Is your iPhone 12 not turning on, or are you experiencing the “iphone 12 won’t turn on” issue? We’ll help you find out why and how to fix it. This guide covers battery issues, software glitches, and hardware problems. Follow these steps to get your iPhone 12 working again.
Key Takeaways
Battery issues, software glitches, and hardware problems are common reasons why an iPhone 12 won’t turn on.
Properly charging your iPhone 12 using genuine Apple chargers and keeping the charging port clean can prevent many battery-related issues.
Force restarting the iPhone 12 can often fix unresponsive devices caused by software glitches without losing any data.
Why Your iPhone 12 Won’t Turn On
When your iPhone 12 won’t turn on, the culprit can often be traced back to battery issues, software glitches, or hardware problems. A fully discharged battery is a common cause. If the phone is completely drained, it might need at least 10 minutes of charging before it shows signs of life. If it powers on while plugged in but dies when unplugged, a faulty battery is likely to blame.
Software glitches are another frequent issue. Firmware crashes can render your iPhone unresponsive. In such cases, a force restart might be the solution to revive your device. On the hardware front, a damaged screen or faulty charging port can also cause problems. Sometimes, the OLED screen might make it seem like the device isn’t turning on when it’s just a display issue.
In more severe cases, internal temperatures reaching their maximum limit or other deep-seated hardware problems could be the root cause. If your iPhone 12 has been exposed to extreme conditions or has seen significant wear and tear, professional repair might be necessary. Understanding these common issues can help you diagnose the problem and find the right solution quickly.
How to Charge Your iPhone 12 Properly
Maintaining your iPhone 12 in good condition heavily depends on how you charge it. Always use a genuine Apple charger and USB cable to ensure safe and efficient charging. Third-party chargers might be tempting due to their lower cost, but they can overheat the battery and reduce its lifespan.
If you’re using a MagSafe Charger, pair it with an Apple 20W USB-C power adapter or another compatible power adapter for optimal performance. To check if your device is charging correctly, follow these steps:
Plug in your device.
Look for the battery icon on the screen.
If you see a lightning bolt on the battery icon, it means that the battery is charging properly.
Make sure the charging cable is functioning by replacing it with a genuine cable if necessary. Also, ensure the charging port is clean and free of debris, as a blocked port can prevent proper charging. These steps will help you keep your iPhone 12 charged and ready for use.
It is also possible that even if you do not see a lighting bolt when plugging in your iPhone that it is your battery that is the problem and not just the charging port. If you have noticed that the phone has been draining quickly and possible showing a “service” battery indicator, it may be time to visit your local repair shop.
Force Restarting Your iPhone 12
Force restarting your iPhone 12 is often a lifesaver when it becomes unresponsive. This simple process can resolve software-related issues and unresponsive apps without erasing any data. Apple recommends force restarting if your device is stuck on a black screen or isn’t responding to touch.
To force restart your iPhone 12, press the volume up button, quickly followed by the volume down button, and then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This sequence helps reboot the system and often resolves the issue.
Force restarting is a safe initial troubleshooting step that can fix problems without the need for more drastic measures. It’s a quick and easy way to get your iPhone 12 back in working order when it decides to act up.
Checking for Firmware Crashes
While firmware crashes can be tricky to handle, they frequently cause your iPhone 12 to not turn on. These crashes can disrupt the device’s ability to power on, leaving you in a lurch. The first step to resolving this is by putting your phone in recovery mode.
To enter recovery mode, follow these steps:
Quickly release the volume up button after pressing it.
Quickly release the volume down button after pressing it.
Hold the power button (side button) until the recovery mode screen appears.
This process can help free up storage space and resolve firmware issues. Tools like TunesKit iOS System Recovery can simplify this process, allowing users to enter or exit recovery mode with just one click.
If recovery mode doesn’t resolve the issue, further steps like restoring the iPhone via iTunes or using advanced recovery tools might be necessary. Addressing firmware crashes early can prevent more severe issues down the line.
Inspecting and Cleaning the Charging Port
Your iPhone 12 may refuse to turn on due to a blocked charging port. Dust and debris can accumulate in the port, preventing the device from charging properly. Before cleaning, turn off the phone to avoid any potential damage.
Use non-metallic tools like toothpicks, cotton swabs, or paper towels to gently clean the charging port. Avoid using metal objects or wet substances, as these can cause more harm than good. Compressed air can also be effective in blowing out any debris.
Regularly inspecting and cleaning the charging port can prevent charging issues and ensure your iPhone 12 remains in good working order. A clean port helps maintain a stable connection, ensuring your device charges efficiently.
Resolving Screen Issues
Occasionally, screen issues can give you the false impression that your iPhone 12 isn’t powering up. A damaged or faulty screen might give the impression that the device is dead. To check if the screen is the problem, try connecting your iPhone to an external display.
Touch sensitivity issues can often be resolved by:
Cleaning the surface of the iPhone
Removing any screen protectors to determine if they are causing the display issues
Updating the iPhone’s software to address various touch screen responsiveness problems caused by software glitches.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it might be a hardware problem that requires professional repair, a quick google search will hopefully lead you yo a shop like ours that you can bring your phone to for a quick checkup. Addressing screen issues promptly can save you from unnecessary stress and ensure your device remains functional.
Dealing with a Damaged Motherboard
If your iPhone 12 won’t turn on, a damaged motherboard might be the severe problem behind it. This damage can result from impacts, water exposure, or extreme temperatures. If your phone has been dropped or exposed to liquids, the motherboard might be compromised.
Symptoms of a damaged motherboard include the device repeatedly turning on and off on its own or the touch screen becoming unresponsive. Water exposure can cause a short in the motherboard, leading to severe functionality issues. If you suspect motherboard damage, it’s best to seek professional repair services to accurately diagnose and fix the problem.
Addressing motherboard issues promptly can prevent further damage and ensure your iPhone 12 remains operational. Professional repair can restore your device to good health and extend its lifespan.
Restoring iPhone 12 via your mac
To fix software glitches, restoring your iPhone 12 via iTunes (or via Finder on macOS Catalina and later) can serve as a potent solution. This process will erase all information and settings on the device, so it’s crucial to back up your data first. If ‘Find My iPhone’ is enabled, make sure to turn off Activation Lock before proceeding.
To restore your iPhone, follow these steps:
Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch iTunes or Finder.
Put the device into DFU Mode or Recovery Mode to help fix firmware issues by restoring it to its original factory settings.
This can resolve many problems and give your iPhone a fresh start, making it feel like you’ve just performed a “restore iPhone” process.
Restoring via iTunes is a robust method to tackle persistent issues, but remember that it will delete all data on the device. Ensure you have a backup to restore from after the process is complete.
Using TunesKit iOS System Recovery
If your iPhone 12 won’t turn on, TunesKit iOS System Recovery is a professional tool capable of handling this and over 150 common iOS problems. It’s compatible with all iOS versions, including the latest iOS 17, and offers an intuitive user interface.
The tool provides two modes: Standard Mode, which doesn’t cause data loss, and Advanced Mode, which erases all data and should be used with a backup. To start the recovery process, connect your iPhone to the computer, check the firmware package info, and download the necessary firmware package.
Using TunesKit can be a straightforward and effective way to resolve various iOS issues without needing to visit the Apple Store or seeking Apple Support. It’s a handy tool to have in your troubleshooting arsenal.
Preventing Future Issues
A few simple, yet effective measures can help prevent future issues with your iPhone 12. Using a protective cover can shield your phone from falls and dust. Avoid using your phone in moisture-prone areas to prevent water damage.
Regularly updating your iPhone and checking battery health can prevent many issues. The Optimized Battery Charging feature can help slow down battery aging by reducing the time the battery spends fully charged. Also, avoid downloading third-party apps and only install apps from reputable sources to prevent software glitches.
By taking these preventive steps, you can ensure your iPhone 12, including the iPhone 12 Pro Max, remains in good working condition and minimize the risk of future problems. Proactive care is key to maintaining your device’s longevity.
Summary
We’ve covered a comprehensive range of solutions to help you troubleshoot and fix your iPhone 12 when it won’t turn on. From battery issues and software glitches to hardware problems, these tips and tricks should help you get your device back up and running.
Remember, preventive measures are just as important as troubleshooting. Regular updates, proper charging habits, and cautious app downloads can go a long way in keeping your iPhone 12 in top shape. Stay proactive and enjoy a seamless iPhone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my iPhone 12 turn on even after charging?
It might be due to a faulty battery, software glitch, or hardware issue. You can try force restarting the phone or checking the charging port for debris.
How do I force restart my iPhone 12?
To force restart your iPhone 12, just press the volume up and then volume down buttons, and finally hold the side button until the Apple logo pops up. Easy peasy!
What should I do if my iPhone 12 is stuck in a firmware crash?
If your iPhone 12 is stuck in a firmware crash, try putting it in recovery mode by following these steps. If that doesn’t work, consider using tools like TunesKit for recovery. Good luck!
Can a damaged charging port prevent my iPhone 12 from charging?
Yes, a damaged charging port can prevent your iPhone 12 from charging properly. Try cleaning the port using non-metallic tools and compressed air for better results.
How can I prevent my iPhone 12 from having issues in the future?
To prevent future issues with your iPhone 12, make sure to use a protective cover, avoid moisture-prone areas, regularly update the device, check battery health, and download apps from reputable sources. Maintaining these habits can help keep your phone in good condition and prevent potential problems.
