How to Fix a Samsung Galaxy S8 that won’t turn On

Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Last Updated: March 6, 2025

Is Your Samsung Galaxy S8 Refusing to Power On?

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Finding your Samsung Galaxy S8 unresponsive can be frustrating, but don’t rush to replace it yet. Most “dead phone” issues can be resolved with the right troubleshooting steps. This comprehensive guide walks you through proven solutions to revive your Galaxy S8, from simple fixes you can try immediately to more advanced options if those don’t work.

Key Takeaway: Start with basic solutions like force restart and charging before moving to more complex fixes. In most cases, your Galaxy S8 can be revived without professional help.

1Force Restart

Hold Volume Down + Power buttons for 10 seconds

2Charge Device

Connect to original charger for at least 10 minutes

3Check Damage

Inspect for physical or water damage

7 Proven Methods to Fix Your Galaxy S8

1. Force Restart Your Galaxy S8

The simplest and often most effective solution is performing a force restart, which can resolve temporary software glitches.

Standard Force Restart Method:

  1. Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power key simultaneously
  2. Keep holding both buttons for at least 10 seconds
  3. Release when you feel a vibration or see the Samsung logo

Alternative Force Restart Method:

  1. Press and hold the Volume Down button first
  2. While still holding Volume Down, press and hold the Power key
  3. Keep both keys held down for 10 seconds

Pro Tip: This method doesn’t erase any data and is safe to try multiple times.

2. Charge Your Device Properly

A completely drained battery is often the culprit when a Galaxy S8 won’t turn on. Follow these steps to ensure proper charging:

  1. Connect your phone to its original Samsung charger and a wall outlet (not a USB port)
  2. Leave it charging for at least 10-15 minutes without interruption
  3. Try the force restart procedure again while the phone is connected to the charger
  4. Look for a charging indicator on screen (may take several minutes to appear)

Important: Using a damaged charger or cable could prevent proper charging. Try multiple charging cables and adapters if available.

3. Check for Physical or Liquid Damage

Physical damage or liquid exposure can prevent your Galaxy S8 from turning on. Here’s how to inspect your device:

Physical Damage Check:

  • Examine the screen for cracks or damage
  • Check if the phone case is warped or bulging (possible battery issue)
  • Inspect the charging port for bent pins or debris

Water Damage Recovery:

  • Dry the phone thoroughly with a soft cloth
  • Remove SIM/SD card trays and dry those areas
  • Place the phone in uncooked rice overnight as a last resort
  • Try wireless charging if the charging port is affected

“Moisture Detected” Message: If you see this error, try cleaning the charging port with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol, then let it dry completely before charging.

4. Boot in Safe Mode

If your phone turns on but immediately shuts off, a third-party app might be causing conflicts. Safe Mode temporarily disables all third-party apps to help identify the issue:

  1. Press and hold the Power button until the Samsung logo appears
  2. When the logo appears, release the Power button and immediately press and hold the Volume Down button
  3. Hold the Volume Down button until the phone finishes restarting
  4. You’ll see “Safe mode” in the bottom-left corner when successful

What to do in Safe Mode: If your phone works normally in Safe Mode, the problem is likely a third-party app. Uninstall recently installed apps one by one to identify the culprit.

5. Clear Cache Partition

Corrupted temporary files in the cache partition can cause power-related issues. Clearing this partition doesn’t delete your personal data but can resolve system conflicts:

  1. Turn off your Samsung Galaxy S8 (if possible)
  2. Press and hold the Volume Up, Bixby, and Power buttons simultaneously
  3. Release all buttons when the Android logo appears
  4. Use the Volume Down button to navigate to “Wipe Cache Partition“
  5. Press the Power button to select it
  6. Select “Yes” using Volume buttons and confirm with Power button
  7. Wait for the process to complete, then select “Reboot system now”

Expert Tip: This method is particularly effective if your Galaxy S8 started having issues after a system update or app installation.

6. Factory Reset (Last Resort)

When all else fails, a factory reset can resolve persistent software issues, but will erase all data on your device:

WARNING: This method will delete all data on your phone. Only proceed if you have a backup or are willing to lose your data.

  1. Turn off your Samsung Galaxy S8 (if possible)
  2. Press and hold the Volume Up, Bixby, and Power buttons simultaneously
  3. Release all buttons when the Android logo appears
  4. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to “Wipe Data/Factory Reset“
  5. Press the Power button to select it
  6. Select “Yes — delete all user data” and confirm with Power button
  7. Wait for the reset to complete, then select “Reboot system now”

After Factory Reset: You’ll need to set up your phone as new or restore from a backup. Sign in with your Google account to recover your apps and settings.

7. Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried all of the above methods and your Galaxy S8 still won’t turn on, the issue is likely hardware-related and requires professional assistance:

Samsung Service Center:

  • Authorized technicians with proper tools and parts
  • Can diagnose complex hardware issues
  • May offer warranty service if applicable

Common Hardware Issues:

  • Battery failure (most common)
  • Charging port damage
  • Power button malfunction
  • Motherboard issues

Cost Consideration: Before paying for repairs, compare the repair cost against buying a newer model. The Galaxy S8 is an older device, and extensive repairs may not be cost-effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a wireless charger if my charging port is damaged? +

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S8 supports wireless charging, which can be a good alternative if the charging port is damaged. Place your phone on a Qi-compatible wireless charger and see if the charging indicator appears.

What should I do if I see a “moisture detected” message? +

If you see this message, try these solutions:

  • Dry the phone thoroughly
  • Clean the charging port with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol
  • Use a wireless charger until the port is completely dry
  • Let the phone sit in a dry, warm place for several hours

Is it safe to open my Galaxy S8 to fix it myself? +

It’s not recommended unless you have experience with phone repairs. The Galaxy S8 has a glass back that can easily crack during removal, and the internal components are delicate. DIY repairs could void your warranty and potentially cause more damage. Professional repair is usually safer and more reliable.

Key Takeaways

Try Basic Solutions First: Many Galaxy S8 power issues can be fixed with a simple force restart or proper charging.

Progress Systematically: Work through the solutions in order, from simplest (force restart) to most complex (factory reset).

Consider Professional Help: If DIY methods fail, a professional diagnosis might be necessary for hardware-related issues.

Remember that most seemingly “dead” Galaxy S8 phones can be revived with the right troubleshooting steps. Don’t rush to replace your device before trying these solutions!

TT

Tech Team

Our tech experts have years of experience repairing Samsung devices and helping users troubleshoot common issues.

Last Updated: March 6, 2025 | This article contains the most up-to-date troubleshooting methods for Samsung Galaxy S8 power issues

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