What to do when your phone turns black and won’t turn on?

Answered by James Kissner

When faced with a phone that turns black and won’t turn on, there are a few steps you can take to try and resolve the issue. Here is a detailed guide on what you can do in such a situation:

1. Check for power and charging issues:
– Begin by ensuring that your phone has enough battery power. Connect it to a charger and wait for at least five minutes to allow it to charge. Sometimes, a completely drained battery can cause the screen to go black.
– If you’re using a wireless charger, make sure it’s properly aligned and connected to a power source.
– Check the charging cable and wall adapter for any signs of damage. Try using a different cable and adapter if possible.

2. Force Restart your phone:
– After the charging period, try performing a Force Restart on your phone. The method varies depending on the brand and model, so refer to the manufacturer’s website or manual for specific instructions.
– Generally, you can force restart an iPhone by simultaneously pressing and holding the power button and volume down button until the Apple logo appears. For Android devices, it typically involves pressing and holding the power button and volume down button (or volume up and down buttons) for about 10-15 seconds.

3. Remove and reinsert the battery (if applicable):
– If your phone has a removable battery, power it off completely and remove the battery from the back of the device.
– Wait for at least 30 seconds before reinserting the battery.
– After inserting the battery, try turning on your phone again.

4. Check for physical damage:
– Inspect your phone for any signs of physical damage, such as a cracked screen or water damage. If you notice any damage, it may be necessary to take your phone to a professional for repair.
– Additionally, check the charging port for any debris or corrosion. Use a can of compressed air or a soft brush to clean it if needed.

5. Connect to a computer:
– If your phone still doesn’t turn on, connect it to a computer using a USB cable.
– Your computer may recognize the device and display an error message or prompt you to restore/update the phone’s software. Follow the on-screen instructions and see if this resolves the issue.

6. Contact manufacturer support or visit a repair center:
– If none of the previous steps work, it’s recommended to contact the manufacturer’s support helpline for further assistance.
– Alternatively, you can visit an authorized repair center or schedule an appointment with a technician who specializes in phone repairs.

Remember, these steps are general troubleshooting methods, and the specific solution may vary depending on your phone’s make and model. It’s always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional help if needed.