Why won’t my tablet turn on or charge?

I’m really frustrated because my tablet suddenly stopped working. It won’t turn on at all, and when I plug it in, there’s no indication that it’s charging. I’ve tried using different chargers and cables, and I’ve also attempted to charge it from various power sources, but nothing seems to help. There wasn’t any issue with the tablet before – it didn’t experience a fall or get any exposure to water, and it was functioning perfectly fine until now. I rely heavily on my tablet for both work and entertainment, so this issue is quite concerning. I need to understand why this is happening and if there’s anything I might be missing or overlooking that could explain why my tablet won’t turn on or charge.
5 Answers

You might be dealing with a power-related issue that could be quite complex. Here are a few advanced troubleshooting steps you can take:
- Examine internal connections: If you’re comfortable doing so, open up the tablet’s casing and ensure all internal cables are securely connected.
- Check for a firmware issue: Use recovery mode to reinstall or update your device’s firmware. Specific instructions will vary, so it’s crucial to follow detailed guides available online for your tablet model.
- Test with a known working dock or external battery pack: Sometimes, using a charging dock or an external battery pack can reveal issues with your main charging circuitry.
Engaging in these steps requires a bit more technical know-how, so proceed carefully or consider taking your device to an authorized service center if you’re unsure.

One possible reason for your tablet not turning on or charging is a completely drained battery. Sometimes, batteries deplete to a point where they seem unresponsive. Here’s what you can try:
- Use a different charger and cable: Sometimes, your charger or cable might be faulty. Try using a different one that you know works.
- Perform a soft reset: Hold down the power button and the volume down button simultaneously for about 10-15 seconds. This can sometimes kickstart your tablet into responding again.
- Leave it to charge for a while: Plug your tablet into the wall charger and leave it for at least 30 minutes before attempting to power it on again. Even if it shows no sign of charging, it might eventually come back to life after some time.

Your issue might simply be the result of a battery going bad over time. I’ve faced a similar problem before, and it can be incredibly puzzling. Prolonged use or overcharging can degrade the battery, sometimes causing it to fail suddenly. You might want to:
- Replace the battery: If your tablet is out of warranty, you might need to replace the battery. You can usually find replacements along with guides on websites like iFixit.
- Use a different power source: Sometimes, the problem might be with the power outlet you’re using. Try charging your tablet from a different outlet or a USB port on your computer.
In my case, replacing the battery did the trick. Make sure you get the right battery for your specific tablet model and, if uncertain, seek professional help to avoid damaging your device.

A more technical issue might involve your tablet’s battery or charging port. Here’s a detailed checklist to investigate:
- Check the charging port: Dirt, lint, or other debris can obstruct the connection between your charger and battery. Use a small brush or compressed air to gently clean out the port.
- Inspect the battery’s condition: If your tablet has a removable back cover, check the battery. It may be swollen, which indicates a problem.
- Look for physical damage: Examine the tablet for signs of damage that might affect internal components, such as cracks or bloated areas, which could impact the battery or circuitry.
If none of these steps work, consider contacting a professional repair service. They can run diagnostics and pinpoint whether the issue is indeed with the battery, charging port, or another internal component.

Your issue could be rooted in a software malfunction. Sometimes tablets encounter software glitches that cause them to become unresponsive to charging or powering on. You might need to perform a hard reset. Here’s how:
- Hard Reset: For most tablets, you can do this by pressing and holding the power button along with the volume up button until you see a logo appear on the screen. This varies by model, so check your device’s manual for specific instructions.
It’s also possible that an update went wrong or there is a conflict within the system. If the hard reset doesn’t work, you might need to boot into a recovery mode and perform a factory reset, though this will erase all your data. For that, you’d need to follow the exact procedure specific to your tablet model.