How to Fix a Dead Power Button

Locate the Power Button

The power button on a smartphone or tablet is typically located on the side or top of the device. To locate the power button:

• Examine the sides and top edge of your device. The power button is usually near the volume rocker on phones, or on the top left/right corner of tablets.

• Identify a recessed circular button. The power button often has a different texture or marking that distinguishes it from other buttons.

• Consult your device’s manual if you’re still not sure where the power button is located. The manual should provide a diagram showing its location.

Once you’ve located the power button, inspect it closely to make sure it’s not damaged or obstructed in any visible way before moving on to troubleshooting steps.

Troubleshoot Software Issues

Often a unresponsive power button is caused by a software glitch rather than a hardware problem. Try the following troubleshooting steps:

Restart the Device

• Hold down the power button for at least 10 seconds, or longer if required to force a restart.

• If that doesn’t work, try a hard reset – hold the power button and volume down button simultaneously for 10+ seconds until the device powers off and back on.

Restarting the device essentially resets the software, which can resolve any glitches affecting the power button.

Check for Software Updates

• Go to Settings > System > System Update to check for pending updates.

• Install any available updates. Updates sometimes include bug fixes for power button issues.

• Consider restoring your device to factory settings if updates don’t help. Back up data first, then reset the device.

Resolve App Conflicts

• Uninstall recently added apps to see if one is causing a conflict.

• Force stop any apps that are misbehaving by going into Settings > Apps.

• Try safe mode – restart your phone and hold the Volume Down button during boot up to disable third party apps. This isolates software issues.

If the power button works normally in safe mode, a third party app is likely causing the problem.

Inspect for Hardware Damage

If the power button still isn’t working correctly after software troubleshooting, it’s likely a hardware issue. Closely inspect the button and surrounding components for any signs of damage:

• Examine the power button for damage like cracks, dents or scratches.

• Look for debris or dirt stuck in or around the button preventing normal operation.

• Check if the button seems misaligned or loose.

• See if the button travels and clicks when pressed like it should.

• Use a magnifying glass if you can’t spot any damage.

• Shine a flashlight on the button at different angles to check for hairline cracks.

Any physical damage to the power button or surrounding chassis could cause it to malfunction.

Try Cleaning the Power Button

If the power button looks clean but is still unresponsive, try cleaning it:

• Use a can of compressed air to blow out any debris lodged inside the button.

• Gently brush the area around the button with a dry toothbrush.

• Use a blunt plastic pick to scrape any grime out of the crevices.

• Dampen a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to wipe down the button and chassis.

• Allow at least 15 minutes to fully dry before testing.

Cleaning can dislodge obstructions affecting the contacts so the button works again.

Test with External Buttons

If cleaning doesn’t restore function, connect external input buttons as a workaround:

• Use a Bluetooth keyboard paired to your device to test turning it on via the Return/Enter key.

• Connect a USB mouse and see if right-clicking turns on the device like the power button should.

• Attach a USB OTG adapter and test if pressing its power button successfully powers up the device.

If external buttons are able to turn on your device, the problem likely lies with the built-in power button hardware.

Replace Power Button Module

If all else fails, you may need to replace the power button flex cable or module:

• Order the correct replacement part for your specific device’s make and model.

• Use online disassembly instructions to safely access and remove the old module.

• Carefully detach any adhesive or screws securing the flex cable.

• Align and press the new cable into place, then reassemble.

• Test the new module by pressing the power button after reassembly.

While tedious, replacing the module is preferable to buying a whole new device if software fixes don’t work.

With some deduction and patience, you should be able to resolve most unresponsive power button issues using the software and hardware troubleshooting tips above. But if your power button still fails to work correctly after trying all solutions, it may require professional service or replacement of the device itself.