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Defective Sleep/Wake Button
Apple has acknowledged a defect with the sleep/wake button on certain models of iPhones. This has been known to affect certain iPhone 5 models manufactured through March of 2013. A defective sleep/wake button could prevent your iPhone from powering on. If you suspect this is the case, visit Apple’s replacement program web page for this issue. You can enter the serial number of your iPhone to check if it qualifies for a replacement. If it does, chances are that the sleep/wake button is preventing your iPhone from turning on.
Defective Proximity Sensor
The proximity sensor turns off your iPhone screen when you hold it to your face. This component could possibly malfunction, causing the device to appear to be turned off. You can verify that your device is on by calling it with another phone. If it rings or vibrates, your iPhone is on. Next, do a soft reset on your iPhone by holding down the Home and Sleep/Wake button for 10 seconds. The Apple logo should appear. When your device is running again, you should be able to see the screen.
You will need to reset your device to ensure that the proximity sensor doesn’t malfunction again. Tap on Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This will reset user preferences and other settings, but it will not delete your apps and related data. It’s not a full factory reset, but it is an inconvenience. If this problem persists after the reset, it may be a hardware problem. Consider taking your device in to an Apple store or a qualified service technician.
If All Else Fails, Seek Professional Help
So you’ve tried all these steps and your iPhone still won’t work? Don’t worry, it can probably be fixed. At this point, it is a good idea to take it to a professional. Try making a Genius appointment at the local Apple store. If you don’t have a nearby Apple store, try to find an authorized service technician in your area. You can also send your device to a service center for repair. Unfortunately, repairs cost money and if you don’t know the problem, you don’t know how much it will cost to fix. It is a bit of a gamble. You might consider getting a new device, especially if your telecom provider will subsidize it. Usually, after two years, most customers are eligible for a new device. If your iPhone is less than two years old, you can typically get a replacement at a reduced price. You won’t have to pay the full $500-600, unless you require an “unlocked” device that can work with any provider.