repair is appropriate. A recent impact or liquid exposure should be included in that diagnosis history.
Phone no-power questions
If the battery appears swollen, stop charging and using the phone. Do not open the device to investigate it yourself.
When troubleshooting isn't enough
If these steps didn't resolve the issue, a professional diagnosis can identify the root cause.
Still need help? FixFix Labs repairs devices in Luton.
Walk in to 159 Marsh Road, Luton, LU3 2QL — or book a slot online. Same-day service on most common repairs.
FixFix Labs is not responsible for pre-existing data loss or undisclosed damage.
All repairs carry inherent risk. Complex or liquid-damaged devices may have unpredictable outcomes.
By proceeding, you acknowledge these terms. Full details in our Terms of Service.