Samsung phone won't turn on? 7 fixes for a black screen
A Galaxy that will not start is usually drained or frozen. Charge it the right way first, then force restart, then try recovery mode.
How to fix a Samsung that won’t turn on
The fix
Work through these 7 fixes
- 1
Charge it for at least 30 minutes.
Use a Samsung or certified wall adapter. Wait up to 10 minutes for the charging icon to appear.
- 2
Force restart it.
Hold the side key and volume down together for about 10 to 15 seconds until the Samsung logo appears. Try it once plugged in and once unplugged.
- 3
Try another cable, adapter and outlet.
Check the cable and port for damage, corrosion or bent pins.
- 4
Clean the USB-C port.
Remove lint with a wooden or plastic toothpick while the phone is unplugged.
- 5
Dry it out if you see Moisture detected.
The phone blocks cable charging when the port is wet. Let it dry for a few hours, or use a wireless charger meanwhile.
- 6
Try wireless charging.
If it starts on a wireless pad but not with a cable, the charging port needs repair.
- 7
Start it in recovery mode.
With the phone off, hold volume up and the side key until the Samsung logo appears, then release. On many newer Galaxy phones the phone must be connected to a computer with a USB cable for this to work. In the menu, choose Reboot system now.
Black screen but the phone rings or vibrates?
Call your phone from another one. If it rings, vibrates or the side key lights the screen edge briefly, the phone is on and only the display is not working. That usually means a damaged screen, especially after a drop, and it needs repair.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I charge a dead Samsung before it turns on?
Charge it for at least 30 minutes, ideally an hour. Samsung says the charging icon can take up to 10 minutes to appear on a fully drained phone.
Will recovery mode erase my Samsung phone?
Only if you choose Wipe data/factory reset. Choosing Reboot system now or Wipe cache partition (on models that have it) does not delete your files.
What to try next
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