How to Turn On an Android Phone

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

In order to start using your Android phone and all of its functionalities, you will need to power on your device. If you think your Power button is broken or that your battery has gone bad, your best option might be to have it repaired. However, there are a couple of troubleshooting methods you can try to use to get it back on.

Turning on a Phone (Android)

Find the single button located along the top or rightmost edge of the phone. Press and hold down that button until the phone turns on.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using the Power Button

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/aid4443854-v4-728px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's usually a single button located along the top or right edge of the phone.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-2-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-2-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-2-Version-6.jpg\/aid4443854-v4-728px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-2-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [1]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-3-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-3-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-3-Version-6.jpg\/aid4443854-v4-728px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-3-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • If you have a security code, you will need to enter it before you can access your phone.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Booting from Recovery Mode

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/aid4443854-v4-728px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Holding down both volume buttons, or a combination of the volume and home buttons, can sometimes bring up a boot menu. They are usually located along the left side of your phone. [2]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/aid4443854-v4-728px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • Your phone may require a combination of pressing and holding the volume and home buttons.
    • Recovery mode is a feature that gives you tools to repair or install updates to your device. Click here for instructions on entering recovery mode from several different brands of Android phones.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid4443854-v4-728px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Many devices' boot menus will have instructions on how to reboot the phone using the volume buttons and power button as your controls. [3]
    • For example, on a Samsung Galaxy device, you can use the volume up and down buttons to scroll through the menu options, and use the power button to make a selection.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/aid4443854-v4-728px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • The 'select' button varies between devices. Check the instructions at the top of your recovery mode menu screen to confirm which button to use.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Replacing Your Battery

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid4443854-v4-728px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • Be sure to practicing safe battery-handling techniques. Do not get the battery wet, do not apply strong impacts to the battery, and do not expose it to heat.
    • Mishandling of lithium ion batteries can result in overheating, explosion or fire. [4]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/aid4443854-v4-728px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you suspect the battery may be the problem, try replacing it with a spare.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid4443854-v4-728px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid4443854-v4-728px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid4443854-v4-728px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Lithium ion batteries pose health and environmental hazards.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/aid4443854-v4-728px-Turn-On-an-Android-Phone-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A technician will be able to advise you as to whether your phone will need to be replaced or if it can be repaired. [5]
    • You may need to schedule an appointment.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    If my android power button doesn't work, does it mean it is already destroyed?
    WikiHowUser20180421181810
    Community Answer
    You can try to turn on your phone by connecting it to your charger or PC via USB cable. You can get your phone's power button repaired at most phone repair services.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 13
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Using an app or other troubleshooting method to turn on your phone is just a temporary fix. You should take your phone to a professional to ensure that it continues to function.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
      • If you choose to work on your phone yourself, be aware that many carriers will void your warranty.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2


      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Add Widgets on Android
      How to
      Add an App Back to Home Screen: Tips for Finding Apps
      4 Simple Ways to Turn Off Safe Mode on Any Android
      How to
      Find Your Phone Number on Android
      3 Ways to Unlock an Android Tablet
      How to
      Connect Android Phone to Computer
      How to
      Copy an Entire Text Conversation on Android
      How to
      Change Number of Rings on Android
      6 Ways to Fix "Insufficient Storage Available" on an Android
      The Ultimate Guide to Hiding Caller ID on Android
      A Guide to Copying and Pasting with the Android Clipboard
      2 Ways to See If Someone Read Your Text Messages on Android
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about smartphones, check out our in-depth interview with Brehima Traore .

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/7662405?hl=en
      2. ↑ https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/use-recovery-mode-android/
      3. ↑ https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/use-recovery-mode-android/
      4. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-lithium-ion-batteries
      5. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/7662405?hl=en
      6. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/7662405?hl=en

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 152,482 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement