Physical & water damage

Phone dropped and won't turn on

A hard drop can knock a battery connector loose or damage the screen or logic board; many of these are simple reconnections rather than full replacements.

Difficulty
Moderate
Time
30–60 minutes to test, longer to repair
DIY cost
$0
Pro cost
$0–$50 diagnostic, $80–$400 repair

Symptoms

  • Phone was working before the drop
  • Screen stays black, no vibration or sound on power press
  • No response to charging either

Likely causes

  • CommonBattery connector jarred looseA hard impact can pop the internal battery cable loose without other damage.
  • CommonScreen assembly damaged, phone actually onThe phone may be powered but the display itself is broken, giving a false 'dead' appearance.
  • PossibleLogic board damage from impactMore likely after a hard drop onto concrete or from a height.

What to do

  1. Plug the phone into a charger and wait 15–30 minutes, then try a forced restart.
  2. Listen and feel for vibration or notification sounds even with a black screen — that suggests the screen itself is broken, not the phone.
  3. Try connecting the phone to a computer to see if it's recognized, which indicates it's powering on.
  4. Inspect for visible damage like a bulging back or cracked screen that might explain the failure.
  5. If nothing works after charging and a forced restart, the issue likely needs a professional diagnostic.

Tools and parts

  • Charging cable

When to call a pro

If a forced restart and charging don't bring it back, take it to a repair shop for a diagnostic — they can check the battery connector and logic board without guessing.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.