Tablets

Tablet won't turn on

A tablet that seems completely dead is usually just deeply discharged, but a forced restart and a known-good charger rule out most other causes quickly.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
1–2 hours including charging time
DIY cost
$0
Pro cost
$0–$50 diagnostic

Symptoms

  • Screen stays black no matter what
  • No vibration, sound, or charging light
  • Held the power button with no response

Likely causes

  • CommonBattery fully drainedA tablet left unused for weeks can drain so low it won't respond right away.
  • CommonFrozen software needing a forced restartA hung system can look identical to a dead battery.
  • CommonFaulty charger or cableA bad cable delivers no power even though the tablet itself is fine.

What to do

  1. Plug the tablet into its original charger and wall outlet, then wait 30–60 minutes before trying to power it on.
  2. Try a forced restart: hold the power button and volume down (or the combination your tablet model uses) for 15–20 seconds.
  3. Test with a different cable and adapter you know works on another device.
  4. Watch for a charging icon or a brief vibration, which means it's receiving power even without a full boot.
  5. If there's still zero response after an hour of charging and a forced restart, the battery or charging circuit may need professional diagnosis.

Tools and parts

  • Original or known-good charger and cable

When to call a pro

If a full charge and forced restart don't bring it back, a repair shop can test the battery and charging circuit directly.

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.