It sure is frustrating when a tablet won't turn on. But before you consider getting a new tablet, follow these solutions for turning your tablet on when nothing else seems to work.

This article focuses on general solutions that should work for all tablets, both iPads and Androids.

How to Turn On a Tablet That Won't Turn On

Whether you have a relatively new tablet or an older one that you haven't used in a while, the steps for switching it on are the same.

1. Plug it in to charge. As simple as it sounds, a dead battery is one of the top reasons a tablet won't turn on when you try to power it up.

   Use the official charger that came with the tablet and plug it directly into the wall. If it still won't turn on after a few hours, try a different charger or outlet.

   Take this time to inspect the charging port. Lint and dirt can make their way into the port and prevent the cable from making contact.

2. Check the temperature. If the tablet is really hot or cold, restore its normal temperature by removing it from whatever is causing these extreme temperatures. This is especially important while charging the tablet.

3. Perform a power cycle. If the tablet isn't dead, but locked in off mode, you may need to perform a power cycle. You can do so by removing and replacing the battery (on some tablets). Alternatively, hold down the power button for up to one minute.

   Every tablet manufacturer has their own way of doing this. Look up your tablet's specific method before continuing.

4. Plug it into a computer. If the computer recognizes the tablet but the screen is still black, the tablet might have a display issue. Consider contacting the manufacturer or visiting a repair shop.

5. Unbrick your Android tablet. Some Android devices can be fixed even if they're bricked (or at least you can recover your data).

6. Perform a factory reset. Resetting the tablet can get it working again if the issue is software-related.

   You'll need to use Android Recovery Mode or iPad Recovery Mode to reset a tablet that won't turn on.

   A factory reset erases the entire tablet, restoring the operating system and default apps as if it were brand new.

Why Is My Tablet Not Charging or Turning On?

Several things could cause a tablet to not turn on or charge correctly. Here are some possibilities:

• It's too hot or cold
• The screen is broken
• Its operating system has a bug
  
• The charger port is dirty or damaged
• The charger or cable is faulty or damaged
  

FAQ

• What do I do when my tablet goes black?

  Any time your tablet doesn't power up or the screen turns black and won't turn back on, your first step should always be to charge it using its included charger. If that doesn't work and the tablet doesn't charge or turn on even with the charger in, then you'll need to try some other possible solutions.

• How do I force my tablet to turn on?

  Unfortunately, if basic troubleshooting doesn't work, you aren't going to be able to force your tablet to turn on. Your best bet if it is still stubbornly refusing to turn on, is to take it to a repair shop or back to the retailer.