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If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod that won’t turn on or seems to be “bricked,” don’t panic. There are a few steps you can take to revive your iOS gadget. In this article, we will guide you through these steps.
If you’re having issues with your Mac not starting up, see our article on 10 steps to take when your Mac doesn’t start up.
Note that this guide is for when your iOS gadget fails to turn on due to unknown issues. If you know what is going on with your device, especially if it has fallen into water or has overheated, we suggest contacting Apple. We also have separate advice for the White Screen of Death, which is a different issue.
Check Battery Power
First and foremost, make sure your device isn’t simply out of battery power. To do this, plug it into an electrical outlet and let it charge for at least 10 minutes before attempting to turn it on. If the issue persists, there may be a problem with your charger or cable, so try the same routine with a different plug and cable. If you have given your iOS gadget a full charge using different plugs and cables, but it still doesn’t show any signs of life, you may have a hardware problem like a broken lithium battery.
Force Restart
A forced restart is often enough to fix a bricked gadget. The method you should use to do this depends on the iPhone (or iPad) you own. For most iOS devices, you can perform a forced restart by pressing and holding the Home button and Power button. But, if your device is new enough to have a non-mechanical software Home button (iPhone 7/8 generations), or doesn’t have a Home button at all (iPhone X), then the process is different and more complex.
Reset Device
If your iPhone turns on but still has serious issues with iOS, restoring it may be necessary. Connect it to your computer, open iTunes if it doesn’t pop up automatically, and click on the device icon to open the overview page. Click on “Restore.” Once the process is complete, iTunes will ask if you want to restore from a previous backup. If you don’t have an old backup, you may need to set up your device as new.
DFU Mode
DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is used to update the firmware and can restore an unresponsive iPhone or iPad. However, it should only be used in extreme cases. To enter DFU mode, connect your device to your computer and open iTunes. Press and hold the power button of the iOS gadget for about three seconds and swipe to turn it off when prompted. Once it’s shut down, press and hold both the Home button and the Power/Side buttons for 10 seconds. Release the power button, but continue to hold the Home button for five more seconds. If the device enters DFU mode, you will see a warning in iTunes that your computer has detected the device and offers to restore it while the screen remains black.
Try Another Computer
If you’re unable to restore your iPhone or enter DFU mode, try another Mac or PC if you have one. Sometimes a conflict or driver issue prevents the computer from recognizing your iOS device.
Talk to Apple
If all else fails, make an appointment with an Apple support professional who can suggest solutions, or offer a repair or replacement if necessary. Keep in mind that this can be an expensive option, especially if your device is old and no longer under warranty. You may want to consider the cost of replacing your old device versus repairing it. Apple may also offer you a trade-in option.
Sell or Recycle
If you don’t want to pay for a replacement, you can always sell your iOS device on websites like eBay as “parts or not working.” Someone may be interested in buying your device and salvaging parts for their own gadget. Alternatively, consider recycling your device directly through Apple.
Remember, before you do any of these steps, it’s always a good idea to back up all of your data on iCloud, iTunes, or another service so you don’t lose any important information.
FAQs
1. Can a dead iPhone be repaired?
Yes, a dead iPhone can be repaired. Depending on the issue, you can replace the battery, charge port, or any other part of the device that is causing the problem. However, in some cases, the cost of repairing an old or severely damaged iPhone may not be worth it, and it may be better to buy a new one.
2. How do I know if my iPhone battery is completely dead?
If your iPhone won’t turn on, it’s possible that the battery is completely dead. To check if this is the case, plug your iPhone into a wall outlet and let it charge for at least 30 minutes. If the iPhone still won’t turn on, it’s likely that the battery needs to be replaced.