When the power button on your Samsung device stops working, it can be very frustrating as you can’t easily turn your device on or off. In this guide, we’ll go over some troubleshooting steps to try and get your power button working again, as well as alternative solutions if the power button needs to be repaired or replaced.
First, we’ll cover determining if it’s a software or hardware issue causing the problem. Then we’ll go through software fixes like soft resets, updating drivers, and factory resets. If it’s a hardware issue, we’ll look at physically replacing the power button or using alternative buttons. Lastly, we’ll discuss professional repair options if you can’t resolve it yourself.
Determine if it’s a hardware or software issue
There are a few ways to tell if your Samsung’s non-working power button is caused by a hardware or software issue:
First, visually inspect the power button for any damage or obstruction. Look for cracks, dents, or dirt/debris stuck in the button. This could prevent the button contacts from connecting properly. Gently try to press the power button and see if it clicks or feels stuck.
Next, test if the power button works in certain situations. For example, if the phone won’t turn on with the power button but will turn on when plugged into a charger, it indicates a hardware issue. The button itself is likely damaged. Whereas if the button doesn’t work at all, even when plugged in, it may be a software problem 1.
You can also boot into recovery mode to diagnose it further. If the phone successfully enters recovery mode using the volume and power buttons, then the issue is likely software-related. The power button works in that situation but not during normal operation, pointing to a software glitch.
Lastly, connecting the phone to a computer and using ADB commands can also help identify a hardware or software fault. Overall, inspecting the button, testing it in different states, and using recovery/ADB methods can effectively determine if the root cause is hardware or software.
Try a soft reset
A soft reset, also known as a force restart, can help restart your Samsung device if the power button is not responding. Here are the steps to perform a soft reset on your Samsung phone or tablet:
1. Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time for 7-10 seconds. Keep holding the buttons until you feel a vibration and see the Samsung logo on the screen.
2. Once the phone restarts, release the buttons. This will restart your device without deleting any data.
Refer to Samsung’s support article on how to soft reset their mobile devices for reference: https://www.samsung.com/sg/support/mobile-devices/how-to-restart-samsung-mobile-device/
The key buttons you need to hold down vary by Samsung model. For most Galaxy smartphones and tablets, use the Volume Down and Power buttons. Refer to Samsung’s guide for your specific device.
A soft reset can help restart a Samsung when the power button is unresponsive by bypassing the standard power on function.
Check for obstructed or damaged button
If the power button is not responding, it could be obstructed by debris or physically damaged. Carefully inspect the power button for any dirt, dust, or lint that may be trapped underneath it preventing it from being pressed down properly. Try cleaning around the power button with a toothpick or canned air (source).
Also check for any visible damage to the power button itself. If the button appears loose, cracked, or concave, it likely needs to be repaired or replaced. Dropping your device can sometimes cause the power button to become dislodged or break entirely. Visible damage usually means the power button needs professional repair.
Update software and drivers
One potential cause of the power button not working properly is outdated software or drivers. Samsung regularly releases software updates to fix bugs and improve device performance. It’s important to keep your device’s operating system and drivers fully up to date.
Go to Settings > Software update to check for any available updates. Install the latest OS update, security patches, and driver updates. Major OS upgrades like Android 11 to Android 12 can help resolve issues with core device functionality.
You can also update drivers for components like the display, camera, and fingerprint sensor. On a computer, visit Samsung’s support site and find the latest drivers for your specific Galaxy model. Follow instructions to download and install them.
After fully updating software and drivers, restart your device and test if the power button responds correctly again. Keeping system software updated is one of the easiest first steps to take when troubleshooting device issues.
Reset device to factory settings
Performing a factory reset often resolves software issues by erasing all apps and data and restoring the device to original factory settings. According to Samsung’s support site, here’s how to reset your Galaxy device:
Navigate to and open Settings, and then tap General management. Swipe to and tap Reset, then tap Factory data reset. Tap Reset to confirm you want to erase all data on your device. If prompted, enter your device password or PIN. Your device will restart and reset itself to factory default settings, which can take a few minutes.
Resetting to factory default settings should resolve any software bugs or glitches causing issues like an unresponsive power button. Just make sure to backup any data you want to keep before resetting. [1]
Replace power button
If the power button is physically damaged or unresponsive, you may need to replace the button itself. This requires disassembling the phone to access the internal components.
According to instructions from iFixit, replacing the power button on a Samsung Galaxy J7 involves the following steps:
- Use a heat gun or iOpener pack to warm up the adhesive holding the back cover in place. This helps separate the adhesive.
- Once heated, use an opening pick to slice through the adhesive around the edge of the back cover. Lift off the back cover.
- Disconnect the battery connector to avoid short circuits.
- Remove the screws around the home button and above the motherboard. These hold components in place.
- Carefully lift up the motherboard just enough to access the power button underneath.
- Disconnect the power button connector attached to the motherboard.
- Remove the old power button module and replace it with the new one.
- Reconnect the power button connector.
- Reassemble the phone by reversing all the steps, replacing adhesive strips as needed.
For other Samsung models, the general process of disassembling to the power button will be similar but the specifics may vary. Always follow detailed repair guides for your exact make and model.
Use an alternative power button
If the physical power button on your Samsung device is damaged or unresponsive, there are a few assistive tools and apps you can use to power on your device using an alternative button:
Samsung’s Assistive Options allows you to customize the volume keys, Bixby key, or other keys to function as the power button instead. You can enable it in Settings > Accessibility > Dexterity and interaction > Assistant menu.
Some third party apps like Button Mapper on the Google Play Store allow you to fully customize the button functions, including using the volume or Bixby buttons as the power button.
If your phone has a fingerprint sensor, you may be able to enable a setting to power on the phone by long pressing the sensor. Look in Settings > Advanced features > Motions and gestures.
As a last resort, you can also use ADB commands on a computer to remotely reboot your Samsung device if you are able to connect it via USB.
Get professional repair
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your Samsung phone’s power button still doesn’t work, it’s time to seek professional help. A repair shop can properly diagnose the issue and determine if it’s a hardware problem that requires part replacement or a software glitch that needs a reset.
Signs that indicate you should take your phone to a pro include:
- The power button is physically damaged, stuck, or unresponsive to presses
- Tapping or holding the power button does nothing
- You’ve tried resetting and updating the software with no improvement
- The phone won’t turn on even when plugged into power
- You keep getting error messages about the power button
A qualified repair technician has the tools, diagnostic equipment, and expertise to accurately troubleshoot and fix power button issues. They can safely disassemble the phone, replace any faulty parts, and get your power button working again. This avoids the hassles and risks of DIY repairs.
For Samsung devices, it’s best to visit an authorized Samsung service center. The repair costs typically range from $70-120 depending on the specific phone model and parts needing replacement. This ensures proper quality parts and service to get your phone up and running again.
Fixing Your Samsung Power Button: Conclusion
In summary, there are several ways to troubleshoot and fix issues with your Samsung device’s power button not working properly. The first steps are determining if it’s a hardware or software problem, trying a soft reset, and inspecting the physical button for damage or obstructions. Updating your software and drivers can help rule out a software glitch being the culprit. If the issue persists, resetting your device to factory default settings may do the trick, but results in data loss.
As a last resort before taking it in for professional repair, you can attempt replacing the power button yourself or using an alternate button via software settings to turn your device on and off. While frustrating, a non-responsive power button on your Samsung phone or tablet does not have to mean the end of your device’s life. Using the solutions covered in this guide, you should be able to get your power button working again through either software fixes or hardware replacement.
