A dead iPhone can be incredibly frustrating. Luckily, most issues preventing your iPhone from powering on have simple solutions. This guide walks you through troubleshooting steps, from the simplest fixes to more advanced solutions. Let's get your iPhone back up and running!
What to Do When Your iPhone Won't Turn On
Before jumping into complex solutions, let's start with the basics. Many times, the problem is simpler than you think.
1. Check the Charge: The most common reason an iPhone won't turn on is a depleted battery.
- Try a Different Cable and Charger: A faulty charging cable or adapter can prevent charging. Try a different, known-good USB-C to Lightning cable and power adapter (preferably Apple-branded).
- Check the Outlet: Ensure the wall outlet is working correctly. Test it with another device.
- Let It Charge: Even with a good cable and adapter, a completely drained battery might take a few minutes to show signs of charging. Let it sit plugged in for at least 30 minutes before trying to turn it on again.
2. Force Restart Your iPhone: A forced restart can resolve temporary software glitches that are preventing your iPhone from turning on. The method varies depending on your iPhone model:
- iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press and release the volume up button, then quickly press and release the volume down button. Then, press and hold the side button (power button) until you see the Apple logo.
- iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press and hold both the side button (power button) and the volume down button simultaneously for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo.
- iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold both the home button and the top (or side) button simultaneously for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo.
3. Is Your iPhone Screen Damaged? A cracked or severely damaged screen might interfere with power functionality. While a cracked screen doesn't always prevent the device from turning on, it can sometimes be a contributing factor.
4. Check for External Damage: Inspect your iPhone for any physical damage, such as liquid exposure or significant bumps. Liquid damage can severely impair functionality and require professional repair.
Why Isn't My iPhone Turning On After Charging?
Even after trying the above steps, your iPhone might still refuse to turn on. Here are some more advanced troubleshooting steps:
My iPhone Won't Turn On After Being Wet
Liquid damage is a major culprit. If you suspect water damage, immediately disconnect the charger and let the phone air dry completely. Avoid using a hairdryer or rice. Water damage often requires professional repair.
My iPhone Won't Turn On and Shows No Sign of Life
If your iPhone doesn't react at all to charging, a faulty battery or internal hardware problem might be the cause. This usually necessitates professional repair.
My iPhone Won't Turn On After a Software Update
A failed software update can sometimes leave your iPhone unresponsive. While a force restart might help, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for assistance.
Why Is My iPhone Frozen?
A frozen screen often presents as an unresponsive device that won't turn on. A forced restart (as outlined above) is the best solution in this case.
When to Seek Professional Help
If none of the above steps work, it's time to seek professional assistance. Contact Apple Support or schedule a repair appointment at an authorized Apple service provider. Internal hardware issues such as a faulty battery, logic board damage, or other component failure require professional diagnosis and repair. Attempting to fix these issues yourself could cause further damage.
By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you'll significantly improve your chances of getting your iPhone back up and running. Remember, patience is key!
