Phone doesn't turn on? How to fix Android and iPhone that won't turn on | Asurion (2024)

Our phones help us stay connected, so when they stop working (or worse, don't turn on), there's a lot we can't do: from texting and calling to surfing the web and watching videos on apps such as TikTok® and Instagram®.

Asurion experts encounterphone repairthese kinds of problems every day. They help millions of customers get the most out of their favorite technology, whether it's aDownload Xbox Series X™she hasSwollen laptop battery. If your phone isn't turning on properly, check out their tips to get your device working again (so you can enjoy the video of Adam Sandler leaving IHOP again).

Why doesn't my phone turn on?

There are several possible reasons why your phone won't turn on, from battery failure to software issues. But usually you can narrow it down to some common problems, including:

• An empty battery.Your phone may become unresponsive because the battery is dead. Find outways to minimize battery consumptionon an Android device.
• Water or physical damage.Have you recently dropped your phone in the sink? Even a small amountliquidcan cause a lot of damage if it gets into your device.Drop your phoneon a hard surface can also cause some internal damage even if there are no noticeable cracks or breaks.
• A software error.When an iPhone® won't turn on orthe screen is black, it could be a software problem. The same goes for Android™ devices. Certain apps and programs occasionally cause your phone to malfunction, especially if it crashes during a software or system update.

See Also

Time spent using smartphones (stats for 2023)How often do you have to buy a new Android phone?Is it time for a phone upgrade?A smartphone that lasts ten years? Yes that is possible. (Released 2022)

Device does not turn on? We can help

We'll run a free device diagnostic to find out what's wrong. Visit your local store or schedule a repair.

Schedule a repair

What to do if your phone won't turn on

If you are having trouble with an unresponsive phone, don't panic. There are several ways to get it working again without going to extremes (like buying a new device). According to our experts, here's how to fix a phone that won't turn on:

1. Restart the phone

The problem could be that your phone is frozen. Try restarting it normally. If that doesn't work, you may need to force restart your device.

For an iPhone 11 that won't turn on, and for other new iPhone models, follow these steps:

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, and do the same with the Volume Down button.
2. Press and hold the power button until your device restarts.

Want to restart a Google Pixel™ that won't turn on or another Android phone that isn't working? Just run a power cycle. The steps are simple:

1. Press and hold the power button for about 30 seconds. For some models, e.g. a Samsung® phone, you may also need to press and hold the Volume Down button at the same time, but this only takes a few seconds.
2. Wait for your screen to turn on before releasing the buttons.

2. Charge the battery

Connecting your phone for 15-25 minutes may be enough. Plug your device into a charger and give it some juice. If the battery symbol appears on the screen, make sure that your phone has enough power before trying to turn it on. So check out our tips on how to improve yoursiPhoneofAndroid battery life.

What should I do if my phone is dead and won't turn on or charge?

If you have tried to charge your phone and it does not turn on, it is possible that dust and dirt are blocking the charging port or there is a problem with the USB or Lightning cable. Check out our guide toHow to clean phone charging portif you need more help.

3. Enable Safe Mode

Using Safe Mode for your Android will disable third-party apps that might be causing a problem for your device and, if all goes well, enable them. For iPhone users, go to step four.

How to enter Safe Mode on your Android:

1. Press and hold the power button.
2. When your phone starts to boot up, press and hold the Volume Down button until you see 'Safe Mode' appear on the screen.
3. Restart your device to exit safe mode.

4. Check for damage

Sometimes cracks, fractures and corrosion on your phone are not immediately visible. Try shining a light on the screen and remove the case from your phone to check for physical damage. You can also try calling your device to see if it vibrates or rings. Water damage? Here is8 ways to dry your phonefast.

5. Perform a factory reset

When your Android or iPhone won't turn on, restoring your device to factory settings may be your only option. But this should be a last resort after you've tried everything else as it will erase almost all data on your device.

If you can'tperform a factory reset on your iPhonedue to a frozen or black screen, connect it to a computer and use a program such as Finder® or iTunes® to enter recovery mode. NastySamsung Galaxy® S8, newer models and other devices, that is possiblereset your Android phone to factory settingsby following our guide.