A power button not working leaves you unable to switch the phone on, restart it, wake the screen or lock it. The button is a small mechanical switch, so dust, a hard press habit, a bent case or a knock can stop it. Sometimes the button is fine and the phone is just frozen or has a flat battery.
First, check which of those you have. Then use the workarounds below to get through the day, and plan a repair. The same page helps with how to switch on a phone, how to restart a phone, and how to turn it off when the button is stuck. If other keys also fail, see volume button not working, a stuck screen is covered by phone display not working, and if the phone will not take power from the charger, see phone not charging.
Common causes
1Battery fully drained
How to tellNothing happens at all, no logo, and the charger was not used for a while
What fixes itCharge for 15 to 30 minutes with a working charger, then press again
2Phone is frozen, not the button
How to tellScreen is on but stuck, and the power key seems dead
What fixes itHold power and volume down together for ten seconds or more, per your model
3Dust or dirt under the button
How to tellButton feels sticky, soft or sometimes works
What fixes itClean around the button gently with a dry soft brush
4Case pressing on the button
How to tellStiff feel, or the phone keeps waking in the pocket
What fixes itRemove the case and test
5Worn or broken switch
How to tellButton feels loose, flat or has no click at all
What fixes itRepair at a service centre; use workarounds until then
6Software or settings issue
How to tellButton works for some tasks, such as no long press menu
What fixes itRestart and update, and check side key settings
7Water or drop damage
How to tellProblem began after a fall or wet exposure
What fixes itSwitch off if possible and visit a service centre early
How to fix it, step by step
Plug in the charger and wait
Connect the original charger and wait at least fifteen minutes. A very low battery does not light the screen. If a charging symbol appears, the button may be fine, and the phone just needed power.
Try the button combination for your model
Many Android phones restart when you hold the power key and volume down together for ten seconds or more. iPhones with no home button use the volume up, volume down and side button sequence. The exact combination differs by model, so check your manual.
Remove the case and press at the edge
A bent case can press the key constantly or block it. Take it off, then press the button firmly in the centre and again at its edges. If it works only at one edge, the switch is worn.
Clean around the button
Flick dust out of the gap with a small clean brush. Do not pour liquid or alcohol in. Liquid runs inside and can cause a new fault.
Wake the screen with other methods
Lift to wake, double tap to wake or the fingerprint sensor can switch on the display. On an iPhone, plugging in the charger wakes the screen. These options are on by default on some phones and have to be enabled in Settings on others.
Use the on-screen power or assistive options
On many Android phones you can pull down the quick panel and tap the power icon, or use an accessibility menu with a power option. On an iPhone, AssistiveTouch offers lock screen and restart, and Settings, then General, then Shut Down also works.
Switch on a phone with a dead power key using the charger
Some Android phones power on automatically when you connect a charger or a computer with a USB cable while the phone is off. Others need a button press, so this is not a promise for every model.
Update the software and check side key settings
If the button works but does the wrong thing, such as opening an assistant instead of the power menu, check the side key or power key setting in Settings, then update the system.
How to switch on a phone when the power button is not working
If the phone is fully off, the options are few. Charge it first, because a flat battery is the most common reason a phone looks dead. Then try the charger plug-in method, or the button combination for your model. If those fail, the button or the board needs repair.
You press the power key and the screen stays black. You plug in the charger and after a few minutes a battery icon appears. The key was fine, and the phone only needed charge.
How to restart or turn off a phone with a stuck power button
| Task | Android | iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| Lock the screen | Double tap an empty area if enabled, or use an accessibility shortcut | AssistiveTouch lock option |
| Restart | Power and volume down held together on many models | Button sequence, or Settings, General, Shut Down then charge |
| Wake the screen | Lift or double tap if enabled | Plug in the charger, or raise to wake |
If the phone stays on a frozen screen, wait until the battery runs out. It will shut down on its own and can then be charged and started again.
Why a power button not working is so common
The power key is pressed more than any other part. Years of use wear the little dome under it. Pocket grit, a case that squeezes the edge and sweat all add to it. Water and drops can also bend the flex cable inside. A software update can change what a long press does, which feels like a broken button but is a setting.
Repair and cost of a power button fix
A technician usually replaces the key flex or the switch, and tests the board. Cost depends on the model, whether the button is joined with the fingerprint sensor, and whether water damage is present. Ask for a quote before work begins and a warranty on the part.
Do not open the phone yourself or push the button with a sharp tool. It can damage the cable, void the warranty and, with the battery inside, create a real safety risk.
Frequently asked questions
Power button not working, how do I switch on my phone?
Charge it for at least fifteen minutes, then try a charger plug-in or the button combination for your model. If nothing helps, the phone needs repair.
Power button not working, how can I restart my phone?
On many Android phones, hold power and volume down for ten seconds. On an iPhone, use the volume and side button sequence or Shut Down in Settings.
What to do if the power button is not working on a mobile and I want to turn it on?
Use the same ideas: charge it, try the button combination from the manual, wake with double tap or lift, and book a repair.
Can I use my phone without the power button?
Yes, for a while. Use lift to wake, double tap to wake, assistive options and the charger method to restart. Repair the key soon so you are not stuck if the phone shuts down.
Why is my power button not working after a drop?
The switch or its flex cable may be damaged. A service centre can check and replace it.