In a world where smartphones are essential, discovering that your phone won’t turn on can be distressing. Before rushing to buy a new device, consider trying these steps to revive your iPhone or Android.
Physical Check: Assessing Visible Damage
If your phone recently took a tumble and refuses to turn on, inspect it for noticeable damage:
– Check for a cracked or damaged screen. Even without visible cracks, a fall might have caused internal issues affecting the screen.
– Look for a swollen battery, indicating potential hazards. Seek professional help if you find one or visit an e-waste facility.
– Examine the phone for water damage. Inspect the SIM card slot for any signs, common on iPhones and many Androids.
If physical damage is evident, either seek professional repair or consider fixing it yourself.
Attempt to Turn On: A Simple Power-Up
Hold down the power button and observe if the phone vibrates or try using voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, or Bixby. Vibrations or sounds with a blank screen may suggest internal components are functional, and only the screen needs replacement.
Battery Check: Charging Your Device
If no obvious issues are found, the phone may be out of battery. Charge it and wait for 15 to 30 minutes before attempting to turn it on. A working phone will show charging indications even with a dead battery.
Charging Issues: Assessing Power Sources
If charging yields no results, consider problems with the charger. Try another cable, power bank, wall outlet, or power strip to eliminate charging-related issues.
Universal Reset: Rebooting Most Android Phones
Follow these reset methods common to various Android phones:
– Samsung Galaxy: Hold down Power and Volume Down for over seven seconds.
– Google Pixel: Hold down the Power button for 30 seconds until the Google logo appears.
– Motorola Moto: Hold down the Power key for 10-20 seconds.
– OnePlus: Hold down Power and Volume Up for 10 seconds.
For phones with removable batteries, try removing and reinserting the battery after a few seconds.
Recovery Mode: Android Troubleshooting
For Android phones, enter Recovery Mode based on the manufacturer:
– Samsung: Connect to a computer, hold Power or Bixby and Volume Up until a vibration occurs. Navigate to Wipe Data/Factory Reset using Volume buttons and select with the power button.
For other Androids, search for specific instructions. Once reset, restore your backup to resume using the phone. These simple steps can often troubleshoot and revive your seemingly lifeless phone, saving you from unnecessary expenses.
