How to Fix an Android Phone That Won’t Turn On or Charge?
If your phone has ever unexpectedly died, you’re probably familiar with the wave of emotions that follow—from worrying about losing your data to concerns about expensive repairs. Fortunately, in many situations, you might be able to get your device working again on your own, without needing to visit a manufacturer’s service center.
If you find yourself in a situation where your phone simply won’t turn on or charge, it’s important to figure out the possible reasons. Understanding these causes will help you troubleshoot more effectively.
- 1) Software Conflicts and Bugs: Operating systems like MIUI (now HyperOS) and OneUI can sometimes shut down due to overheating, corrupted files, or unexpected glitches.
- 2) Custom Android ROMs (if applicable): If you’ve installed a custom ROM, there might be software issues that prevent the phone from starting or charging. Keeping an eye on your device logs and sharing them with developers can help identify the problem.
- 3) Battery Failure: If your charger works with other devices but not your phone, the battery may be faulty. Watch for signs like the charging logo disappearing when unplugged, or no activity at all, which can indicate issues with the battery or charging port.
- 4) Physical Damage: Physical drops, water exposure, or failures of internal components can also be the cause. In these cases, it’s best to seek help from a professional technician.
If your phone won’t turn on, follow the steps below one at a time. This approach will help you narrow down the issue and figure out what’s really wrong with your phone.
1) Force Restart Your Device
Sometimes a black, unresponsive screen may seem like your phone is off, when it’s actually just the operating system that has crashed. The first thing you should try is to force restart your device. To do this, press and hold the power button for several seconds—usually until you see your manufacturer’s logo on the screen.
If you need detailed instructions, we have a dedicated guide on forcing power off your Android device.
If pressing the power button activates Gemini, Bixby, or Google Assistant, and you feel a vibration, your phone is likely still on but may have a screen issue. In this case, it’s best to get your screen checked by a professional.
2) Plug In Your Charger
Your phone might have simply run out of battery. Plug in your charger and look for signs of life, like a charging light or battery icon. If your phone hasn’t been charged for a while, leave it plugged in for at least 15-30 minutes before trying to turn it on again. Make sure you’re using a working cable and charger, and check they’re properly connected.
3) Wait for the Phone to Cool Down
If your phone shut down because it got too hot, allow it to cool down before trying to turn it on again. Many phones are designed to automatically shut off when they overheat to prevent damage. Wait until your device returns to a normal temperature before pressing the power button, as trying to restart it too soon could cause more problems.
4) Perform a Factory Reset
If none of the previous steps work, you can try booting your device into recovery mode and performing a factory reset. This step can sometimes fix stubborn software problems that aren’t immediately obvious. If your phone still won’t start after this, it’s time to take it to the nearest manufacturer’s service center for a professional inspection.
