HTC Desire 820 Not Turning On: Orange LED Blinking, Charging Issue, Possible Fixes

Question 1

What does the orange LED blinking after ~6 seconds mean on the HTC Desire 820?

Answer

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]

Question 2

My phone sat unused for about half a year and won’t turn on—why?

Answer

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]

Question 3

How long should I leave it on charge before I start troubleshooting?

Answer

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]

Question 4

How do I check the battery voltage safely?

Answer

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]

Question 5

Battery reads about 4.3 V but the phone is still dead—what next?

Answer

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]

Question 6

Could a bad battery be the cause even if the phone used to work fine?

Answer

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]

Question 7

How do I try Recovery or Bootloader mode on the Desire 820?

Answer

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]

Question 8

What is the bootloader, and can damage prevent power‑on?

Answer

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]

Question 9

Can I fix a damaged bootloader at home without special tools?

Answer

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]

Question 10

How much will professional repair cost for this issue?

Answer

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]

Question 11

Will my PC detect the phone to copy photos if there’s zero reaction?

Answer

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]

Question 12

Is there any chance it just starts working again?

Answer

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]

Question 13

What quick 3‑step test should I try before service?

Answer

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]

Question 14

Why do some phones show 4.3 V yet still fail to boot?

Answer

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]

Question 15

What should I tell a repair shop to speed up diagnosis?

Answer

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]