iPhone 14 won’t turn on – possible causes and how to fix
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If your iPhone 14 won't turn on and you want to fix it, count yourself lucky because you're at the right spot.
An iPhone being unresponsive is mostly due to a dead battery. As you can expect, this can be easily fixed by charging your phone. However, if that's not the case, you'll have to check for any hardware damage or software glitches.
This is where we come in. We have rounded up all the possible reasons that can cause your iPhone 14 to not turn on. Along with that, we will also walk you through the steps you can follow to fix it as soon as possible.
Why my iPhone 14 won't turn on
Here are the common issues that can prevent your iPhone 14 from turning on.
- iPhone out of charge
- Software glitch
- Dirty lighting port
- Broken charger
- An issue with the power outlet
- Check for physical damage
How to fix an iPhone 14 that won't turn on
Step
Force restart your iPhone 14
First up, If your iPhone 14 isn’t responding then a software bug could be the likely cause of it. To fix this, a simple force restart is required, and your iPhone should start working as usual. This will clear all iOS glitches without harming your data. Here's how:
- Press and release the Volume Up button.
- Press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Power/Side button.
Release the Power button after 10 to 15 seconds or after the Apple logo comes up.
Step
Put your iPhone on charge
When your device stops responding, our mind automatically goes to the worst-case scenario. However, at times it could be just a minor issue as your device not having any charge left.
So, make sure your iPhone is not out of charge. Simply put it on charge for around an hour. If your iPhone was unresponsive due to a dead battery, this should fix it. However, if your iPhone still doesn't turn on or never responds when you put it on charge, try the next fix.
Step
Clean the lightning port
The lighting port on your iPhone can get dust and other debris over time, hindering its ability to charge the phone properly.
- Take a flashlight and look inside the port. If you spot any dust, it’s time to clean it.
- Take a small pin (can be a paperclip or a toothpick) and carefully take out the dust/lint/debris.
Once the dust is out, put your iPhone on charge, and hopefully, it should work.
Step
Use a different charger
In case your iPhone 14's charger is not working or the cable is damaged, your phone will not charge and may become unresponsive. To check if that's the problem, use a different charger to put your iPhone 14 on charge. If it works, the problem is with your power adapter or the cable, and you need a new one. This is an inexpensive as an Apple certified charger shouldn’t set you back by a lot.
Step
Check for physical damage on the iPhone
If your charger is working and the iPhone still won't turn on, there's a chance it is damaged. While the iPhone 14 is water resistant, dropping the phone in water might still cause problems. So, if your mobile had a recent unfortunate encounter with water, it’s time to take it to the Apple store for assistance. Furthermore, your phone's panel or connector ribbon can also malfunction, causing it to become unresponsive.
A small trick to test whether the iPhone’s panel is actually damaged or not is to switch the mute button. If the phone vibrates as you turn the silent mode on/off, the phone is working, and the display is broken. In this case, you can get an estimate from Apple before making a decision.
Step
Enter recovery mode
You can fix your iPhone 14’s unresponsiveness by restoring it from recovery mode. This process will resolve any software-related problems but will also delete your data. Before beginning, ensure you have access to a Mac or PC. Remember to install iTunes first if you’re using a PC or a Mac with macOS Mojave or an earlier version.
- Press the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons on your iPhone, then press and hold the Side/Power button until the Apple logo appears.
- As soon as you see the Apple logo, keep holding the Side/Power button and plug your iPhone 14 into a Mac or PC.
- If you're using a Mac, open a new Finder window and click on your iPhone 14 on the sidebar.
- Similarly, if you're on a PC, click the iPhone icon at the top.
- From there, you can select Restore or Update.
We recommend that you first try updating your iPhone to the latest iOS; that might also fix the issue. If not, you can always restore it and erase all data. You may be asked to enter your iCloud password as you click on Restore.
Step
Contact Apple support
If your iPhone 14 still isn’t turning on after trying the listen methods, the issue is likely with an internet component such as the mainboard being faulty.
In this case, the best option is to contact Apple support and get it repaired or replaced.
FAQs
How do I force my iPhone 14 to turn on?
You can force restart your iPhone by pressing and releasing the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and then pressing and holding the Side button for 10 to 15 seconds.
Conclusion
Your iPhone 14 might not be turning on due to various reasons, and to address them one by one, start by charging it. If that doesn’t work, try a force restart, clean the lightning port, switch to a different charger, and inspect for any physical damage. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, consider restoring your iPhone with a Mac or PC in recovery mode. And remember, if you’re still having trouble, Apple support is always there to assist you.