If your iPhone 13 won't turn on, the first thing to try is a force restart. It can help restart a frozen or unresponsive phone. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen, even if it takes longer than 10 seconds.
This process forces the phone to reboot without deleting any of your data. This can clear up temporary software glitches that make the screen go black.
Check Your Charger and Cable
Your iPhone 13 might just have a completely dead battery. Plug it into a wall outlet using a compatible USB power adapter and Lightning cable. Check that the connections are firm and the cable and adapter aren't damaged. Let it charge for one hour, then try the force restart again.
If nothing happens, try a different wall outlet. Also, inspect the Lightning port on the bottom of your phone for any lint, dust, or debris. You can gently clean it out with a dry, soft-bristled brush.
Since the iPhone 13 uses a Lightning port, use a compatible Lightning cable, such as an Apple cable or one that's MFi-certified. A damaged or defective cable can cause charging issues, so try a different cable or charger if the phone still won't charge.
Try Wireless Charging
The iPhone 13 supports both MagSafe and standard Qi wireless charging. If you have a wireless charger handy, place your phone on it to see if it wakes up or shows a charging indicator.
If wireless charging works but charging with a cable doesn't, the Lightning port, cable, or adapter may be the cause. A MagSafe charger can deliver up to 15 watts, which is plenty to get a dead battery going again. Remove any thick cases before you try this, as they can interfere with the charging connection.
Look for Signs of Life
Sometimes the screen is off, but the phone is actually on. Press the Side button and check very carefully for any screen activity or haptic feedback. Connect it to a computer with a Lightning cable and see if your computer recognizes the device.
Listen closely for any sounds, like notification chimes or a connected charger sound. If you get any response at all, it points to a potential display issue rather than the phone being completely dead.
Check Your Battery Health
If your iPhone 13 is a few years old, the battery may have degraded to the point where it can't hold a charge. Once you get the phone back on, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
Look at the "Maximum Capacity" percentage and the message under "Peak Performance Capability." A lower capacity means the battery holds less charge than when it was new. If you see "Your battery is currently supporting normal peak performance," the battery is working normally.
Update or Restore via Computer
If the phone stays on the Apple logo for several minutes without a progress bar, shows the "Connect to computer" screen, or isn't recognized by your computer, try recovery mode. Connect your iPhone 13 to an updated Mac or PC and open Finder on the Mac or the Apple Devices app on the PC. Press and quickly release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the side button until the "Connect to computer" screen appears. The computer will offer options to update or restore it.
Always choose "Update" first. This reinstalls iOS without erasing your data. If the update fails or isn't available, you may need to choose "Restore." Be aware that this will erase everything on your phone, so it's a last resort.
Consider a Display Issue
In rare cases, the phone's internals are working but the screen has failed. If you've tried a force restart and confirmed the phone is charging but the display remains utterly black, the screen or its connector might be damaged.
This can happen from a drop or impact, even if the glass isn't cracked. If you recall your phone taking a recent bump, a hardware repair might be necessary.
Let the Battery Warm Up
If your phone has been in a very cold environment, the battery chemistry can slow down and prevent it from turning on. Bring the iPhone 13 inside to room temperature and let it sit for a while before attempting to charge it or force restart it again.
Don't use external heat sources like a hairdryer, as extreme heat can permanently damage the battery. Just let it warm up naturally for an hour or so.