What to do when your Google Pixel won’t turn on

If you can’t turn on your Google Pixel™, you may think there’s a problem with your device. But there’s probably an easy solution. We’ll walk you through some fixes to try. Asurion Experts help people care for all their favorite tech and appliances, whether your Pixel 8™ or Pixel 8 Pro is overheating or your Pixel isn’t receiving texts. Here’s our guide on what to do if your Google Pixel won’t turn on.

How to fix Google Pixel that won’t turn on 

There are several reasons your Google Pixel might not power up. Most likely, your device has a drained battery or a software glitch. Note: if your Pixel 3, 4, or 5a won’t turn on, you’ll need expert help as the software for these devices is no longer supported. If you have a newer model, here are some simple fixes if you see a black screen and your phone won’t turn on: 

Remove your Pixel’s phone case

Your phone case may be interfering with your Pixel when you try to turn it on. Remove your Google Pixel from its case and try to turn on your device.

Force restart your Google Pixel 

Try restarting your phone normally, and if that doesn’t work, try forcing your Pixel to restart. 

1. Press and hold the Power button for approximately 30 seconds. 
2. Wait until your screen turns on then release the button. 

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Charge your Pixel

If your Google Pixel won’t turn on, it’s possible it’s simply out of juice. Connect your device to a charger and let it charge for 15-25 minutes. Make sure your charging port is clean and without debris, before you plug it in. When it’s charged, try turning on your phone. Then check out our tips on what to do when your Pixel battery is draining fast. 

Replace your device battery

You may not be able to turn on your device if the battery needs to be replaced. The average lifespan of a Pixel battery is 18-24 months, and it can last around 72 hours on a full charge (with battery saving mode turned on). Here are signs your Pixel may need a new battery:

• It doesn’t hold a charge. 
• It keeps overheating. 
• It suddenly shuts down. 
• It won’t stay on without a charger. 
• The battery is swollen. This could be dangerous—for your safety, get expert help immediately. 

Check for damage 

When your Pixel won’t turn on, check it for physical damage. Have you dropped your phone or has it taken a dive in some water recently? Do you have a faulty power button? Is your screen broken or cracked? A repair pro can help you with these hardware issues and if necessary, replace broken parts to get your device back up and running.  

Restart your Pixel in Safe Mode

In Safe Mode, you can disable apps that may be causing an issue for your Pixel and possibly allow it to turn on. Here’s how to restart your Pixel in Safe Mode:

1. Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds. 
2. Hold it down until the Google® logo appears. 
3. Press and hold the Volume Down button until the device turns on and you see “Safe Mode” at the bottom of the screen. 
4. To exit Safe Mode, restart your device.  

Recovery Mode

To troubleshoot issues, you can try accessing Recovery Mode on your Google Pixel.

1. Start by holding the Power button and Volume Down buttons together until the start screen appears.
2. Use the Volume buttons to select Recovery Mode and press Power to confirm.
3. When you see the Android logo, press Power and tap Volume Up, then release both buttons. This will open Recovery Mode, allowing further troubleshooting options.

Factory reset your Pixel

If you still can’t fix your issue, you may consider restoring your Pixel phone to factory settings. This should be a last resort as you’ll lose all your personal data. It’s crucial to back up your phone before you get started.

If your Pixel won’t turn on, reach out to one of your experts for help backing up and resetting your phone. 

Ways to prevent Pixel power issues

Simple practices to maintain your Pixel’s performance and prevent power-related problems.

Proper charging habits and cable care

• Use the original or certified charger and unplug the device once fully charged to prevent overheating.
• Regularly inspect cables for damage, such as frayed wires or bent connectors, and replace them when necessary.
• Keep the charging port clean by gently removing dirt or lint with a toothpick or soft brush, avoiding metal objects that could damage internal components.

Avoiding overuse in extreme temperatures

• Avoid exposing your Pixel to extreme temperatures, as heat can damage the battery, and cold can cause temporary shutdowns.
• Keep the phone out of direct sunlight, store it in a warm place in freezing conditions, and let it cool down if it overheats.
• Avoid running high-intensity apps while charging to prevent excess heat buildup.

Regularly updating software to prevent glitches

Regularly update your Pixel’s operating system and apps to fix bugs, optimize battery life, and prevent glitches. 

How to check for OS Updates:

1. Go to Settings > System > System update.
2. Install updates to ensure optimal performance.