iPhone won't turn on? Step-by-step how to fix

Is your iPhone not turning on no matter what you try? Don’t panic. At Imfixed, we know how stressful it can be when your iPhone suddenly goes dark and unresponsive. Whether it's due to a dead battery, software glitch or water damage, there are a number of steps you can take before rushing to replace your device. But if nothing works, don’t worry. We’re here to fix it for you.

Start with the basics: Is your iPhone charging?

When your iPhone won't power on, it’s often down to a depleted battery. Plug your device into a reliable charger, wait at least 15 minutes, and then try turning it on. If nothing happens, try a different Apple-certified charging cable and power adapter. Also, check the charging port for dirt or debris. A simple clean with a soft, dry brush can make a difference.

If your iPhone's battery is fully drained, the screen might stay black for a while even after plugging in. Give it time. If your charger or cable is damaged, your phone might not be charging at all. Still nothing? Bring it to us at Imfixed for a full diagnostic check and fast fix.

Try a hard reset

Perform a hard reset by holding the power button and the volume down button (or the home button on older iPhones) for 10 to 15 seconds. Release when the Apple logo appears. This method clears minor software glitches and forces the phone to reboot.

If this doesn’t work, or if your phone restarts but won’t stay on, we can help troubleshoot deeper iPhone software problems in-store or at your location.

Still no luck? Try connecting to iTunes or Finder

Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). If your phone is recognised, follow the prompts to update or restore iOS. This can repair system errors, but it might erase data if a full restore is needed.

Don’t worry about your photos and contacts, we can help you recover your data if backed up to iCloud. If iTunes doesn't recognise your phone, it may be time to enter DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode.

DFU Mode: For deeper software issues

DFU mode allows your iPhone to connect with iTunes without loading the operating system. It’s a more advanced fix for corrupted iOS or failed updates. Be careful though, as it wipes all content. If you’re unsure about this step, we recommend visiting us at Imfixed where we can perform this safely and recover your data if possible.

Check for physical or water damage

Dropped your iPhone or got it wet? That could be the root cause. Liquid exposure or internal damage can prevent the phone from turning on. Here’s what not to do:

• Do not power it back on
  
  
• Don’t press any buttons
  
  
• Avoid shaking or drying it with heat
  
  
• Never microwave it (seriously)

Instead, gently dry the phone externally and place it in a sealed bag of silica gel or rice for at least 24 hours. Then try turning it on. If it’s still dead, bring it in. At Imfixed, we have specialised tools to treat water-damaged iPhones and prevent further harm.

When to replace the battery

iPhone batteries are built to last about two years or 700 full charge cycles. If your device is older and struggling to power on, the battery could be the issue. You can check battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health, but if it won’t turn on at all, let us do the inspection. We offer quick and affordable battery replacements to get your phone working like new.

Common reasons why your iPhone won’t turn on

Here’s a quick summary of why your iPhone might be unresponsive:

• Software glitches from updates or crashes
  
  
• Outdated iOS
  
  
• Battery degradation
  
  
• Hardware failures (like motherboard or logic board issues)
  
  
• Overheating
  
  
• Water or liquid damage
  
  
• Malware or faulty apps
  
  
• Failed software updates
  
  
• Touch Disease (common in iPhone 6/6 Plus)
  
  
• Factory defects or security locks
  
  
• Connectivity issues

At Imfixed, we diagnose all of these problems with professional tools and experience. Don’t waste time with guesswork. Let us sort it out for you.

Restore using iTunes: Step-by-step

If you're seeing the USB cable and iTunes logo on your screen, your iPhone is in recovery mode. Here’s how to restore it:

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes installed.
   
   
2. iTunes should detect the device and offer to restore or update it.
   
   
3. Choose "Restore". iTunes will download the latest iOS version and install it.
   
   
4. Your phone will reboot. If successful, you’ll start fresh, ready to restore from iCloud.

Still not working? It might be a hardware issue, and that’s when you really need us. Come to Imfixed and let our experts handle it.

Final thoughts: Bring it to Imfixed

We understand how important your iPhone is. Whether it’s for work, socials or emergencies, it’s something you simply can’t live without. So if your iPhone refuses to power on, don’t panic and certainly don’t give up on it. Let Imfixed bring it back to life. Whether you prefer to drop it off, send it in, or book a collection, our expert team is ready to help.

Book a repair online or contact us today to get your iPhone turning back on, quickly, affordably and professionally.

FAQs: iPhone Won’t Turn On

Why won’t my iPhone turn on?

It might be due to a drained battery, software crash or hardware failure. Start with a full charge and try a force restart.

Can a faulty cable stop it from charging?

Yes. Try a different certified iPhone charger or cable. Check the port for debris.

Could water damage be the cause?

Absolutely. Moisture can cause internal short circuits. Dry it out with silica gel and then come to us if it still won’t work.

Is it safe to restore using iTunes?

Yes, but it will erase your data. Only do this if you’ve backed up your iPhone or the device won’t start.

Do I need a new battery?

If your phone is over two years old and doesn't respond to charging, the battery may need replacing. We offer fast and affordable battery replacements at Imfixed.