FAQ
TL;DR: HTC Desire 820 showing an orange LED for ~6 seconds then blinking usually points to a battery or boot path issue. "After replacing the battery, it goes without problems." Practical next steps: charge, measure voltage, try Recovery/Bootloader, or service. [Elektroda, marqqv, post #16972071]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps owners troubleshoot no‑power and charging faults to recover a non‑booting Desire 820 fast.
- Symptom pattern: orange LED on ~6 seconds, then blinking; device won’t start. [Elektroda, wiesio121, post #16971883]
- Long storage (~6 months) can leave the Li‑ion pack deeply discharged and unbootable. [Elektroda, nutergsm, post #16972058]
- Even with a measured 4.3 V pack, the handset may stay dead. [Elektroda, wiesio121, post #16973112]
- Proven field fix: battery replacement restored normal startup. [Elektroda, marqqv, post #16972071]
- Alternate cause: “damaged bootloader” suspected when Recovery won’t appear. [Elektroda, nutergsm, post #16973164]
Quick Facts
- Symptom sequence: orange LED lights ~6 seconds, then blinks; phone remains off. [Elektroda, wiesio121, post #16971883]
- Storage impact: after about half a year unused, expect a fully discharged battery. [Elektroda, nutergsm, post #16972058]
- Measured example: 4.3 V on the pack yet no response from the phone. [Elektroda, wiesio121, post #16973112]
- Fix reported: replacing the battery restored boot with no further issues. [Elektroda, marqqv, post #16972071]
- If Recovery/Bootloader won’t appear, a damaged bootloader is likely. [Elektroda, nutergsm, post #16973164]
What does the orange LED blinking after ~6 seconds mean on the HTC Desire 820?
It indicates the phone sees power but fails to start the normal boot path. Users report an orange LED that lights for about six seconds, then blinks, with no screen activity. This symptom aligns with a depleted or faulty battery, or a blocked boot stage. [Elektroda, wiesio121, post #16971883]
My phone sat unused for about half a year and won’t turn on—why?
Extended storage can deeply discharge the Li‑ion battery below the phone’s safe-start threshold. An expert noted that after such time, the battery is completely discharged. Recharge first, then measure voltage before further steps. "After this time the battery is completely discharged." [Elektroda, nutergsm, post #16972058]
How long should I leave it on charge before I start troubleshooting?
Give it a solid initial charge window. One case charged for about three hours with no reaction, which signaled a deeper issue than simple depletion. If there’s still no screen or vibration after that window, proceed to voltage checks and Recovery attempts. [Elektroda, wiesio121, post #16972147]
How do I check the battery voltage safely?
Use a multimeter across the battery terminals after disconnecting power. Record the reading before and after a short charge attempt. Experts in the thread insisted on confirming voltage first to guide next steps. "Check in the end this battery voltage then we will think what's next." [Elektroda, nutergsm, post #16972564]
Battery reads about 4.3 V but the phone is still dead—what next?
A healthy reading alone doesn’t guarantee boot. One user measured 4.3 V, yet the phone showed no response. Next steps: attempt Recovery/Bootloader, reseat connectors, or try a known‑good replacement battery to rule out voltage-sag under load. [Elektroda, wiesio121, post #16973112]
Could a bad battery be the cause even if the phone used to work fine?
Yes. A helper reported the same LED behavior and resolved it by replacing the battery. If your device won’t enter Recovery and the LED behavior matches, swap in a fresh, compatible pack to test. "After replacing the battery, it goes without problems." [Elektroda, marqqv, post #16972071]
How do I try Recovery or Bootloader mode on the Desire 820?
Follow the standard key combo sequence referenced for this model and try multiple times while connected to power. If it never appears, suspect a non-battery fault. Use the linked Recovery/Bootloader instructions specific to the 820. [Elektroda, nutergsm, post #16973143]
What is the bootloader, and can damage prevent power‑on?
The bootloader is the low‑level program that starts Android. If it’s damaged, the phone can ignore keys, show only charge LEDs, and never reach Recovery. One expert’s assessment: "I bet on a damaged bootloader." Seek service if Recovery never appears. [Elektroda, nutergsm, post #16973164]
Can I fix a damaged bootloader at home without special tools?
Not realistically. A technician advised that without experience and the right equipment, you should let a good service handle it. They have the interfaces and firmware access necessary for bootloader repair or reflash. [Elektroda, nutergsm, post #16973174]
How much will professional repair cost for this issue?
Pricing varies by region and shop. The recommendation was to contact local services and request a diagnosis quote. Provide the symptoms and any voltage readings to speed triage and avoid unnecessary parts swaps. [Elektroda, nutergsm, post #16973182]
Will my PC detect the phone to copy photos if there’s zero reaction?
No. If the handset shows no response and cannot reach at least the charging or bootloader state, the PC will not enumerate it for file transfer. Data stays on storage but isn’t accessible without a successful boot or specialized service. [Elektroda, wiesio121, post #16973150]
Is there any chance it just starts working again?
Yes, intermittent starts can happen after charging cycles, connector reseats, or repeated key attempts. The original poster later reported, "The phone somehow fired." Treat this as a sign to back up data immediately and still diagnose the root cause. [Elektroda, wiesio121, post #16974033]
What quick 3‑step test should I try before service?
- Charge for at least 30–60 minutes on a known‑good charger and cable.
- Measure and note battery voltage with a multimeter.
- Attempt Recovery/Bootloader using the model‑specific key sequence.
If any step fails, consider a replacement battery or service. [Elektroda, nutergsm, post #16973143]
Why do some phones show 4.3 V yet still fail to boot?
Voltage measured at rest can look fine, but the cell may collapse under load due to high internal resistance. That presents as LEDs without successful startup. Treat this edge case by testing with a known‑good battery first. [Elektroda, wiesio121, post #16973112]
What should I tell a repair shop to speed up diagnosis?
Share the exact LED timing (~6 seconds then blink), storage period, any voltage readings, and that Recovery/Bootloader won’t appear. Mention that a damaged bootloader was suspected in a similar case. This helps the shop choose the right path. [Elektroda, nutergsm, post #16973164]
