How to fix iPhone not turning on

Is your iPhone not turning on? This is a frustrating issue that many iPhone users face. Whether it’s completely unresponsive or stuck on the Apple logo, there are various reasons why your device might not power up.

1. Why Is My iPhone Not Turning On?

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand what might be causing your iPhone to not turn on. Here are the most common reasons:

Battery Drained: If your iPhone’s battery is completely drained, it won’t power on.
Software Crash: Sometimes, a software glitch can cause your phone to freeze and not respond.
Hardware Issues: Problems with the power button or internal components can prevent your device from turning on.
Charging Problems: A damaged charging cable or port can also cause issues.

If your iPhone is unresponsive and showing no signs of life, it’s likely due to one of these causes. Let’s explore how to fix it.

2. Check the Basics

Before you start troubleshooting, check the basics to rule out simple problems:

Physical Damage: Look for any visible damage, like a cracked screen or signs of water exposure. If your iPhone is damaged, it might need professional repair.
Display Issue: If your iPhone is on but the screen is black, the issue may be with the display rather than the phone itself.
Power Button: Check if the power button feels stuck or doesn’t respond when pressed.

If none of these problems are present, you can move on to the next steps.

3. Hard Reset Your iPhone

A hard reset is often the simplest solution for an iPhone that’s not turning on. This can help restart the system and fix minor software glitches. Here’s how to do it:

For iPhone 8 and later:
1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears, then release it.
For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:
1. Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake (Power) button at the same time.
2. Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears, then release them.
For iPhone 6s and earlier:
1. Press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake (Power) button.
2. Keep holding until the Apple logo appears, then release the buttons.

This should force your iPhone to restart and hopefully turn on.

4. Charge Your iPhone

Sometimes, your iPhone may not turn on simply because the battery is completely drained. Here’s how to fix that:

Plug your iPhone into a charger using a known working charging cable and adapter.
Leave it plugged in for at least 15 to 30 minutes. If the battery is drained, your iPhone should show the charging icon, and eventually, the screen should turn on.

If the iPhone doesn’t respond after charging for some time, move on to the next step.

5. Inspect Your Charging Cable and Adapter

A faulty charging cable or adapter could be the reason your iPhone isn’t turning on. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Check for damage: Inspect the charging cable and adapter for any visible damage like fraying, exposed wires, or loose connectors.
Use a different charger: Try using a different cable and charger to see if the issue is with your current accessories.
Try another outlet: If you’re using a wall adapter, plug it into a different power outlet to rule out issues with the power source.

If the cable or adapter is faulty, replacing it with a working one may resolve the problem.

6. Check for Software Issues

In some cases, your iPhone may not turn on due to a software issue, such as a crash or a failed update. Here’s how to check and fix it:

Force Restart: If a hard reset doesn’t work, your iPhone may need to be restored. This can be done by entering Recovery Mode. To do this, follow the hard reset steps above to enter Recovery Mode, then connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes or Finder (on macOS Catalina or later).
Restore iPhone via iTunes/Finder:
1. Open iTunes (or Finder for macOS Catalina and later).
2. Select your device from the list of connected devices.
3. Click “Restore iPhone” and follow the prompts to restore the device to factory settings.

Note: Restoring your iPhone will erase all data. If you have a backup in iCloud or iTunes, you can restore your data after the process.

7. Restore Your iPhone Using iTunes or Finder

If none of the previous steps worked, performing a full restore might help fix your iPhone. Here’s how:

Put your iPhone in Recovery Mode: Follow the steps mentioned above for your iPhone model to enter Recovery Mode.
Connect to iTunes/Finder: Plug your iPhone into a computer and open iTunes or Finder.
Restore the iPhone: Select the option to restore the device. iTunes will download the latest version of iOS and reinstall it on your iPhone.

This method can fix deep software issues that might be preventing your phone from turning on.

8. Visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider

If you’ve tried all of the above methods and your iPhone still won’t turn on, it may be time to get professional help. Here’s what you should do:

Contact Apple Support: Visit the Apple Support website or call for assistance.
Visit an Apple Store: If you’re near an Apple Store, make an appointment for in-person support.
Authorized Service Providers: If there’s no Apple Store nearby, you can visit an authorized service provider for repairs.

They can help diagnose any hardware issues or offer solutions, such as replacing the battery or power button.

(FAQs)

What should I do if my iPhone shows the Apple logo but doesn’t turn on?
- If you see the Apple logo but your phone doesn’t fully power on, it may be stuck in a boot loop. Try force restarting or restoring the device using iTunes/Finder.
How long should I charge my iPhone if it’s not turning on?
- Leave your iPhone plugged in for at least 15-30 minutes to ensure the battery has enough charge to turn on.
Can I fix a dead iPhone battery myself?
- Replacing an iPhone battery requires special tools and skills. It’s best to have it replaced by Apple or an authorized service provider.
Why won’t my iPhone turn on after a software update?
- A failed software update can cause boot issues. Try restoring your iPhone using iTunes or Finder to fix this.

Conclusion

We’ve covered a range of solutions to fix an iPhone that won’t turn on, from basic checks to more advanced fixes like restoring the device. Most of the time, simple solutions like charging your phone or performing a hard reset will do the trick. However, if your iPhone is still unresponsive, seeking professional help may be the best option.