Laptop won't turn on? What to check before you panic

A laptop that won't turn on is one of the most common reasons people walk into our shop on Adams Ave. The good news: it's often not as bad as it looks. Try these first.

1. Check the charger. Plug it straight into a wall outlet, not a power strip. Look at the light on the charger or the laptop, if it has one. Wiggle the cable gently where it goes into the laptop. If the light flickers, the charger or the charging port may be the problem.

2. Let it charge for 30 minutes. A completely drained battery can take a while before the laptop shows any sign of life.

3. Hold the power button for 30 seconds. Unplug it, hold the power button down for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and press the button normally. This can clear a stuck state.

4. Check if it's on but the screen is dark. Listen for the fan, look for keyboard lights, or press Caps Lock and see if its light turns on. If something is running, the problem may be the screen, not the whole laptop. Try connecting it to a TV or monitor.

5. Think about what happened last. A drop, a spill, or a storm with a power flicker are all clues. Tell us about it when you bring it in.

When to stop and bring it in:

You smell burning or see swelling under the keyboard or bottom case (a swollen battery). Unplug it and don't charge it.
There was a spill. Don't keep trying to turn it on.
Nothing above worked.

What we do: we test the charger, the charging port, the battery and the board, find the real cause, and tell you the price in writing before any work. Diagnosis is free.

Walk in Monday to Friday 10 to 6 or Saturday 10 to 2, check in online at hblaptops.com/check-in, or call (714) 962-0696.

Related repairs: Laptop won't turn on · Laptop battery replacement

Questions? Call (714) 962-0696 or check in online. More tips

Laptop won't turn on? What to check before you panic

Bring it in today. We'll take it from here.