How to Fix an Android Phone That Won’t Turn On or Charge?

If your phone has ever unexpectedly died, you’re likely familiar with the wave of emotions that follow—from the fear of losing your data to concerns about costly repairs. However, in many cases, you might be able to revive your device on your own without needing to visit the manufacturer’s service center.

Why Won’t My Phone Turn On?

If you find yourself in a situation where your phone simply won’t turn back on, and is refusing to charge, it is important to single out the possible causes. This, in turn, would help to troubleshoot the issue down the line.

• 1) Software Conflicts and Bugs: Operating systems like MIUI (now HyperOS) and OneUI can sometimes cause shutdowns due to overheating, corrupted files, or bugs.
  
• 2) Custom Android ROMs (Software) (if applicable): If using custom ROMs, there could be specific software issues that trigger phone shutdowns or charging failures. It’s helpful to track device logs and share them with developers.
  
• 3) Battery Failure: If the charger works with other devices but not your phone, the battery might be at fault. Signs include a charging logo that disappears when unplugged or no screen activity, which could indicate a battery or charging port issue.
  
• 4) Physical Damage: Physical impacts, water exposure, or internal component failures may be the cause. In such cases, professional inspection is advised.

What to Do If My Phone Won’t Charge or Power On?

If your phone won’t turn on, follow the steps below, in order. This will help isolate the possible issues one by one and help you understand the actual issue with your device.

1) Force Restart Your Device

While a black, unresponsive screen may seem like the phone is powered off, the issue is usually simply with the phone’s operating system. The first thing you should do is force restart your device. This can be achieved by long-pressing the power button until you see your manufacturer’s logo.

Still, we have a dedicated guide on forcing power off your Android device if you want detailed instructions.

If long-pressing the power button invokes Gemini, Bixby, or Google Assistant and you feel a vibration, your phone is probably still alive, but there is a screen issue. If this is the case, get your phone checked by a professional.

READ MORE: 7 Ways to Turn Off Your iPhone or Android (Even if it’s Stuck) ➜

2) Plug In Your Charger

The shutdown may be due to a drained battery. Plug in your charger to check for any signs of life. If the battery hasn’t been charged for some time, leave it connected and check back to see if the phone powers on. Ensure the phone is charging properly, rather than just having the charger plugged in without effect.

3) Wait for the Phone to Cool Down

In cases where your phone shuts down due to extreme temperatures, wait for it to cool down before turning it back on. Since the thermal shutdown is programmed into the operating system, it’s important to wait—not only to protect your device’s internal components but also to prevent additional issues when restarting.

4) Perform a Factory Reset

If all else fails, try booting into your device’s recovery mode and performing a factory reset. This can often resolve issues that are difficult to diagnose. If your phone won’t start at all, take it to your manufacturer’s nearest service center for inspection.