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Help! My tablet won't turn on! (Original Post) Lady Freedom Returns Sep 2019 OP
It might need a new sim card lunatica Sep 2019 #1
This doesn't have a Sim card. Lady Freedom Returns Sep 2019 #4
What kind of tablet? RainCaster Sep 2019 #2
A RCA Viking 2! Lady Freedom Returns Sep 2019 #3
I have one of those... TreasonousBastard Sep 2019 #16
Battery issues? LisaM Sep 2019 #5
Couldn't hurt to try at this point.. Lady Freedom Returns Sep 2019 #7
Might not have to do a reset. Try a power down, off for a few minutes, and then power up.This emmaverybo Sep 2019 #6
Yup. All charged up Lady Freedom Returns Sep 2019 #9
Try holding the "Volume Down" button and the Power button at the same time... MANative Sep 2019 #8
Tried it. No go. Lady Freedom Returns Sep 2019 #11
You might need to do a factory reset, then. If you stored data in the cloud... MANative Sep 2019 #13
But can you reset while it's off? Lady Freedom Returns Sep 2019 #14
If it's completely bricked, the factory reset probably won't work, but... MANative Sep 2019 #15
Try this... RainCaster Sep 2019 #10
Thanks. Lady Freedom Returns Sep 2019 #12
You could install linux...and pull the files out or even reinstall windows that way. Demsrule86 Sep 2019 #18
Take the battery out and hold the power button down for 30 seconds...I usually do longer. Demsrule86 Sep 2019 #17
Got to take it apart to get to the battery. Lady Freedom Returns Sep 2019 #19

lunatica

(53,410 posts)
1. It might need a new sim card
Tue Sep 3, 2019, 03:36 PM
Sep 2019

Take it to the store where you bought it and they’ll give you a new one. Good luck!

RainCaster

(11,504 posts)
2. What kind of tablet?
Tue Sep 3, 2019, 03:37 PM
Sep 2019

Please be specific, it will help us point you in the right direction.

However, most tablets won't reset to factory settings until they are up and running, and you have logged on.

TreasonousBastard

(43,049 posts)
16. I have one of those...
Wed Sep 4, 2019, 02:28 AM
Sep 2019

It's an RCA Viking something or other. Maybe not exactly the same.

My guess is dead battery. The battery has a very short life, and the included charger has an even shorter one. My charger died, so I now charge it through the mini-USB port.

Pretty much any old USB phone charger should work. You'll know it's working if the light next to the port lights up.

There is a tiny hole in the back for resetting-- poke a pin in it and it should reset to a usable state without erasing any work or apps. But, it has to have power for that to work.

LisaM

(28,527 posts)
5. Battery issues?
Tue Sep 3, 2019, 03:46 PM
Sep 2019

I had that happen with a phone - took out the battery, jiggled it around, and it came back on.

emmaverybo

(8,147 posts)
6. Might not have to do a reset. Try a power down, off for a few minutes, and then power up.This
Tue Sep 3, 2019, 03:48 PM
Sep 2019

works for my iPad. I follow the online directions. Sure you are charged up? Sometimes charging
cable goes.

MANative

(4,139 posts)
8. Try holding the "Volume Down" button and the Power button at the same time...
Tue Sep 3, 2019, 03:50 PM
Sep 2019

for about 20 seconds. That should get you to a soft reboot. I've used that to reboot my RCA (different model) but it's a pretty standard procedure for most Android-based hardware.

MANative

(4,139 posts)
13. You might need to do a factory reset, then. If you stored data in the cloud...
Tue Sep 3, 2019, 03:56 PM
Sep 2019

it should reload once you sign back in to your accounts. If you have a micro-SD card, you should check the manufacturer's recommendations about whether to remove it or keep it in the device before resetting. Most of the time, they recommend to remove it.

MANative

(4,139 posts)
15. If it's completely bricked, the factory reset probably won't work, but...
Tue Sep 3, 2019, 04:08 PM
Sep 2019

I have successfully reset a "dead" tablet by following full reset procedures, even if the power wouldn't come on. See the link here for RCA instructions:

https://www.unlockandreset.com/rca-tablets-all-models-hard-reset-instructions/

RainCaster

(11,504 posts)
10. Try this...
Tue Sep 3, 2019, 03:51 PM
Sep 2019

Thanks for the update, we now know this is an RCA Viking 2.

10" display, Android 6, basic features, WiFi only, microsd capable.

You should leave this on a known good charger for 6+ hours, in case that is the problem.

After that, hold down the power button for 30 seconds and release. If it is hung, that will take care of it. Try to turn it on again by pressing the power button for 3 seconds. If that still does nothing, your tablet is dead. Remove the microsd card and try to salvage your files from that. With any luck, you can read it on your PC and save away the pictures & other stuff.

If it came back up, then go ahead and use it. No need to do a reset.

Demsrule86

(70,981 posts)
18. You could install linux...and pull the files out or even reinstall windows that way.
Wed Sep 4, 2019, 11:31 AM
Sep 2019

I have fixed computers that wouldn't turn on.

Demsrule86

(70,981 posts)
17. Take the battery out and hold the power button down for 30 seconds...I usually do longer.
Wed Sep 4, 2019, 11:29 AM
Sep 2019

Than put the battery back in and see it it starts...can you run without the battery by merely plugging it in?

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