How to Fix It When a Tablet Won't Turn On

Check the Battery

One of the first things to check when a tablet won’t turn on is the battery. It’s possible that the battery is drained or completely dead, preventing the tablet from powering on. Here are some steps you can take to check the battery:

Check the charging port: Ensure that the charging port is clean and free from any debris. Use a small brush or compressed air to remove any dirt or lint that may be blocking the connection.
Inspect the charging cable: Examine the charging cable for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or bent connectors. If there are any visible issues, try using a different cable to see if it resolves the problem.
Connect the tablet to a power source: Plug the tablet into a known working power source, such as a wall outlet or a computer’s USB port. Leave it connected for at least 15 minutes to see if the battery icon or LED indicator shows any signs of charging.
Check for a charging animation: Some tablets display a charging animation or icon on the screen when connected to a power source. If you see this animation, it indicates that the tablet is receiving power and the battery may be charging.
Try a different power source: If the tablet still doesn’t show any signs of charging, attempt to connect it to a different power source. It’s possible that the original power source is faulty or doesn’t provide enough power to charge the tablet.

If after following these steps the tablet still won’t turn on or show any signs of charging, it may be necessary to move on to other troubleshooting methods.

Charge the Tablet

If your tablet isn’t turning on, it could simply be that the battery is completely drained. Follow these steps to charge the tablet:

Use the original charger: Make sure you’re using the charger that came with your tablet. Other chargers may not provide the necessary voltage and current to charge the device properly.
Connect the charger to a power source: Plug the charger into a wall outlet or a USB port on a computer. Ensure that the power source is working correctly by plugging in another device and confirming that it charges.
Connect the charger to the tablet: Plug the charger’s cable into the charging port on your tablet. It should fit securely without any force. Avoid using excessive pressure as it may damage the charging port.
Look for charging indicators: Most tablets have a charging LED or battery icon that indicates the charging status. If the tablet is charging, you should see the LED turn on or the battery icon display a charging animation.
Leave the tablet connected: Let the tablet charge for at least 30 minutes or until the battery icon shows that it’s fully charged. Avoid interrupting the charging process by disconnecting the charger prematurely.

If the tablet still doesn’t turn on after charging, proceed to the next troubleshooting step to further diagnose and resolve the issue.

Try a Different Charger or Cable

If your tablet is not turning on, there’s a possibility that the charger or cable you’re using is faulty. Here’s what you can do:

Check for visible damage: Inspect the charger and cable for any visible signs of damage, such as frayed wires, bent connectors, or loose parts. If there’s any damage, it’s likely the cause of the issue.
Use a different charger: Try using a different charger that is compatible with your tablet. Borrow one from a friend or family member, or purchase a new one if needed. Make sure the charger provides the correct voltage and current for your tablet.
Try a different cable: If you have access to another cable, switch out the cable you’re currently using. It’s possible that the cable has become worn out over time or is not transmitting power properly.
Test with a known working charger: If you don’t have a different charger or cable available, you can try connecting your tablet to a known working charger. This will help determine if the issue lies with the charger or cable you were using previously.

After trying a different charger or cable, wait for a few minutes to see if the tablet shows any signs of charging or powering on. If there are still no indications of life, we’ll move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Perform a Hard Reset

If your tablet refuses to turn on, performing a hard reset can help resolve any software glitches or conflicts that might be preventing it from booting up. Here’s how to do it:

Locate the reset button: Look for a small pinhole on the side or back of your tablet. This is the reset button.
Insert a thin object: Use a paperclip or a similar thin object and gently press into the reset button. Hold it down for about 10-15 seconds.
Release the reset button: After holding down the reset button, release it and wait for a few seconds.
Try turning on the tablet: Press and hold the power button to turn on your tablet. If the reset was successful, the device should power up normally.

Note that performing a hard reset may vary depending on the tablet model. Some tablets might require a different combination of buttons to be pressed simultaneously to initiate a hard reset. If you’re unsure about the exact steps, refer to the tablet’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.

If the tablet still refuses to turn on after performing a hard reset, it’s time to move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Remove and Reinsert the Battery (if Possible)

If your tablet has a removable battery, removing and reinserting it can sometimes help resolve power-related issues. Please note that not all tablets have removable batteries, so skip this step if your tablet’s battery is built-in or non-removable. Here’s what you need to do:

Power off the tablet: If your tablet is still on, shut it down properly before attempting to remove the battery. This will prevent any potential damage or data loss.
Locate and remove the back cover: Check the back of your tablet for a removable cover. Depending on the make and model, you may need to use a small tool or follow specific instructions to remove the cover.
Identify the battery: Once the back cover is removed, you should see the battery. Take note of its position and any connectors or clips holding it in place.
Disconnect the battery: Carefully disconnect any connectors or clips securing the battery to the tablet’s circuitry. Be gentle to avoid damaging any components.
Remove the battery: Once the battery is disconnected, gently lift it out of its compartment. Be cautious not to apply excessive force or twist the battery, as it may cause damage.
Reinsert the battery: After a few moments, place the battery back into its compartment, ensuring it is properly aligned with the connectors. Press it firmly, but not forcefully, until it sits snugly in place.
Reattach the back cover: Carefully reattach the back cover, following any specific instructions or clips to secure it properly. Avoid overtightening screws or applying unnecessary pressure.

Now that the battery has been removed and reinserted, try turning on your tablet again. If the issue persists, let’s move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Check for Physical Damage

If your tablet won’t turn on, it’s important to inspect the device for any physical damage that may be causing the issue. Here’s what you can do:

Examine the exterior: Carefully look for any visible signs of damage on the tablet’s body, including cracks, dents, or water damage. Pay close attention to the screen, ports, and buttons.
Inspect the charging port: Check the charging port for any debris, bent pins, or corrosion. Use a flashlight to get a clear view and gently clean out any dirt or lint using a soft brush or compressed air.
Check the power button: Ensure that the power button isn’t stuck or loose. Test it by pressing it firmly and observing any response from the tablet.
Look for screen damage: If the screen appears cracked or damaged, it may prevent the tablet from turning on or displaying anything. In such cases, the screen may need to be replaced.
Verify the battery: If the battery appears swollen or damaged, it could be causing the power issue. In this case, the battery might need to be replaced.

If you notice any significant physical damage or suspect that it may be the cause of the problem, it is recommended to seek professional assistance or contact the manufacturer for further guidance. If there are no visible signs of damage, let’s move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Perform a Factory Reset

If your tablet is still not turning on, performing a factory reset can help eliminate any software issues that may be preventing it from powering up. Keep in mind that a factory reset will erase all of your data, so it’s crucial to back up any important files before proceeding. To perform a factory reset, follow these steps:

Power off the tablet: If your tablet is on, turn it off by pressing and holding the power button until the power menu appears, then select “Power Off” or a similar option.
Enter recovery mode: To access the recovery mode, simultaneously press and hold the volume up and power buttons until the tablet vibrates or you see the manufacturer’s logo. Release both buttons once you see the recovery menu.
Navigate using volume keys: Use the volume up and volume down keys to navigate through the menu options. Look for an option that says “Factory Reset,” “Wipe Data/Factory Reset,” or something similar.
Select the factory reset option: Once you’ve highlighted the factory reset option, press the power button to select it. Confirm your selection if prompted.
Perform the factory reset: The tablet will now begin the factory reset process, which may take a few minutes. Do not interrupt the process or turn off the device.
Reboot the tablet: After the reset is complete, you’ll be returned to the recovery menu. Use the volume keys to navigate and select the “Reboot System Now” option. Press the power button to reboot the tablet.

After the tablet restarts, it should be restored to its original factory settings. Try turning it on again to see if the issue has been resolved. If the tablet still won’t turn on, additional troubleshooting measures may be necessary.

Contact Customer Support

If you’ve tried all the previous troubleshooting steps and your tablet still won’t turn on, it’s time to reach out to the customer support team. They can provide further assistance and guide you through additional troubleshooting options. Here’s how you can get in touch:

Visit the manufacturer’s website: Go to the official website of the tablet manufacturer and look for a support or contact page.
Check for online resources: Explore the manufacturer’s website for online support resources such as FAQs, troubleshooting guides, or community forums. Often, you’ll find helpful information and solutions to common issues.
Contact customer support: Look for a customer support phone number or email address on the manufacturer’s website. Reach out to them and provide details about the problem you’re facing with your tablet. Be prepared to provide information such as the tablet model, serial number, and a description of the issue.
Follow their instructions: The customer support team may ask you to perform certain steps or provide additional information to assess the problem. Follow their instructions and cooperate throughout the troubleshooting process.
Warranty and repair options: If your tablet is still under warranty, customer support will provide guidance on warranty claims and repair options. They may also suggest sending the tablet for inspection or repair at an authorized service center.

Remember to be patient and polite when communicating with customer support. They are there to assist you and help resolve the issue with your tablet.

By contacting customer support, you can make use of their expertise and resources to find a solution or to explore warranty options if applicable.