This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
Published on July 11, 2020, a phone that won't turn on can be frustrating, especially if you're in the middle of an important call. Before rushing to buy a new device, try these troubleshooting steps to see if your phone still has life in it.
First, inspect your phone for any physical damage. Check if the screen is cracked or damaged, or if the battery is swollen. It's possible that your phone is working, but the screen is just damaged. Try turning your phone off by holding the power button, then turning it back on. If you feel a vibration when it turns on, it's likely that the phone is working, but the screen needs to be replaced.
Another possible cause is a dead battery. Try plugging your phone into a charger and leaving it plugged in for 15 to 30 minutes before turning it on. If that doesn't work, try using a different cable, power bank, and wall outlet. Check the charging port for any debris that may be preventing the pins from making contact. A toothpick can help dislodge any lint that may have accumulated in the port.
If your phone still won't turn on, try a hard reset by holding both Volume Up and Volume Down along with the power button until the screen turns on. Refer to your device's manual or search for reset instructions if you're unsure. If your phone has a removable battery, you can also try pulling it out, waiting a few seconds, then putting the battery back in before turning the phone on normally.
As a last resort, try restoring your phone by holding the Volume Down and Power buttons for a few seconds until the recovery menu appears. Once in Recovery Mode, use the Volume buttons to scroll to Wipe Data/Factory Reset, and use the power button to select it. If none of these steps work, it may be time to consider buying a new phone.
