So your Android device has chosen to take a vacation and won’t boot properly? This situation isn’t fun. Troubleshooting it is even less fun. The problem could be related to an errant app, corrupted Android OS, or bad hardware. Here are the steps you can take if your Android won’t start.
1. Soft Reset
Your device might need a soft reset. On most devices, you can press and hold the Power button for about 15 seconds to soft reset.
2. Pull the Battery
For almost any issue where an Android device won’t start, I always suggest to pull the battery (if it’s removable) first and leave it out for about 20 seconds. Reinstall the battery and see if the issue persists. This step may not seem like it would work, but I know first-hand that it has helped numerous Android users.
3. Check for Stuck Buttons
Make sure that none of the buttons are stuck pressed down. Certain cases can cause the Volume, Power, or Home buttons to stick, preventing start up. Try removing the case.
4. Try a Soft Reset
On most Android devices, you can press and hold the “Volume Down” and “Power” buttons simultaneously for about 20 seconds to soft reset the device.
5. Remove Connected Hardware
If you have an SD card or any other items plugged into the device, unplug them. A bad SD card or headset can cause problems on rare occasions.
6. Ensure Device Has Enough Power
If your device won’t turn on at all, or is stuck in a startup loop, it may not have enough power. Attach the power adapter to the device and plug it into a wall outlet. Don’t use a connection to a computer or other device as the power you’d get is not sufficient to power most Android devices on right away.
Another issue could be the actual battery. See if you can borrow a battery from a friend with a similar device and give that a try. If not, you may want to purchase a new or used battery and try it out. Return the battery to the store if it doesn’t help.
7. Start in Safe Mode
If you installed software that isn’t compatible with your device or malfunctions, it can cause the system to hang at a blank screen or continually force close items. In either case, you’ll want to find out how to start your device in Safe Mode. Safe Mode will start the device with only the base software required to start the device. This will usually allow you to access the Android OS so that you can remove whatever app may be causing the issue.
Most devices start in Safe Mode by pressing and holding the Menu or Volume Down button while you power the device on. If you’re not sure how to start your particular device in Safe Mode, search the Interwebs or check the documentation provided with your Android device.
8. Factory Hard Reset
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and nothing seems to work, you may want to perform a factory hard reset on the device. Doing so will wipe all data from the memory of the device (usually not SD card data like music or photos).
There are usually ways to perform a factory hard reset using a hardware button combination before the Android OS loads. Look in your manual or search for what the button combination is for your device. They are different for nearly every device. If you’re not sure how to factory reset your device, check the documentation provided with your hardware.
9. Repair
If a none of the above steps work, there may be a hardware issue that you are unable to solve yourself. At that point, I would seek help from the manufacturer or the retail store that sold you the device. It is likely that the device has a hardware issue that cannot be repaired without extensive troubleshooting from the manufacturer.
Don says
T95 pro android tv no picture and no clock. But the blue light is on
any help
Jeff says
Hey guys I now have 2 MX android box one wont turn on and is stuck on the red sleep light while the other now shows blue light but is stuck on the start up page showing the MBOX image. I have try to reset buy putting the toothpick in the AV slot but that didn’t help I have also try powering on and off and in different outlet but the only thing I have achieve on the one with the blue light is that the mouse is now able to move
Robert mcgee says
Hi mxv android box the red light comes on but the blue light won’t how do I fix it
harry says
my Kodi box h.265 cannot reboot,it is getting stuck when switching on.I have tried rebooting it but it is not working, what step can I follow
GODSON GABOSKY says
i have a lenovo a360t each time i on it,it will only show me lenovo and stop there. can anyone help me pls
Magg says
Hello
Thank You so much Mitch.
chomdrick says
my huawei t8828 cannot reboot,it is getting stuck when switching on.I have tried rebooting it but the language us in chinese, what step can I follow?
samuel says
hey guys, am having a galaxy s3 type but it freezes all the time i connect to internet. can you please help me?
serge says
someone please help me i have a mxq pro 4k is not lighting up at all it had a blue light i have unplugged it for 15 min and nothing thank you for your time
frankie says
I was updating my lenovo a563 software. The battery mistakenly fell away cause it was open. I tried rebooting it and it’s just stuck on the lenovo logo. What can I do to fix this please?
Rosemarie says
I have an m8 quad core kodi box that wont turn on there is no way of removing the battery and I’ve already tried everything else it was bought only 5 wks ago please help
Rhia says
I have the same problem Astrid
Did you solve it?
Emily cama says
I have a in l3d and it won’t start any help
Artiboston says
Hi, I have a lenovo a606 anrooid cell phone. I got mistakely select wipe data/factory reset and then my phone got bad. It just got stuck/freze after i turn on its power button and then can’t bootup its logo. Is there any way/advice I can do to solve the problem?
Sphamandla says
My Verssed Platinum VP.2 Doesnt Boot..It Shows”Android Is Upgrading”Then It Restarts.Continuously It Does That.Tried Hard Reset It Fails..
Cheryl Haldiman-Gage says
Hi, I have an MXQ box which has me a little baffled. I have installed Kodi 17 on it and have done quite a bit of “playing” with programs and addons so I decided to back it up. Rather than using a kodi backup I went to the main screen and used an app called backup apps?? It took SEVERAL minutes to complete and when I came back into the room my TV had a phone screen on it??? There are no icons to click, I’ve unplugged, rebooted, etc., all to no avail. Google says to stick a pin in the back where it says AV, tried it and the one beside it. No luck
Any suggestions, anyone. Please!!
Asghar says
I have Samsung Smart TV Model 32-inch-UA32F5500A. And now confirmed that it is a fake model. but i have facing a problem that it can’t boot. Only the Android logo appears for long time. Is there any solution?
erica says
have zmax it wont reboot with instruction i got from t mobile. seems to stay frozen on the power up mode, when I press thehelp down volume key is the only ways to shut it down but red light stays lid.
Vladimir says
Brilliant! I was looking for this,well done! It helped!
Astrid Della Mea says
Hello,
My MXQ box doesnt work at all it doesnt boot and I cannot open it as there are no screws to do so..
Can you please help me?? I really dont know what to do, please advise.
Thanks very much!
Astrid