It can be extremely frustrating when your iPhone suddenly refuses to power on. You press the Power button, but the screen stays black, there's no Apple logo, and nothing seems to happen. If you're dealing with an iPhone won't turn on issue, you're not alone—this is a surprisingly common problem faced by iPhone users worldwide.
The good news is that an iPhone that won't turn on doesn't always mean permanent damage. In this guide, we'll explain why your iPhone won't turn on and walk you through step-by-step solutions, from basic checks to advanced system repair methods.
Before attempting any fixes, it's important to understand the root cause of the problem. Here are some common reasons why an iPhone won't turn on:
If your iPhone won't turn on at all and shows no response, you can try the following methods in order, from simple to more advanced.
When your iPhone won't turn on after an update, it may simply be out of battery. Just connect it to a wall outlet using an original or certified charging cable, let it charge for at least 30 minutes, and then check whether the battery icon or Apple logo appears to see if it powers on.
Overheating can cause your iPhone to not turn on and won't charge as a protective measure. If your device is exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures, it may automatically shut down to avoid internal damage. In such cases, letting it cool down can help restore normal functionality. Move your iPhone to a shaded, well-ventilated area away from any heat sources.
Remove the device case to allow heat to dissipate more effectively. Avoid charging or using the iPhone until it has fully cooled, as doing so could worsen the overheating and potentially cause more serious damage.
If your iPhone is charging but won't turn on, you can try force restarting it. When the system is frozen or stuck on a black screen, a force restart often resolves the issue quickly, and it won't erase any of the content on your iPhone.
To force restart the iPhone, follow the steps below:
A failed iOS update can cause your iPhone to crash, leaving it unresponsive and unable to turn on. You can use Recovery Mode with iTunes or Finder to install the latest system version to fix it. Here's how to fix an iPhone that won't turn on using Recovery Mode:
Step 1. Open the latest version of iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) on your computer and connect your iPhone using a certified cable. Then, enter Recovery Mode based on your device model:
Step 2. On your computer, a pop-up will appear giving you the option to "Update" or "Restore" your iPhone. Choose "Update" to reinstall iOS without erasing your data. If that doesn't work, select "Restore" to reset the device.
If Recovery Mode also fails to resolve the issue, it indicates that the system is severely damaged. In this case, you can use DFU mode for a deeper restore. Please note that the DFU mode will erase all data, so use it with caution.
Here is how to fix iPhone won't turn on via DFU mode:
Step 1. Enter DFU mode on your iPhone and connect it to your computer.
Step 2. Open iTunes on your PC, and it will automatically detect your device and prompt you to restore it.
Step 3. Simply click "OK" and then select "Restore" from the pop-up to begin the process.
If your iPhone still won't turn on after trying the methods above, it may indicate a system issue. In this case, using a professional iPhone system repair tool is a safer and more efficient option. iOS System Recovery is one such tool. It can automatically detect problems on your iPhone and repair them without causing any data loss. For users who aren't tech-savvy and want to avoid losing data, it is the ideal choice.
Main features of iOS System Recovery:
How do I fix the iPhone that won't turn on after an update without data loss?
01Run the installed software on your computer, and keep your iPhone connected to the PC with a USB cord. Then visit "More tool" > "iOS System Recovery" on the main interface.
02Then the tool will detect what problem your iPhone might have, and then show the likely errors of your iPhone, such as iPhone won't turn on, iPhone stuck on Apple logo, Recovery mode, iPhone won't update, iPhone Error 3, etc. Just click the "Start" button to go to the next step.
03After that, you will be required to confirm your iPhone information. If it is correct, click the "Repair" button to begin the fixing process. If not, select the right one and hit the "Repair" option to fix the iPhone won't turn on issue.
To fix your iPhone, the software might download and install the latest software update on your iPhone after detecting your iPhone's current iOS version.
If none of the software-based solutions resolve the iPhone won't turn on issue, the problem is likely related to hardware damage. In this case, contacting Apple Support or visiting an authorized service provider is the safest option. Professional technicians can diagnose issues such as battery failure, logic board damage, or water exposure and provide an appropriate repair solution, helping you avoid further damage from improper handling.
The methods above are effective solutions for fixing an iPhone that won't turn on, and they have all been tested by us. If you want to resolve the issue without losing any data, iOS System Recovery is a highly recommended option, especially for regular users and those without a technical background.
If you encounter any difficulties while trying these methods or know of a better solution, please leave us a comment to let us know.
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