6 reasons your iPhone is not turning on and how to fix it

When your iPhone won’t turn on, it’s easy to fear the worst — but a fix is often simpler than it first seems. Whether the issue is a drained battery, a faulty charging cable, or something more severe, identifying the problem is the first step to resolving it and easing your worry that the device is beyond repair.

1. Dead battery

A dead battery is one of the most common and straightforward reasons an iPhone won’t turn on. While normal use can drain the battery over time, power-intensive activities like video streaming, gaming, or running multiple apps can cause it to die faster than expected.

If your phone still doesn’t respond after charging, the battery itself may be defective and no longer able to hold a charge. In that case, a replacement might be necessary. You can visit the nearest Apple Authorised Service Provider or send your iPhone directly to Apple for repair.

2. Faulty charging accessories

If your iPhone won’t turn on, even while it’s charging, a faulty charging accessory might be to blame. Damaged cables, worn-out adapters, or debris in the charging port can all interfere with proper power delivery.

To troubleshoot the problem, try a different cable, adapter, or power outlet. If your iPhone begins charging with the new setup, it's a strong sign that one of your original accessories was causing the issue.

3. Software glitch

A software glitch can sometimes stop your iPhone from turning on, especially after a failed software update, system crash, or improperly installed app. These issues may interfere with the startup process and cause your phone to seem completely unresponsive.

If you suspect a glitch is behind your iPhone not turning on, try to force a restart. This simple step can often clear out minor software hiccups and get your device running again by interrupting the power cycle and forcing a fresh boot.

4. Physical damage

Dropping your iPhone in water or onto a hard surface can short-circuit internal components, loosen connections, or damage the battery, preventing it from turning on. Cracked screens, dented frames, or visible corrosion are signs that your phone may have been physically damaged.

If you suspect physical damage, inspect your iPhone for visible cracks, dents, or moisture under the screen. For water damage, check the device's Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI), a small sticker inside the SIM card slot that changes colour when exposed to moisture. If you notice any damage, take your device to an Apple Store or an authorised repair provider.

5. Overheating

iPhones are designed to shut down automatically if they overheat, protecting internal components from heat damage. Overheating can occur if your device is left in direct sunlight, used for long periods of gaming or video recording, or charged in a poorly ventilated area.

If your iPhone overheats and displays a temperature warning screen, turn it off immediately and move it to a cooler environment away from direct sunlight. Allow it to cool before turning it back on to avoid further damage.

6. Jailbreaking

Jailbreaking your iPhone removes Apple’s built-in mobile security restrictions, giving you more control over customisation and allowing downloads from unofficial third-party stores. While this offers greater flexibility, it’s not recommended because it also makes your device more vulnerable to iPhone hacking and viruses, which can corrupt your system and prevent it from turning on.

If you have a jailbroken iPhone that won’t power on, try putting it into DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode and restoring it with iTunes or Finder. This reinstalls the original iOS software, removes the jailbreak, and may fix the issue. Keep in mind that this process will erase your data, so it’s important to back up your device regularly.

Strategies to preserve your iPhone’s battery

Few things are more frustrating than a rapidly draining iPhone battery when you don’t have a charger handy. Luckily, you can use the following strategies to help preserve your iPhone's battery and keep it charged longer:

• Enable optimised battery charging: This feature slows battery aging by reducing the time your iPhone spends fully charged, minimising battery stress, and extending its lifespan. To enable it, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging, and toggle on Optimised Battery Charging.
• Use dark mode: Dark mode reduces the amount of light your screen emits, which can help conserve battery life. To turn it on, go to Settings > Display & Brightness and select Dark.
• Reduce screen brightness: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to access the Control Centre, then adjust the brightness slider to a less energy-intensive level
• Disable unnecessary location services: Some apps track your location even when you’re not using them, draining your battery. To manage this, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, and switch off location access for apps that don’t need it.

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FAQs

Still wondering why your iPhone won’t turn on? We have answers.

Why is my iPhone blinking the Apple logo and not turning on?

If your iPhone is stuck on a screen with a blinking Apple logo, it may be due to a software issue like a failed update, corrupted data, or a jailbreak attempt. Try performing a force restart to resolve the problem. If that doesn’t work, a device firmware update may be necessary to reinstall the operating system.

How do I know if my iPhone is charging if the screen is black?

If your iPhone’s screen is black but it’s charging, you should see a charging icon (a lightning bolt) on the screen after a few minutes of being plugged in. You may also notice the battery icon with a charging symbol displayed on the screen.

How do I check if my iPhone battery needs to be replaced?

To check if your iPhone battery needs replacement, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If it shows “Service" or the Maximum Capacity is significantly below 80%, the battery is degraded and may need to be replaced.

Why has my iPhone screen gone black?

A black iPhone screen can be caused by a software glitch, a dead battery, overheating, or physical damage. Sometimes, the phone can still be on, but the display isn’t responding. In these cases, try charging your iPhone for at least 20 minutes and performing a force restart. If the screen stays black, you may want to take your iPhone to an Apple Store or an Apple Authorised Service Provider.