iPhone won't turn on? Try this first
Your iPhone won't turn on. Black screen. No response. You press all the buttons, plug it in – nothing. Panic sets in. All your photos, contacts, and work files are in there. You consider running straight to the nearest repair shop or ordering a refurbished one .
But wait. Nine times out of ten, it's not broken hardware. It's the simplest solutions that people skip because they panic. Solutions you can do at home, without tools, without technical knowledge. Even without special accessories .
Most users don't realize that Apple has deliberately built in backup solutions for precisely these kinds of situations. Four steps technicians always try before even considering repairs. Steps that will bring your iPhone back to life in five minutes.
Useful links
- Check out our collection of refurbished iPhones for reliable alternatives
- Discover essential iPhone accessories for optimal use
- Find the perfect AirPods to complement your device
Step 1: Perform a Forced Restart
A forced restart solves the problem in the vast majority of cases. The device retains all data, but gets a fresh start. The method varies by model:
For iPhone 8 and later (including SE 2nd/3rd generation):
- Press and release the volume up button
- Immediately afterward, press the volume down button briefly
- Then press and hold the side button (about 10-15 seconds)
- Keep holding until the Apple logo appears
For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
- Press and hold the side button and volume down button at the same time
- Hold both buttons for at least 10 seconds
- Release when the Apple logo appears on the screen
For iPhone 6s and older:
- Press the Home button and the Top (or Side) button at the same time
- Hold both buttons for at least 10 seconds
- The screen goes black first, then the Apple logo appears
Important: During this procedure, the screen may remain completely black. This is normal. Continue holding the buttons for the indicated time, even if nothing happens. The device may sometimes need extra time to respond.
Step 2: Check battery and charging
A completely empty battery causes the device to not respond immediately when charging. This is more common than users think, especially after prolonged periods of non-use.
First check:
- Connect the original charger and wait at least 30 minutes
- The charging symbol only appears after 15-20 minutes with a deeply discharged battery
- Try different electrical outlets in your home
- Test with a different Lightning cable if available
Cleaning the charging port: Dirt and lint often block the connection between the cable and the port. Use a toothpick or dry toothbrush to gently clean the port. Never blow into it—saliva can cause corrosion. A flashlight will help you see what's in the port.
Try wireless charging: iPhone 8 and later models support wireless charging. Place the device on a Qi charger as an alternative to the Lightning port. This also works if the charging port is broken.
Step 3: Recover via computer
If the previous steps don't work, restoring via iTunes or Finder will help. This method installs a fresh version of iOS without losing any data.
Preparation:
- Install the latest version of iTunes (Windows) or use Finder (Mac)
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection
- Use the original or MFi-certified cable
Activate recovery mode per model:
iPhone 8 and later:
- Connect to the computer
- Press and release volume up
- Press and release volume down
- Hold the side button until the recovery screen appears
iPhone 7/7 Plus:
- Connect to the computer
- Press and hold the side button and volume down at the same time
- Keep holding until the recovery screen appears
iPhone 6s and older:
- Connect to the computer
- Press and hold the home button and the top button at the same time
- Keep holding until the recovery screen appears
Restore or Update: The computer will show two options:
- Update: Keeps all data, installs latest iOS
- Restore: wipe everything, completely clean install
Try updating first. This process takes 15-30 minutes depending on your internet speed. The device will restart several times during the process.
Step 4: When professional help is needed
Some problems require technical expertise. Recognize the signs of hardware failure:
Water damage:
- Device has become wet (also in rain or high humidity)
- Condensation visible under the screen
- Speakers produce crackling sound
- Touch function responds randomly
Physical damage:
- Screen shows cracks or black spots
- Casing is bent after fall
- Buttons are stuck or wobbly
- Lightning port is visibly damaged
Battery problems:
- Device becomes extremely hot while charging
- Back bulges (battery swells)
- Randomly turn off when battery is sufficient
- Battery percentage jumps big steps
Additional tips for prevention
Software maintenance: Keep iOS up to date for optimal stability. Enabling automatic updates prevents many problems. Delete apps you don't use—they often run background processes that slow down the system.
Manage storage space: Maintain at least 10% free space. The system needs this space for temporary files and updates. Low storage can cause functionality to become unstable.
Restart regularly: Restart your device weekly. This clears temporary files and frees up memory. Many minor problems will disappear on their own this way.
Backing up: Set up automatic iCloud backup or create a weekly backup from your computer. This will prevent data loss in the event of serious problems.
Common pitfalls
Users often make the same mistakes when troubleshooting. Avoid these missteps:
- Giving up too soon when charging: waiting at least 30 minutes is essential
- Wrong button combination: each model has its own method
- Black screen panic: this is normal during recovery
- Using cheap cables: uncertified cables cause problems
- Delaying software updates: security holes and bugs are piling up
Summary
Most iPhone problems can be solved at home without any technical knowledge. Always start with a forced restart—this simple procedure works surprisingly often. Give the battery enough time to charge if the device is empty. A computer recovery offers a solution for persistent software issues.
Know the limits of DIY repairs. Water damage, swollen batteries, and physical defects require professional assistance. Preventative maintenance prevents many problems: regular updates, sufficient storage, and weekly restarts keep the device healthy.
With these four steps, you'll address 90% of problems. The remaining 10% require specialist help, but even then, you'll know exactly what's going on and avoid unnecessary costs.
Conclusion: usually a quick fix
An iPhone that won't turn on feels like a disaster, but in practice, you can usually fix the problem within five minutes . A forced restart, patiently charging, or a computer restore—that's rarely all you need.
If the device is truly defective, at least you'll know you've tried everything. A refurbished iPhone is a reliable alternative without the high price tag. Keep these steps in mind just in case, because everyone needs them sooner or later. It'll save you stress, time, and potentially a costly repair.
