If your phone ran out of battery and will not turn on, connect a charger and cable you know work, then give it time to charge. A completely drained battery may not show a response straight away. A cable, charging port or screen fault can look like the same problem.
Start with these charging checks
- Use a compatible wall charger, cable and working outlet. Try that setup with another device if possible.
- Check that both ends of the cable are fully connected. Remove a case if it stops the plug fitting properly.
- Look for obvious port damage or debris. Do not poke metal tools into the connector.
- Leave the phone charging for the time its maker recommends, then try the model’s restart steps.
A power bank or car charger is not automatically unsuitable, but a dependable wall setup makes it easier to rule out charging problems.
iPhone ran out of battery and will not turn on
Apple’s instructions say to charge an iPhone that will not start for one hour, then try again. The restart buttons depend on the model.
| iPhone type | Force-restart steps |
|---|---|
| iPhone with Face ID; iPhone 8 or later, including newer SE models | Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down. Hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. |
| iPhone 7 or 7 Plus | Hold the side button and Volume Down together until the Apple logo appears. |
| iPhone 6s or earlier, including the first SE | Hold Home and the side or top button together until the Apple logo appears. |
Holding the button long enough matters; the logo may take more than ten seconds. A force restart normally does not erase your files. It is different from choosing a restore or factory reset.
Android phone will not start after reaching 0%
Start with the charging checks above. Google’s Android power guide says a fully discharged phone may need at least 30 minutes of charging before a restart. Charging icons and lights vary by phone.
Use the button sequence for your exact Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus or other model. Some use a long press on Power; others use Power with a volume button. One combination does not fit every Android phone.
Match the symptom to the next check
| Symptom | Next step |
|---|---|
| Charging symbol appears, but the phone stays off | Allow the recommended charging time, then try the correct restart. |
| No response at all | Try another compatible cable, adapter and outlet. |
| The phone rings or vibrates, but the screen is black | The phone may be running with a display fault. Contact repair support. |
| The logo appears and disappears repeatedly | Record the behavior and ask for model-specific help before erasing anything. |
| A liquid or moisture warning appears | Stop using the wired charging port and follow the maker’s drying instructions. |
When should you stop trying?
Stop charging if the phone is swollen, damaged or unusually hot. Do not open a sealed battery. If it still does not respond with working charging equipment, arrange service. A 0% reading alone does not prove that you need a new battery.
Once it starts, back up important files. For shutdowns linked to heat, see why a phone gets hot while charging.
Updated October 14, 2026. Instructions and available features can vary by device, account and software version.