iPhone Won’t Turn On? Detailed Troubleshooting Guide to Revive Your Device

It’s a frustrating experience when your iPhone suddenly refuses to power on. One minute it’s working fine, the next, it’s a lifeless brick. Before you panic and rush to the nearest repair shop, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try at home to potentially revive your device. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various scenarios and provide detailed instructions on how to get your iPhone back up and running. We’ll cover everything from simple fixes to more advanced troubleshooting techniques, empowering you to take control of the situation.

Understanding Why Your iPhone Might Not Turn On

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s helpful to understand the common reasons why an iPhone might fail to turn on. These can generally be categorized into the following:

• Dead Battery: This is the most common culprit. If your battery is completely drained, your iPhone won’t have enough power to boot up.
• Software Glitches: Sometimes, a software crash or a corrupted update can prevent your iPhone from turning on.
• Hardware Problems: Physical damage, such as a damaged charging port, a faulty battery, or internal component failure, can also be the reason.
• Operating System Issues: A problem with iOS, especially after an update that went wrong, can stop the device from booting up correctly.
• Water Damage: If your phone was exposed to water or another liquid, this can cause significant internal damage that can stop it from powering on.

Troubleshooting Steps: From Simple to Advanced

Now, let’s move on to the troubleshooting steps. We’ll start with the easiest fixes and gradually progress to more complex solutions. It’s recommended to follow these steps in order, as they are designed to help you identify the problem and address it efficiently.

Step 1: Charge Your iPhone

This might seem obvious, but it’s the first and most crucial step. Your iPhone could simply be out of battery. Here’s how to properly charge it:

1. Use the Correct Charger and Cable: Ensure you are using the official Apple charger and cable, or a reputable third-party alternative that is MFi (Made for iPhone) certified. Avoid using cheap, uncertified chargers, as they may not provide the correct voltage and can even damage your device.
2. Plug into a Working Power Outlet: Double-check that the power outlet you’re using is functioning correctly. Try plugging in another device to verify. You might also want to try a different outlet to rule out any issues with your wall sockets.
3. Check the Lightning Port: Inspect the lightning port (or USB-C on newer models) on your iPhone for any signs of damage, dirt, or debris. Use a small brush or a toothpick (gently) to clean out any obstructions. If the port looks damaged, it might require professional repair.
4. Let it Charge for at Least 15-30 Minutes: Even if your iPhone shows no signs of life immediately, allow it to charge for at least 15 to 30 minutes. In some cases, it can take this long for the device to accumulate enough charge to boot up. If it’s extremely drained, it might take even longer, sometimes an hour or more.
5. Look for Charging Indicators: After plugging in your device, look for any charging indicators. This could be the charging lightning bolt icon on the screen or a brief vibration, depending on the model and level of depletion. Some models might show a low battery symbol for a few seconds after being plugged in, which then turns into the charging symbol. If you don’t see any indicator at all, that could suggest a deeper issue.
6. Try a Different Charger and Cable: If your iPhone is still not responding, try using a different charger and cable to eliminate the possibility that your existing accessories are faulty.

What to Expect:

• If your iPhone was just out of battery, it should turn on after a few minutes of charging.
• If the charging process starts, a charging indicator should appear on the screen.
• If nothing happens, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Force Restart Your iPhone

A force restart is a way to interrupt the current operations of your iPhone and force it to reboot. This is often effective for resolving software glitches that might be causing your device to remain unresponsive. The process varies slightly depending on your iPhone model:

iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd gen and 3rd gen), iPhone X, XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, and newer Models:

1. Press and Quickly Release the Volume Up Button: Don’t hold the button down, just press and release quickly.
2. Press and Quickly Release the Volume Down Button: Again, press and release quickly.
3. Press and Hold the Side Button (Power Button): Keep holding the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This might take around 10-20 seconds. Once you see the Apple logo, release the side button, and your phone will start booting up.

iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:

1. Press and Hold the Side Button (Power Button) and the Volume Down Button Simultaneously: Keep holding both buttons down.
2. Wait for the Apple Logo: Keep holding the buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Once you see the logo, release both buttons, and the device will restart.

iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st generation), and earlier Models:

1. Press and Hold the Home Button and the Power Button (Top or Side Button, depending on the model) Simultaneously: Continue holding both buttons down.
2. Wait for the Apple Logo: Keep holding the buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Release both buttons when you see the logo and your device will begin to restart.

Important Notes About Force Restart:

• Make sure you are performing the correct sequence of steps for your iPhone model.
• The force restart will not erase any data from your phone.
• If the Apple logo doesn’t appear after trying the force restart a few times, the problem could be more serious.

Step 3: Check for Water Damage

If your iPhone has been exposed to water or any other liquid, it could be the reason why it’s not turning on. Look for these telltale signs:

• Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI): Most iPhones have an LCI, a small indicator that changes color when exposed to moisture. This is usually located in the SIM card tray, charging port, or headphone jack (for older models). Typically, the LCI is white or silver, and it turns red or pink when wet. If you suspect water damage, check the LCI for a change in color.
• Corrosion Around Charging Port: Look closely around the charging port for any visible signs of corrosion or rust. This can happen if the charging port was wet for a period of time.
• Condensation Under the Screen: If you see condensation or moisture under the screen, it’s a sign that water has gotten inside the device.

If You Suspect Water Damage:

• Power Off (If Possible): If your phone is somehow on but not fully functional, try to power it off completely.
• Do Not Charge the Phone: Avoid charging your iPhone, as doing so can cause further damage when water is present.
• Remove the SIM Card Tray: Open the SIM card tray and take out the SIM card. This might allow some airflow inside the device and reduce corrosion.
• Do Not Use Rice: Contrary to popular belief, putting your phone in rice is not an effective way to dry it out, and it can actually cause further damage from dust and starch.
• Seek Professional Help: If you suspect liquid damage, it’s best to take your phone to a professional repair center as soon as possible. They have specialized tools and equipment to properly dry out the components and assess the extent of the damage. Early intervention can often improve the chances of repair.

Step 4: Connect to a Computer (DFU or Recovery Mode)

If your iPhone is still not turning on, you can try connecting it to a computer and attempting a restore. This can help if there’s a problem with the operating system. There are two modes you can use, recovery mode and DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode.

Recovery Mode:

Recovery Mode will allow your iPhone to connect to iTunes/Finder and reinstall the iOS software without completely erasing your data, if possible.

Steps:

1. Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer. Make sure your computer has the latest version of iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).
2. Enter Recovery Mode: The process for entering recovery mode varies by iPhone model:
• iPhone 8 or Later: Quickly press and release the volume up button, quickly press and release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen (a picture of a computer and a cable).
• iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the side button and the volume down button at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.
• iPhone 6s or Earlier: Press and hold the home button and the side/top button at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.
3. iTunes/Finder: Your computer will now detect that your iPhone is in recovery mode.
4. Update or Restore: In the iTunes/Finder window, you will be presented with the options to update or restore. Click the ‘Update’ option first. This might reinstall iOS without erasing your data. If updating does not work, you will then have to resort to clicking ‘Restore’. Note that restoring the device will completely erase it from all data and user settings.
5. Follow Prompts: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the update or restore process.

DFU Mode:

DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is a deeper level restore, as it bypasses the iOS boot loader. This is a more thorough troubleshooting step, and sometimes may restore your device when recovery mode fails.

Steps:

1. Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer. Make sure your computer has the latest version of iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).
2. Enter DFU Mode: The process for entering DFU mode varies by iPhone model:
• iPhone 8 or Later: Quickly press and release the volume up button, quickly press and release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button for 10 seconds. While holding the side button, press and hold the volume down button for 5 seconds. Release the side button but continue to hold the volume down button for 5 more seconds. The screen should remain black. If an Apple logo appears during the process, it means you’ve held a button too long and will have to start again.
• iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the side button and the volume down button at the same time for 10 seconds. Release the side button but continue to hold the volume down button for 5 more seconds. The screen should remain black. If the apple logo appears, you must repeat the process.
• iPhone 6s or Earlier: Press and hold the home button and the side/top button at the same time for 10 seconds. Release the side/top button but continue to hold the home button for 5 more seconds. The screen should remain black. If the apple logo appears, you must repeat the process.
3. iTunes/Finder: If successful, the computer will now detect that your iPhone is in DFU mode. The screen on your iPhone will remain completely black.
4. Restore: In the iTunes/Finder window, you will see a message stating your device is in DFU mode and needs to be restored. Click Restore, note that this will erase all the data on your device.
5. Follow Prompts: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the restore process.

Important Notes About Recovery and DFU Mode:

• Entering DFU mode can be a bit tricky, and you may need to try it a few times.
• Restoring your phone through either Recovery or DFU mode will erase all the data from your device, so make sure you have a backup if possible.
• If the phone still refuses to be detected or restored, there may be a hardware issue at play.

Step 5: Check for Hardware Issues

If none of the above steps worked, you may be dealing with a hardware problem. Here are some common hardware issues and what to do:

• Damaged Charging Port: As mentioned earlier, a damaged or corroded charging port can prevent your iPhone from charging and turning on. Visually inspect the port for damage or debris and try cleaning it carefully. If the damage is severe, you might need to replace the port.
• Faulty Battery: An old or defective battery can sometimes fail to charge or cause the iPhone to not turn on. If the phone has been around for several years, you may want to consider replacing the battery to rule this out.
• Internal Component Failure: In some cases, a failure in an internal component of the iPhone could prevent it from working properly. This is difficult to diagnose without opening up the phone, and it is better left to a professional.
• Screen Issues: Although uncommon, a failing screen may appear like a device that isn’t booting up when it is in fact functional. Connect to a computer and see if you can access it via file transfer to rule this out.

What To Do: If you suspect hardware damage, it is recommended to:

• Do Not Attempt Self-Repair: Unless you have experience repairing electronics, do not try to open up the iPhone yourself. This can cause even more damage and void your warranty.
• Visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider: Contact the nearest Apple store or an authorized repair center. They have trained technicians who can properly diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repairs. They will be able to inspect the phone thoroughly and identify hardware issues that are not always obvious.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Check Your Warranty: If your iPhone is still under warranty, it might be best to take it to Apple for repair, as opening the device on your own can void the warranty.
• Backups: Regularly backing up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer will help you restore your data in case of a major issue that requires you to reset your device.
• Keep iOS Updated: Keeping the operating system up-to-date can prevent software issues and ensure your iPhone is running smoothly.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Exposing your iPhone to extreme heat or cold can damage the battery and other components, so try not to leave it in direct sunlight or freezing environments.
• Be Careful with Third-Party Accessories: Use only MFi-certified accessories to ensure they work properly with your device and don’t cause any problems.
• Proper Usage and Handling: Be gentle with your device. Avoid dropping it, exposing it to liquids, or placing heavy items on top of it.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have tried all the above troubleshooting steps and your iPhone still won’t turn on, it is a sign that you might need professional help. This is especially true if you:

• Suspect physical damage (broken screen, bent frame).
• Believe liquid damage is involved.
• Tried all the software troubleshooting steps without success.
• Are uncomfortable performing a DFU restore.
• Are not comfortable with opening your device on your own for a repair.

Conclusion

Having an iPhone that refuses to turn on can be a very frustrating experience. However, by following this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, you have the tools to diagnose and potentially fix the problem. From ensuring the basics like a charged battery, trying a force restart, and using the appropriate recovery or DFU mode, you’ll be able to tackle most common issues. Remember to always be careful, and if in doubt, seek professional help to ensure the longevity of your device. With a bit of patience and these systematic steps, you may be able to revive your iPhone and get back to your day. Hopefully this guide will prove useful when troubleshooting why your iPhone won’t turn on, and it may save you a costly visit to a repair shop. Don’t give up yet; there’s a good chance you can get your device back up and running!