How to Fix an Android Smartphone that Won’t Turn On

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to turn on your Android smartphone and realizing that it won’t respond. A non-responsive phone can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from software glitches to hardware problems.

However, there’s no need to panic. In this article, we’ll explore some common reasons why an Android smartphone won’t turn on and provide step-by-step solutions to help you troubleshoot and fix the issue.

1. Check the Battery Level

Checking the battery level is the first and most straightforward step to take when your Android smartphone refuses to turn on. In many cases, a completely drained battery is the primary reason behind the unresponsiveness. When your phone’s battery is depleted, it won’t have enough power to start up or display any signs of life.

To check the battery level, connect your phone to a charger using the original charging cable and adapter. Ensure that the charger and the power outlet are working correctly. You can do this by plugging in another device or using a different charger to charge your phone. If you notice that the charging cable or adapter is damaged or faulty, replace them with compatible ones to eliminate any charging issues.

After connecting the charger, wait for a few minutes to see if any charging indicator appears on your phone’s screen. Common indicators include a battery icon with a charging animation or a percentage indicating the battery level. The presence of these indicators suggests that your phone is indeed charging.

It is essential to be patient during this process, especially if your phone’s battery is significantly drained. It might take a few minutes for the charging indicator to appear, particularly if the battery is entirely depleted.

If your phone doesn’t show any signs of charging after several minutes, try a different charger or charging cable, as the issue may lie with the accessories rather than the phone itself. Also, ensure that the power outlet is working correctly by plugging in another electronic device.

In some cases, the battery may be deeply discharged, which requires a different approach. To tackle this situation, leave your phone connected to the charger for an extended period, such as 30 minutes to an hour. Sometimes, a severely drained battery needs more time to accumulate enough power to display the charging indicator.

If, after a significant amount of time, your phone still doesn’t show any signs of charging, consider performing a hard reset. To do this, press and hold the power button and the volume down button simultaneously for about 10 to 15 seconds. This forceful reboot can help resolve any minor software glitches that may be affecting the charging process.

Ensure that you use a working charger and power outlet and allow your phone enough time to accumulate the necessary charge. If the battery level is indeed the issue, your phone should start showing the charging indicator, and you can proceed with turning it on once it has gained sufficient power.

2. Check the Charging Cable and Adapter

Checking the charging cable and adapter is a crucial step when troubleshooting an Android smartphone that won’t turn on. Often, a faulty charging cable or adapter can lead to charging issues, preventing your phone from receiving the necessary power to start up.

Start by inspecting the charging cable for any signs of physical damage, such as frayed or exposed wires. A damaged charging cable can disrupt the flow of electricity and prevent proper charging. If you notice any visible damage, it’s essential to replace the charging cable with a new, compatible one.

Next, examine the charging adapter that connects the charging cable to the power outlet. Look for any signs of damage or dirt on the adapter’s connectors. Dust and debris can accumulate over time, obstructing the connection and leading to charging problems. Use a clean, dry cloth to gently wipe the charging adapter’s connectors, ensuring a clean and secure connection.

Once you’ve checked the charging cable and adapter for physical damage, it’s time to test their functionality. Try using the charging cable and adapter with a different device, such as another smartphone or tablet, to see if they work correctly. If the charging cable and adapter function correctly with the other device, then the issue may lie with your Android smartphone itself.

If the charging cable and adapter don’t work with the other device, they are likely faulty and need to be replaced. Purchase a new charging cable and adapter from a reliable source, making sure they are compatible with your phone’s charging port.

After obtaining new charging accessories, connect your Android smartphone to the charger and wait for a few minutes.

Observe if any charging indicator appears on your phone’s screen, such as a battery icon with a charging animation or a percentage indicating the battery level. If the charging indicator shows up, it indicates that your phone is successfully receiving power.

However, if there is still no sign of charging, it’s possible that there could be other underlying issues with your phone’s charging port or battery. In such cases, it may be best to seek professional assistance from a certified technician or contact the phone’s manufacturer for support.

Look for physical damage, clean the connectors, and test their functionality with another device. If the charging accessories are in good condition and your phone still won’t turn on, consider exploring other possible causes for the problem.

3. Perform a Hard Reset

Performing a hard reset is a powerful troubleshooting step to fix an Android smartphone that won’t turn on. Also known as a factory reset or master reset, this process can resolve software-related issues that might be preventing your phone from powering on.

However, it’s essential to note that a hard reset will erase all data and settings on your device, so it’s crucial to back up your data before proceeding with this method.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform a hard reset on an Android smartphone:

1. Power off the device: If your phone is not responding or won’t turn off using the regular methods, you can try holding down the power button for an extended period (usually around 10-15 seconds) until the device shuts down. If the phone has a removable battery, you can also remove it to force a power off.
2. Enter recovery mode: To perform a hard reset, you need to boot your phone into recovery mode. The method to enter recovery mode can vary depending on the device’s make and model. The most common way is to hold down specific key combinations, typically the power button and the volume down button simultaneously. However, for some devices, it might be the power button and volume up button, or other combinations like power button + home button + volume up. Refer to your phone’s user manual or search online for the specific key combination for your device.
3. Navigate and select options: Once you’ve successfully entered recovery mode, you’ll see a menu with various options. Use the volume buttons to navigate through the menu and the power button to select an option.
4. Select Factory Reset: Look for the option that says “Factory Reset,” “Wipe Data,” or something similar. The wording may differ based on the device. Once you locate the factory reset option, select it to begin the process.
5. Confirm the reset: You will be prompted to confirm the hard reset as this action is irreversible. Ensure you have backed up all essential data and files before proceeding. Select “Yes” or “Confirm” to initiate the factory reset.
6. Wait for the reset to complete: The hard reset process may take a few minutes to complete. Your phone will erase all data and restore the original factory settings. Once the process is finished, you will return to the recovery mode menu.
7. Reboot the device: Use the volume buttons to navigate to the option that says “Reboot System Now” and select it with the power button. Your phone will restart, and it should now power on normally.

Keep in mind that a hard reset is a last resort when other troubleshooting methods have failed to resolve the issue. If performing a hard reset doesn’t fix the problem, it’s advisable to seek professional help from an authorized service center or your device manufacturer. Additionally, remember to restore your data from the backup you created before the hard reset to get your device back to its previous state.

4. Boot into Safe Mode

Booting an Android smartphone into Safe Mode is another helpful troubleshooting step to fix issues when the phone won’t turn on or is experiencing problems during startup.

Safe Mode allows your device to start with only essential system applications and services, disabling third-party apps that might be causing conflicts or preventing the phone from turning on properly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to boot an Android device into Safe Mode:

1. Power off the device: If your phone is unresponsive or won’t turn off using the regular methods, try holding down the power button for an extended period (usually around 10-15 seconds) until the device shuts down. If the phone has a removable battery, you can also remove it to force a power off.
2. Boot into Safe Mode: To enter Safe Mode, press and hold the power button to turn on the device as you would usually do. Once you see the manufacturer’s logo or animation on the screen, immediately press and hold the volume down button (some devices may require holding the volume up button instead) until the device finishes booting up.
3. Identify Safe Mode: While the device is booting up, you will notice the words “Safe Mode” displayed at the bottom or top corner of the screen, indicating that you have successfully entered Safe Mode.
4. Troubleshoot: Once in Safe Mode, your device will only run essential system apps and services, disabling third-party apps. Use the phone in Safe Mode for a while to see if the issue persists. If your device functions normally in Safe Mode, it suggests that the problem might be caused by a third-party app. You can now identify and uninstall any recently installed apps that might be causing the issue.
5. Restart your device: After troubleshooting in Safe Mode, you can exit this mode and restart your device to boot it back into normal mode. To do this, press and hold the power button to access the power options menu. Then, select “Restart” or “Reboot” to start the device normally.
6. Observe the device: Once the phone has restarted, observe its performance to see if the problem has been resolved. If it starts up and functions normally, the issue was likely caused by a third-party app, which you can now avoid or remove from your device.

Booting into Safe Mode is a valuable diagnostic tool to determine if a problem is caused by third-party apps or if it’s a more complex software or hardware issue. If the phone continues to have issues even in Safe Mode, it’s recommended to try other troubleshooting methods, such as performing a hard reset or seeking professional assistance from a certified service center or the phone’s manufacturer.

5. Check for Water Damage

Checking for water damage is an essential step when trying to fix an Android smartphone that won’t turn on. Water damage can cause various issues, including preventing the device from powering on or causing other malfunctions. If your phone has been exposed to water, it’s crucial to act quickly to avoid further damage and increase the chances of successful recovery.

Here’s how to check for water damage on your Android smartphone:

1. Power off the device: If your phone is on and showing signs of water damage, power it off immediately to avoid potential short circuits that could cause permanent damage.
2. Remove the case and back cover: If your phone has a removable back cover or case, take it off to expose the battery, SIM card, and other components.
3. Check for water indicators: Most modern smartphones have water damage indicators built into the device. These indicators are usually small stickers or dots that change color when exposed to water. To locate them, check inside the battery compartment, around the SIM card slot, and sometimes near the charging port.
4. Inspect the water indicators: Look closely at the water damage indicators to see if they have changed color. In their default state, they are typically white or silver. If they have been exposed to water, they may turn red, pink, or another color. A changed water indicator is a clear sign of water damage.
5. Avoid using heat: If you suspect water damage, resist the urge to use a hairdryer, microwave, or any other form of heat to dry the device. Heat can cause additional damage to sensitive electronic components.
6. Allow the phone to dry naturally: Instead, gently dab the phone with a soft, absorbent cloth to remove any visible moisture. Then, place the phone in a dry and warm environment, such as a room with good ventilation, for at least 24-48 hours. You can also use a desiccant, like silica gel packets, to help absorb moisture from the device.
7. Test the phone: After the drying period, attempt to turn on the phone. If it powers on and functions normally, the water damage might not have caused significant harm. However, if the phone still doesn’t turn on, shows abnormal behavior, or exhibits water-related issues, it’s likely that water damage has affected the internal components.

If you find evidence of water damage or suspect that your phone has been exposed to water, it’s crucial to seek professional help from a certified technician or the phone’s manufacturer. Attempting to repair water damage yourself can lead to further complications and void the warranty, if any. Professional assistance can help diagnose the extent of the damage and provide the best chance of successful repair and recovery of your Android smartphone.

6. Remove the Memory Card and SIM Card

Removing the memory card and SIM card is an important step when trying to fix an Android smartphone that won’t turn on. Sometimes, issues with these external components can cause the phone to malfunction or fail to power on. By removing them, you can rule out any potential problems related to these cards and troubleshoot the device more effectively.

Here’s how to remove the memory card and SIM card from your Android smartphone:

1. Power off the device: If your phone is on and showing signs of malfunction, power it off completely before proceeding. This will prevent any potential data corruption or damage to the cards.
2. Locate the memory card slot: Most Android smartphones have a dedicated slot for the memory card. This slot is typically located on the side of the phone or under the back cover, depending on the model.
3. Eject the memory card: Use a SIM card ejector tool or a small paperclip to gently press the eject button or release the latch on the memory card slot. This will cause the memory card to pop out slightly, allowing you to remove it easily with your fingers.
4. Remove the memory card: Carefully pull out the memory card from the slot. Be gentle and avoid applying excessive force to prevent any damage to the card or the slot.
5. Locate the SIM card slot: The SIM card slot is usually located near the memory card slot, either on the side of the phone or under the back cover.
6. Eject the SIM card: Use the same SIM card ejector tool or paperclip to press the eject button or release the latch on the SIM card slot. The SIM card will pop out slightly, making it easy to remove.
7. Remove the SIM card: Gently pull out the SIM card from the slot. Handle it with care to avoid bending or damaging the delicate metal contacts.
8. Inspect the cards: Once you have removed the memory card and SIM card, inspect them for any signs of physical damage or dirt. Clean the metal contacts on the cards with a soft, dry cloth if necessary.
9. Reinsert the cards: After inspecting and cleaning the cards, carefully reinsert them into their respective slots. Ensure they are properly aligned and securely seated in the slots.
10. Power on the phone: Once you have reinserted the memory card and SIM card, power on the phone to see if the issue has been resolved. If the phone now turns on and functions normally, the problem may have been related to the cards.

If removing the memory card and SIM card does not resolve the issue and your Android smartphone still won’t turn on, there may be other underlying problems with the device’s internal components. In such cases, it’s best to seek professional help from a certified technician or the phone’s manufacturer for further diagnosis and repair.

7. Charge the Phone with a Computer

When facing the issue of an Android smartphone that won’t turn on, charging the phone with a computer is one of the troubleshooting steps that users can attempt to resolve the problem. Charging the phone through a computer’s USB port can help determine if the issue lies with the phone’s battery or charging circuitry.

Here’s how to charge the phone with a computer:

1. Use a compatible USB cable: Ensure that you have a USB cable that is compatible with your Android smartphone. Most smartphones use a standard USB Type-A to micro USB or USB Type-C cable for charging and data transfer.
2. Connect the phone to the computer: Plug one end of the USB cable into the computer’s USB port and the other end into the charging port of your Android smartphone. Make sure the connection is secure.
3. Check for charging indicator: Upon connecting the phone, the phone’s screen may display a charging indicator, such as a battery icon or a charging percentage. If the charging indicator appears, it indicates that the phone is receiving power from the computer.
4. Wait for some time: Allow the phone to charge for at least 10-15 minutes, even if the charging indicator doesn’t immediately show on the screen. Sometimes, a completely drained battery may take a few minutes to display the charging indicator.
5. Monitor the charging process: Keep an eye on the charging progress. If the phone’s battery was deeply discharged, it might take some time for the charging indicator to show up on the screen.
6. Attempt to power on the phone: After letting the phone charge for a sufficient time, try to power it on by pressing and holding the power button for a few seconds. If the phone turns on, it indicates that the battery was drained, and the charging from the computer has resolved the issue.
7. Check the charging port and cable: If the phone still doesn’t show any signs of life or charging, check the charging port for any debris or damage. Also, try using a different USB cable to rule out any issues with the cable.
8. Verify the computer’s USB port: Ensure that the computer’s USB port is functioning correctly by testing it with other devices or using a different USB port if available.

Charging the phone with a computer can be a simple and effective way to troubleshoot power-related issues. However, if the phone doesn’t respond to charging or powering on, there might be other underlying hardware or software problems. In such cases, it’s recommended to explore other solutions like performing a hard reset, checking the battery, or seeking professional assistance from a certified technician or the phone’s manufacturer.

8. Use Recovery Mode

Using Recovery Mode is a useful method for fixing an Android smartphone that won’t turn on and can be employed when other troubleshooting steps have failed to resolve the issue. Recovery Mode provides a separate bootable partition on the device that allows users to access various recovery options and perform advanced tasks to diagnose and potentially fix software-related problems.

Here’s how to use Recovery Mode:

1. Access Recovery Mode: The method to enter Recovery Mode varies slightly among different Android devices. Generally, it involves powering off the phone completely and then pressing a combination of hardware buttons. Common button combinations to enter Recovery Mode include holding the power button and the volume down button simultaneously or holding the power button and both the volume up and down buttons together. You can refer to the device’s user manual or perform an online search for the specific button combination for your device.
2. Navigate the Recovery Menu: Once you have successfully entered Recovery Mode, you’ll be presented with a menu of options. The navigation within the Recovery Mode menu is usually done using the volume up and down buttons to move through the options and the power button to select an option.
3. Wipe Cache Partition: One of the useful options available in Recovery Mode is “Wipe Cache Partition.” This process clears the system cache, which may contain corrupted data that could be preventing the phone from turning on properly. Select the “Wipe Cache Partition” option and confirm the action if prompted.
4. Factory Reset: If the phone continues to exhibit issues after wiping the cache partition, the next step is to perform a factory reset. This action will erase all data and settings on the device, returning it to its original factory state. To initiate a factory reset, select the “Factory Reset” or “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” option from the Recovery Mode menu. Confirm the action, and the process will begin.
5. Reboot System Now: After performing any desired actions in Recovery Mode, select the “Reboot System Now” option to restart the phone. The device will attempt to boot up normally with the settings reset to factory defaults.

Note: Performing a factory reset will erase all data, including photos, videos, contacts, and installed apps. It is crucial to have a backup of important data before proceeding with a factory reset.

Using Recovery Mode is an advanced troubleshooting step and should be approached with caution. It is primarily intended for experienced users or as a last resort when other methods have not resolved the issue. If the phone still doesn’t turn on after utilizing Recovery Mode, there may be underlying hardware problems or severe software issues that require professional assistance from the manufacturer or a certified technician.

9. Contact Customer Support or Visit a Service Center

Contacting customer support or visiting a service center is a crucial step when dealing with an Android smartphone that won’t turn on, especially when other troubleshooting methods have failed. When the issue persists despite trying various solutions, it’s an indication that the problem might be beyond simple user intervention and could require professional expertise to diagnose and fix.

Here’s why contacting customer support or visiting a service center is important:

1. Expert Assistance: Customer support representatives and service center technicians are trained and experienced in handling a wide range of smartphone issues. They possess in-depth knowledge of the device’s hardware and software, allowing them to accurately diagnose the root cause of the problem.
2. Warranty Coverage: If your Android smartphone is still under warranty, seeking assistance from the manufacturer’s customer support or an authorized service center is essential. Attempting to fix the device on your own or through unauthorized repair shops may void the warranty, leaving you responsible for any repair costs.
3. Advanced Diagnostics: Service centers have access to specialized tools and equipment that enable them to perform advanced diagnostics on the device. These diagnostics can identify specific hardware failures, software glitches, or firmware issues that may be hindering the phone from turning on.
4. Genuine Parts: When you visit an authorized service center, you can be assured of receiving genuine replacement parts, if required. Using genuine parts is essential to maintain the phone’s performance and longevity.
5. Safety: Attempting DIY repairs or seeking help from unauthorized repair shops can be risky, potentially causing further damage to the device or compromising its safety. Professional service centers follow strict protocols to ensure safe and effective repairs.
6. Timely Resolution: Seeking professional help can expedite the resolution process. Service centers are equipped to address issues promptly and efficiently, reducing downtime and inconvenience.
7. Cost-Effective: In some cases, professional repairs may be more cost-effective than attempting DIY fixes that may not yield desired results. Service centers offer transparent pricing, and if the phone is under warranty, eligible repairs are typically covered at no additional cost.

Before contacting customer support or visiting a service center, make sure to back up your data, remove any sensitive information, and disable any security features like screen locks or passwords to facilitate the diagnosis and repair process.

Remember, it’s always best to rely on expert help when dealing with complex technical issues to ensure the safety and longevity of your Android smartphone. Whether it’s a hardware malfunction, water damage, or a software glitch, seeking professional assistance will give you the best chance of resolving the problem and getting your phone up and running again.

Start by checking the battery level and charging accessories, then proceed with a hard reset, safe mode, and other troubleshooting methods. If all else fails, it may be time to seek professional help. Remember to back up your data regularly to avoid data loss during the troubleshooting process. With some patience and effort, you can hopefully get your Android smartphone up and running again.