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Published on: 04.10.2023 | updated on: 09.04.2024
If your iPhone happens to not be working, you lose track of your schedule, every phone number you've ever been told, and even where you are if you've been relying on GPS. It's a headache, that's for sure.
When your iPhone won't turn on, it can mean anything from a temporary software glitch to a hardware issue. The good news is that while there are many reasons an iPhone may not turn on, there are just as many ways you can try to solve the problem.
We'll run you through all of the potential reasons and solutions, ranging from cheaper to more complex areas like water or fall damage.
Hardware damage, firmware issues, overheating, and battery problems can prevent a phone from turning on
Damage cords can stop a phone from charging
A dirty charger port can stop the charger from making a successful connection
A soft reset can rectify minor problems
If your phone dies during update installation, it can cause malfunctions
Professional advice is available from your local repair store if you are not sure what to do
If your iPhone won't turn on, don't panic. First, let's diagnose the problem. There are a few common issues that will account for the majority of unresponsive iPhones.
If none of those seem to apply to your problem, don't worry; we have plenty of more options for you.
If your iPhone won't turn on at all, don't panic! Just keep reading and we'll go over the possible reasons for this, some solutions, and ways to stop it from happening in the future.
Try restarting the phone
Charge the device fully
Ensure there is no sticky gunk around the on/off button
Reset the phone to fix minor problems
Fix the phone in recovery mode with iTunes
Contact Apple or a third-party repair store for help
Clean out the charger port in case gunk is blocking the charger from charging the device
Check your charger cord for damage/try another cord
Ensure the power plug is working and it is switched on
If your iPhone won’t turn on but is findable, it can be due to a software issue. Sometimes apps can interfere with the charging function of the phone and cause problems such as not charging the phone properly therefore, the phone isn’t able to turn on.
To fix the problem, if it’s caused by malfunctioning apps, try uninstalling any new apps and see if the problem persists. If it does, then you can try using software which can search the device for software problems and help troubleshoot them.
If your phone doesn’t turn on, the problem may be minor, like a glitch in the system or the battery has completely drained. If you have apps open in the background, then sometimes your phone can drain quickly, and you do not notice until it’s flat and won't turn on.
To fix the phone that won’t turn on, try charging it, as it might have a completely drained battery. If the phone is completely flat, you may need to charge it for a good hour, then turn it on and see if the problem is fixed.
You can try resetting the phone if there is a glitch in the system, which can fix minor problems. Follow the steps below:
Step 1. Press and release the volume up button
Step 2. Do the same for the volume down button
Step 3. Press and hold the side button and wait for the Apple logo to appear on the screen
If your phone will not turn on after an update, there is either a glitch in the system or the phone died halfway through the installation. When an update is only half installed, it can cause the device to malfunction.
To fix a phone that has suffered a malfunction or went flat during the installation process, you can try to reset it, which will usually rectify the problem. This means that the update has not been installed correctly, so you will need to go back into your settings > general and go to update. Ensure the phone is fully charged and background apps are closed before installing the update again.
The three main reasons are a damaged or faulty charger, a dirty and blocked charger port, or a failed battery.
To fix the problem of a blocked charger port, you must clean it out with a small toothpick or brush. If debris is stuck in the charger port, it can cause the phone and charger connection not to meet up and charge the phone. Before charging your phone, look over the cords and plugs and ensure no fraying or wires are showing. If they are okay and a reset has not worked, you may be looking at a failed battery, for which there is no remedy, and it will need to be replaced.
If your phone won't turn on after charging all night, it has either overheated and damaged the battery, or the phone wasn't charging properly to begin with.
To fix the issue of a phone not charging properly, you first need to examine the charging cord for damage and even charge another device with it to rule that out as the problem. Next, you can try a soft reset. If that doesn't work, you can try to restore the phone via iTunes. If these solutions don't work, you may be looking at a battery that has overheated due to overcharging and being plugged in all night, and it may require replacing.
If your iPhone 13 won't turn on after charging overnight, it may be due to a faulty cord or charger plug. First of all, try a spare one to see if the phone turns on after an hour of charging. If not, it may be a glitch in the system that a soft reset can often rectify. If the problem persists, it could have overheated due to overcharging, and it’s a good idea to seek professional advice in this situation.
If your screen will not turn on but it vibrates, the likely cause is a damaged screen. If the phone still vibrates or rings but the screen is black, it means the phone is still functioning as usual but the screen isn't.
To fix the phone won't turn on but vibrates problem you can try doing a soft reset, but if that does not work, the next option is a screen replacement that your local repair store can help you with.
An overheated phone will not turn back on until it has returned to a safe temperature. When components get too hot, they cannot function, so the phone turns itself off to cool down.
A solution that can work for an overheated phone is to place the phone under a fan or where there is a slight breeze. Allow the phone to cool down for a few hours, and try to turn it back on. If the phone will not turn on, there may have been unrepairable damage done to the battery, and you may need to have it replaced. Never put a phone in the fridge or freezer to cool it down. You can damage it further.
The components and the screen are fragile, and when you drop the phone, it can cause components to snap or come loose, which will prevent the phone from functioning normally. If you have broken the screen, you may just see a black screen and nothing else.
Unfortunately there is nothing you can do at home about this problem. You'll need to take it to the repair store, where they can open up the phone and determine whether something has come loose, has broken, or whether it is the screen.
If your iPhone is not turning on, there could be many reasons, like water damage, software, and a drained battery.
You can try to fix an iPhone that won't turn because of a software glitch by performing a soft reset. Usually, a glitch can be fixed by a simple reset. Sometimes, the phone may need to be wiped via iTunes if the phone is responding to the commands from iTunes. If you have a water-damaged phone, extensive repairs will need to be done by a professional repairer. A drained battery can just be from not charging the device, so pop it on charge and let it sit there for an hour, then try to turn it back on. If this does not work, the battery may be damaged, and a replacement may be needed.
If your old iPhone won't turn on, the most likely cause is an outdated system that has finally crashed. iPhones can last for years, but there will be a point where Apple will no longer provide updates, usually after 5 years. When the phone can no longer be updated, it will eventually start to run slow and you will see a drop in performance. Your phone will also become vulnerable to security breaches and viruses.
Unfortunately, there is no home remedy for fixing a phone that is no longer recieving updates from Apple. When the phone can no longer be updated, it will eventually start to run slow and you will see a drop in performance. Your phone will also become vulnerable to security breaches and viruses without the latest security patches. Your phone will also fail to run certain features that are added to the updates.
If your iPhone won't turn on, it may just need charging. If an iPhone battery is completely dead, then the screen will stay black and unresponsive no matter how much you try to restart it.
To fix an iPhone that won't turn on because of a dead battery, plug it in. Chargers come in different wattage strengths, so a fast charger will be more efficient at getting your phone up and running.
To prevent your iPhone from refusing to turn on, make sure your phone battery never hits zero. You can do this by having a car charger, carrying a charger with you, or buying a portable battery pack.
If your iPhone won't turn on or charge at all, the problem could be related to either the charger or the phone itself. This may mean that the power adapter is faulty, or that the charger cable is malfunctioning.
To see if this is your issue, try a different charger or Lightning cable. If that doesn't help, your phone may have issues with the charging port or the battery itself.
To prevent this situation from happening, ensure that the charger you are carrying with you works and is appropriate for your phone type.
If the iPhone 13 won't turn on or charge the problem could be damage due to water or dropping the device or something basic like the phone charger is not working or the port is dirty. If the battery is flat, then the phone will not turn on. Check the cords for any damage and ensure the power plug is on. Plug the charger in and see if you get a notification that the phone is charging, which is usually a lightning bolt on the screen or a vibration you plug it in. Try using a spare cord to ensure the cord isn't the problem. For internal damage, the phone will need to be assessed by a professional.
If your iPhone 14 won't turn on or charge and you have not dropped it or exposed it to water, then it may be due to an outdated iOS. You can update the software using iTunes if you cannot get the phone to function. Keeping the phone updated is important to keep it functioning and cope with the demands of your apps.
If your iPhone is charging but won't turn on, it may be dealing with a software crash that's making it unresponsive.
To fix a software crash, consult the official Apple guide for initiating a force restart. Most iPhones can be restarted by pressing and quickly releasing the volume up button, then the volume down button, and then holding the side button until the Apple logo appears. Apple has separate guides for older models (iPhone 7 and below).
To prevent your iPhone from having a software crash, check regularly for updates and only use apps from the Apple App Store.
An iPhone that won't turn on after charging indicates that the issue isn't with the charger or the outlet, but rather with the phone itself. Your iPhone may not turn on after charging because of a hardware failure.
This can happen when your phone has taken damage, be it from a fall or from too much water.
To fix an iPhone that is having hardware issues, you may need to take your phone to an Apple store or an authorized phone repair service.
As per these instructions from our comprehensive guide, water damage can often be fixed by just leaving your iPhone out to dry.
To prevent iPhone hardware damage, consider buying a protective case and screen protector. Do not let your iPhone remain submerged in water too long, either—even if it can be, it's better if it's not.
If your iPhone screen won't turn on, that may be a sign that your power button is faulty. The iPhone power button may malfunction for a few reasons, such as wear and tear or damage from dust, debris, or water.
To fix a faulty power button, first try to clean it with a cotton swab to remove dirt and debris, or to absorb any water. If this does not work, you could try to use compressed air around it and see if that helps. However, let it dry before you turn it back on afterward.
To prevent your power button from failing, make sure that your phone stays clean and protected in a case. While every device will eventually age and have its issues, this will help prolong the phone's life.
If your iPhone turns off and won't turn back on, you may be dealing with a hardware malfunction or a software glitch. Hardware malfunctions can happen when something goes wrong with the inner workings of the phone, such as the chip or any of the wiring becoming damaged or dislodged.
Software glitches are less of a problem. They can occur due to problems with the firmware, but also just an app that's having some issues.
iPhone hardware malfunctions often require the assistance of a professional repair store or an Apple technician. Software glitches are best fixed with a force restart, although a factory reset may also be necessary. If that fails, follow Apple’s guide for a factory reset. Keep in mind that the latter deletes all your data.
Keep your phone in good shape. Avoid dropping it, leaving it out in the sun for too long, or allowing it to sustain water damage. Make sure to update it regularly and stay away from dodgy apps that don't have great reviews.
If your iPhone dies and won't turn on, its operating system may be corrupted. When this happens, the phone will become unresponsive.
To fix a corrupted iOS, you will need to do a factory reset on your phone. Because you can't do this from the phone itself when it won't turn on, you'll need to plug it into a computer and perform the factory reset using iTunes or the Finder function. This can be done either on Mac or on Windows.
It's unlikely that you can entirely prevent your iOS from corrupting, but there are steps you can take to minimize the risk. These include: regularly updating your iOS, not running unverified third-party apps, retaining storage space on your phone, and avoiding forced shutdowns.
If your iPhone went black and won't turn on, you may have a critical software error on your phone. You may have apps sending conflicting information and confusing the software, system files that are corrupted, or an interrupted software update.
To fix a critical software error, you may need to use Apple’s online support instructions to restore your phone back to factory settings. If you are unable to do this, you will need to take the iPhone to a professional for repair.
To prevent critical software errors from keeping your phone screen black, install software updates regularly. You can also take notice of any apps that seem to be glitching regularly or making your phone act strangely and remove them before they can cause a more serious problem.
An iPhone that is stuck on the Apple logo is usually suffering from a software issue, and this can happen on any iPhone model; sometimes seemingly without reason.
According to Apple Support, to fix an iPhone that is stuck on the Apple logo, start your phone in Recovery Mode or Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode. For recovery mode, use iTunes or Finder on a Mac. For DFU mode, force restart your iPhone but hold the button down for ten seconds longer.
To prevent software issues, make sure not to use a jailbroken phone and avoid third-party apps that aren't verified in the App Store.
An iPhone that won't turn on at all may be overheating. When an iPhone overheats, the device may shut down to avoid further damage. It should usually display an alert to let you know that it shut down due to the temperatures, but it may not always do that.
If your phone has overheated and shut down, all you should have to do is wait for the device to cool off. Give it at least an hour in a dark, shaded place before you try to power it back on.
To prevent an iPhone from overheating, make sure the device is not left in the sun for too long. If you notice the phone becoming hot to the touch, move it into a cool space and stop using it temporarily. Do not use resource-heavy apps while out in the sun to prevent hardware damage.
If you just got a new iPhone and it won't turn on, there may be an easy solution. New iPhones sometimes come with depleted batteries because they have been sitting in a storage facility or a storage room.
To fix a dead battery on a new iPhone, plug it in for an hour. If the phone turns on, you should have no further issues. If that doesn't help, you should take the phone back to the store and ask for a replacement—there's no reason to deal with this if you only just got it.
There is no real way to prevent this from happening. Some new iPhones may just need charging before you use them.
If your iPhone got wet and won't turn on, remember that while most iPhones are water-resistant, they are not completely waterproof.
Let the phone completely dry before trying to turn it on. You can also put the phone in a bag of uncooked rice or silica gel to absorb the moisture.
To keep your phone from being water-damaged, you can buy a waterproof case.
Different iPhone models sometimes require different fixes. You can look through the following options to see what solution best fits you depending on what iPhone model you have.
If your iPhone 15 won’t turn on, ensure the phone is not just flat. You need to check over the cords for any damage that may stop the iPhone 15 Pro from charging. Check that you have the PowerPoint turned on and that the iPhone 15 Pro Max phone is registering when you plug the charger in.
If your iPhone 14 won't turn on, it may be due to a software or firmware issue. In this case, a hard reset should be your first step. Press and let go of the volume up button, then the volume down button, and then, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. You can also consult our iPhone 14 guide for more tips.
If your iPhone 14 Pro Max won't turn on and has been sitting in the sun, it may have overheated. If the phone hasn’t been in the sun too long, you may be able to cool it down without any damage. Place the phone in a cool area or under a fan, wait a couple of hours, and then try to turn it on. If it doesn't turn on, then it may have overheating damage and needs repairs.
If your iPhone 14 Pro won't turn on, you can try a soft reset which can sometimes fix minor problems however, it will depend on whether the problem is hardware or software-related as to whether a reset will work. Press and let go of the volume up button, then the volume down button, and then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. The phone should start up automatically from here.
If your iPhone 14 Plus won't turn on, you might be experiencing a glitch within the system. Sometimes these glitches can occur for no reason. It just happens. Doing a reset can usually rectify the situation. If this doesn’t work, you can try to reset it via iTunes, but you will lose data. If you have not backed up your phone, it might be a good idea to let the professionals look at it first to see if they can help without any data loss.
If your iPhone 13 won't turn on, it may be because the battery has died. This can be an issue fixed by simple charging, or it can be that your battery has degraded and no longer works. You can keep up with the lifespan of your battery in the iPhone 13's Battery Health screen under Settings and Battery. If your iPhone 13 refuses to turn on, you can check out our guide for solutions.
When your iPhone 13 Pro Max won't turn on and you have recently dropped it, you might have a damaged screen. Sometimes, a screen may still work. It will just have visible cracks or a smashed screen. Other times the components underneath can also become damaged or broken, which can prevent the phone from turning on. If you are tech-smart, you can open up the phone and check if all the connections are ok. If not, you can ask your local repair store to assist.
If you recently downloaded a new app but after opening it, the phone has switched off, and now the iPhone 13 Pro won't turn on, you can do a soft reset by holding down and releasing the volume up key then the same for the volume down key and then press the side button until the Apple logo appears. If the phone turns on, you need to uninstall the app to avoid the problem from occurring again. Some apps have glitches or are corrupt and can cause these problems.
If your iPhone 13 Mini won't turn on, it could be due to water damage. Water damage is a huge problem, and it requires complex and expensive repairs. If your phone has water damage, wipe it down with a soft cloth and use a brush to remove water from the charger port. Take out the SIM card tray and pop it under a fan to dry it out. After a few hours, if the phone isn't turning on, it may need professional water damage repairs.
If your iPhone 12 won't turn on, the internal components may have been damaged. Check to make sure that none of the open ports are damp and that it isn't showing signs of having been dropped on a hard surface. Here are 10 more solutions in our iPhone 12 guide.
If your iPhone 12 Pro will not turn on and it is a brand new phone, it may have a fault, and given it is brand new, it should be covered under warranty. You will need to contact Apple as soon as possible and explain the situation. Avoid trying to repair the phone yourself, as it can void any warranty that you have on the phone.
If your iPhone 12 Pro Max won't turn on and you recently installed an update, it’s possible that the phone died while installing the update, and it has caused a glitch. It can happen, which is why when you try to install an update, it will alert you to charge the phone over a certain percentage before installing the update. A simple reset usually fixes this issue, and once the phone is fully charged, you can go in and install the update again.
iPhone 12 Mini won't turn on, and you have not updated it in a while; the iOS may be outdated, and it's causing problems. Updates are vital to keep the phone running smoothly and to rectify bugs and glitches. Without updates, the phone’s performance will decrease, and eventually, it will not even turn on. Plug the phone into your computer, update to the newest iOS via iTunes, and see if, after that, you can turn the phone on.
There are several reasons why an iPhone 11 won't turn on, ranging from water damage to a glitch following a recent update. Trace back your steps to find out what could have caused it. If you recently installed an update, a force restart should help. You can also check out our guide on what to do if your iPhone 11 is overheating.
iPhone 11 Pro Max won't turn on, and you are not sure why. Anything from corrupted apps to a degraded battery, water damage, and even a flat battery due to a faulty charger cord can cause a phone not to turn on. It’s important to start with the minor problems first and go through each one up to the worst-case scenarios, like water damage and overheating, to try and work out the problem. There is no home remedy for water damage and overheating damage, but a soft reset can often fix minor problems like a software problem or a glitch.
If you have an iPhone 11 Pro that won't turn on, first check to see if the battery is dead. It might seem obvious, but sometimes you might think the battery is charging, but it actually isn't. If the battery is degraded, it may not be charging, or you might have a blocked port preventing a successful connection. You can use a soft brush or toothpick to clean out the charger port of fluff and debris. It is also a good idea to try a spare cord in case there is a problem with your current one.
iPhone 7 won't turn on, which again can be due to updates. Unfortunately, the iPhone 7 is no longer receiving updates, so the performance of the phone will drop, and it will eventually become unusable. The 7 model is obsolete now, so after a reset, if that doesn't fix the issue, it may not be functioning anymore, and it might be best to look into a newer model.
If your iPhone 8 won't turn on anymore, it may be due to a degraded battery. The phone is 8 years old, and if you have had the phone from when it was released, it is most likely outdated, and the parts are too old to function. iPhones function best for a few years, but then they start to decrease in performance as the battery and other parts wear down. Speak to a professional, as a battery replacement may get the phone working again, but it may not be the best cost-effective option for you.
If your iPhone SE won't turn on, the internal components of the phone may have loosened. Inside your iPhone, there are wires connecting all of the major pieces of hardware, like the motherboard and the battery. These wires can loosen over time, so with older phones, it is a more likely culprit. You may need to take it to an authorized repair store to get it looked at.
An older phone like the iPhone XR won't turn on if you need an updated charging cable or power adapter. Just like the phones themselves, charging equipment wears down over time. You can replace outdated or no longer functioning charging devices at most big box retailers that sell phone technology.
To restart an unresponsive iPhone, first, you need to figure out why the iPhone is unresponsive. A great place to start is this minute-long tutorial.
Assuming nothing else worked, don't write off your iPhone just yet. Reach out to an authorized repair service for help and a quote to get your phone up and running. It's recommended to check repair costs per model and per problem offered by every store beforehand. Here's Simply Fixable's average iPhone repair costs:
Simply Fixable |
Apple |
|
Avg iPhone repair cost |
$110.88 |
$261.85 |
Table. iPhone repair cost
*Data in the given table is based on Simply Fixable's market research and the official Apple website
If your iPhone won't turn on and you're left staring at a blank and unresponsive screen where all your important data should be, try not to panic. Start with a good charge, a forced restart, and a quick look for any damage. Usually, either of those 3 things will lead you in the right direction.
Expertise: Technology, PC Hardware, Software, Gaming
Linkedin: Monica J.White
Monica is a journalist with a lifelong interest in technology. Monica attended King's College London and obtained her bachelor's degree in English Language and Linguistics. She then went on to get a master's at that same university, this time focusing on Global Media Industries. She first started writing over ten years ago and has made a career out of it, with a special focus on PCs and mobile devices. She enjoys the challenge of explaining complex topics to a broader audience, whether it's how semiconductors work or how to troubleshoot a tablet. Her work has previously appeared in Digital Trends, Tom's Hardware, Pay.com, SlashGear, Forbes, Springboard, Looper, Money, WePC, and more.
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