How to Solve Raspberry Pi Not Booting Issues [4 Effective Solutions]

Raspberry Pi is a powerful single-board computer that can also function as a desktop PC. It allows individuals to access basic computing requirements, learn programming skills, and develop innovative technologies at a relatively low cost.

The small device is a barebones computer without any operating system (OS) installed. In order to make your Raspberry Pi function, you need to install an OS like Raspberry Pi OS (formerly known as Raspbian). However, you might encounter issues during the process, and your Raspberry Pi might fail to boot.

So, why isn't your Raspberry Pi booting up? And what steps can you take if your device refuses to start? This article addresses all your concerns and guides you through resolving the issue of your Raspberry Pi not functioning properly.

What Causes the Raspberry Pi Not Booting Error?

The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is user-friendly but can come with some issues. A common problem reported by many users is when the Raspberry Pi fails to boot. This issue can arise due to various factors.

To identify the primary cause of the issue, begin by examining the activity LEDs. A red light signifies power (PWR), while a green light indicates activity on the SD card (ACT). The most frequent reasons for such issues typically include:

1. Poor power supply. If the red (PWR) LED is not illuminated, your device is not receiving power. Ensure that you're using a USB-C cable for your Raspberry Pi 4 (5.1V at 3A) and a Micro USB cable for your Pi 3 (5.1V at 2.5A).

2. HDMI Cable Issues. If your Pi isn't turning on, make sure the HDMI cable is connected to the correct port (HDMI 0).

3. Hardware issue. Incompatible SD cards, faulty cables, or damaged hardware can prevent your Raspberry Pi from booting. Therefore, make sure all components are functioning correctly before attempting to power on your device.

4. Incompatible Operating System (refer to this cause for rainbow screen issues). The operating system you're using might not be compatible with your Raspberry Pi model. Before attempting any fixes below, make sure to verify the compatibility of the OS on your SD card.

5. Corrupted files on SD card. If the ACT LED is inactive, it indicates that the SD card does not have readable boot instructions. This could mean that your SD card is corrupted, or the files are missing or incompatible with your Raspberry Pi.

If you've discovered the issue affecting your Pi board, follow the article below for swift solutions. Additionally, you can bypass the SD card and boot the Raspberry Pi from USB. Click on the link provided for comprehensive instructions.

How to Boot Raspberry Pi From USB [Step-by-Step Guide]

This article demonstrates how to modify the Raspberry Pi bootloader to start up from a USB storage device. Keep reading for a detailed walkthrough on booting Raspberry Pi from USB.

How to Troubleshoot Raspberry Pi Not Booting Issue

The following remedies will help you overcome any errors and resolve issues if your Raspberry Pi fails to boot:

1. Solution 1: Check Power Supply and HDMI Cable
2. Solution 2: Perform Boot Repair
3. Solution 3: Format Raspberry Pi SD Card and Reinstall Operating System
4. Solution 4: Check SD Card Errors and Resolve Them
5. Solution 5: Inspect Hardware Issues

Feel free to try each method one by one to resolve issues with your Raspberry Pi:

Fix 1: Check the Power Supply and HDMI Cable Before diving into complex troubleshooting steps, ensure that the basics are in order. Start by checking the power supply to your device and the HDMI cable connecting your TV or monitor to the source (such as a gaming console, streaming device, or computer). 1. **Power Supply**: Make sure your device is properly plugged in and receiving power. Check if there are any loose connections or damaged power cords. If possible, try using a different power outlet to rule out any issues with the outlet itself. 2. **HDMI Cable**: Inspect the HDMI cable for any visible damage, such as bent pins or cuts. Ensure it's securely connected on both ends – at the TV or monitor and the source device. You can also try swapping the HDMI cable with a known working one to confirm if the cable is the issue. If both the power supply and HDMI cable seem fine, proceed to the next fix.

Ensure that you use the appropriate power supply and HDMI cable for your Raspberry Pi to function without any issues. The latest Raspberry Pi 4 model utilizes a USB-C cable, which requires a 5.1V supply at 3A. Additionally, make sure the HDMI cable is connected to the HDMI 0 port on your board.

Follow the steps below to resolve any cable or power issues:

Step 1. Ensure you use the official Raspberry Pi PSU (Power Supply Unit) to avoid any compatibility issues. However, if you opt for a third-party power source, make sure it provides 5.1V at 3A.

Step 2. Replace the USB-C or Micro USB cable with a new one to check if you have a consistent power draw.

Step 3. Verify if your HDMI cable is inserted into the HDMI 0 port and ensure the connection is secure. You can also swap the cable with a new one to determine if the existing cable is damaged or not.

If this doesn't resolve the booting issue, proceed with the troubleshooting steps outlined below.

Solution 2: Perform a Boot Repair

Regardless of the type of boot issues you're encountering, the Partition Master tool will effortlessly detect and repair them using its "Boot Repair" feature. For instance, this program enables users to effectively address common boot issues such as black, blue, and white screens.

To repair your Raspberry Pi SD card, follow these steps:

Step 1. Connect the USB drive/external drive to a functional computer, open the Partition Master (RE) tool, and click "Create Bootable Media."

Step 2. Choose the Boot Toolkits and any other components you require. Then, click "Next."

Step 3. Choose your removable device and click "Go" to create an image on your USB drive/external drive. You can also burn the Windows ISO file to the storage media.

Step 4. Confirm the warning message and then wait for the creation process to finish.

Step 5. Connect the created bootable drive to the problematic computer and restart it while holding down "F2" or "Del" to enter the BIOS. Next, set the WinPE bootable drive as the primary boot device and press "F10" to exit.

Step 6. Next, the computer will enter the WinPE desktop. Open BootRepair, select the system you wish to repair, and click "Repair."

Step 7. Wait for a moment, and you will receive a notification that the system has been successfully repaired. Click "OK" to finish the boot repair process.

Fix 3: Format Raspberry Pi SD Card and Reinstall the Operating System

Another common issue you might encounter is that the SD card is not formatted correctly or the installed operating system is incompatible with your Raspberry Pi model. There are three primary SD card formats for your Raspberry Pi 4: FAT16, FAT32, and exFAT. Hence, it's essential to ensure that your SD card is formatted appropriately before installing the operating system.

You can utilize a third-party utility like tools Partition Master. This tool effectively formats your SD card with any file system, such as FAT32 or exFAT, to accommodate your Raspberry Pi needs. It also allows you to check and repair partitions on your SD card to address any partition-related issues.

To format your SD card, please follow these steps:

Step 1. Locate your SD card and right-click on the partition you wish to format, then select "Format."

Step 2. Assign a new partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and cluster size to the selected partition, then click "OK".

Step 3. Click "Yes" on the pop-up window to proceed.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button on the toolbar, then click "Apply" to begin formatting your SD card.

tools Partition Master is one of the best SD Card Formatters for FAT32. Even if you're new to computers, you can become proficient with this tool.

Further Reading: What Is the Best Raspberry Pi SD Card Format

After formatting your SD card correctly, you'll need to acquire a compatible operating system (OS) for your Raspberry Pi 4. Here are some OS options that are compatible with it: 1. Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian): This is the official and most popular OS for Raspberry Pi, based on Debian Linux. It comes with a desktop environment and a wide range of pre-installed software. 2. Ubuntu MATE: A user-friendly and stable Linux distribution, optimized for Raspberry Pi, offering a traditional desktop experience. 3. Ubuntu Core: A minimal, secure, and snap-based version of Ubuntu, suitable for IoT and embedded projects. 4. Windows 10 IoT Core: Microsoft's lightweight version of Windows designed for small devices like the Raspberry Pi. 5. DietPi: A lightweight and easy-to-use OS that focuses on optimizing performance and reducing resource usage. 6. Kali Linux: A penetration testing and ethical hacking distribution, ideal for security enthusiasts and professionals. 7. RetroPie: A custom OS that turns your Raspberry Pi into a retro gaming console, supporting various emulator platforms. 8. Volumio: A dedicated music player OS, perfect for creating a high-quality audio streaming device. 9. OSMC: An OS tailored for media center usage, based on Kodi, allowing you to stream and play multimedia content. 10. Armbian: Offers a variety of Linux distributions (such as Ubuntu, Debian, and OpenWrt) for ARM-based devices, including the Raspberry Pi. Make sure to choose an OS that suits your intended use for the Raspberry Pi 4 and follow the respective installation instructions provided by the OS developer.

• Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian)
• Ubuntu for Raspberry Pi
• RISC OS
• LineageOS
• Chromium OS
• Windows 10 IoT
• LibreElec
• Manjaro
• Arch Linux and many others

Now, follow the steps below to reinstall the operating system:

Step 1. Download, install, and run the Raspberry Pi Imager on your computer: www.raspberrypi.com/software/

Step 2. You'll see two options: "Choose OS" and "Choose SD Card."

Step 3. Select the operating system you want to install and choose your SD card.

Step 4. Now, click the "Write" button, and it will install the operating system onto your SD card. This process may take approximately 3-5 minutes to complete.

Step 5. Finally, insert the SD card into your Raspberry Pi and start it to see if it has resolved the booting issue.

Further Reading: Install Raspberry Pi Operating System on SD Card

If it still hasn't fixed the error, proceed with the following step.

Solution 4: Check and Fix SD Card Errors

If your SD card has random errors or issues that might prevent your Raspberry Pi from booting, you need to fix them. A quick solution to address these problems is to use the tool Partition Master. This utility can check hard drive health and detect bad sectors.

Using the "Check file system" function, the software scans your SD card for any errors. This aids in promptly rectifying file system issues and addressing bad sectors, thereby resolving problems with your SD card. To proceed with checking and fixing your SD card, follow these steps:

Step 1. Right-click the problematic partition.

Step 2. Choose "Tools" > "Check File System".

Step 3. Confirm whether you want to hide the partition or not.

Step 4. In the Check File System window, select the "Try to fix errors if found" option.

Step 5. Click "Start" to begin checking for errors on your partition.

Tools Partition Master is a powerful utility for managing your Raspberry Pi's SD card. It offers the following features:

• Clone Raspberry Pi SD Card
• Raspberry Pi SD Card Benchmark
• Format SD Card for Raspberry Pi
• Repair corrupted Raspberry Pi SD card

Whatever SD card errors you encounter, you can easily fix them with this professional disk management tool.

Apply the fix below if this doesn't help you to use your Raspberry Pi without encountering boot errors.

Fix 5: Check for Hardware Issues

You should also check for any hardware errors and inspect your accessories to ensure there are no issues. Faulty accessories like monitors, keyboards, or mice can prevent your Raspberry Pi from booting up.

Therefore, make sure to unplug and replug all connections to check for any issues. Reach out to the manufacturer for further assistance, and attempt other remedies if you discover damaged hardware.

Conclusion

A Raspberry Pi not booting is a fairly common issue encountered by many users. However, it can typically be resolved within minutes, allowing you to use your device without errors. One efficient method to fix most issues is by reinstalling the operating system (OS). This process resets everything to its default state and eliminates any random bugs that might be causing the problem.

To achieve this, you would need to format your SD card. Formatting your SD card and addressing any underlying issues using a third-party tool, such as tools Partition Master, is straightforward. You can quickly download the software and install it on your computer within minutes. So, what are you waiting for? Proceed to fix those Raspberry Pi errors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raspberry Pi Not Booting

Although the guide above has addressed most of the primary concerns and solutions related to the Raspberry Pi not booting issue, you might still have some questions. If that's the case, consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below to find the answers you need.

< strong > 1. Why isn't the green light on my Raspberry Pi blinking? < / strong >

The green ACT LED indicates standard SD card activity. However, if the Raspberry Pi's green light isn't blinking, it could mean the SD card is not being recognized, or the board's poly fuse (a resettable fuse) might have blown. To resolve this issue, you can format your SD card and re-install the operating system. Additionally, ensure that your power supply is functioning correctly and consider resetting the fuse if necessary.

2. How to power on Raspberry Pi?

You can power up your Raspberry Pi by following the steps below:

1. Insert the micro SD card. Ensure that the operating system is already installed on it. 2. Connect the mouse, keyboard, and display. 3. Next, plug in the network cable and the power cable. 4. Turn on the power supply. 5. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your Raspberry Pi.

3. What causes BIOS boot failure? BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) boot failure occurs when the computer is unable to start up correctly due to various issues related to the BIOS or the components it interacts with during the boot process. Some common causes of BIOS boot failure include: 1. **Corrupted BIOS**: The BIOS firmware might become corrupted due to power surges, viruses, or incorrect updates. 2. **Failed BIOS Update**: An unsuccessful BIOS update can leave the system in an unbootable state if the new BIOS version is incompatible or the update process was interrupted. 3. **Malfunctioning CMOS Battery**: The CMOS battery, which stores BIOS settings, can weaken over time, causing loss of configuration data and boot issues. 4. **Incorrect BIOS Settings**: Altering BIOS settings, such as enabling wrong boot options or changing the system clock, can lead to boot failure. 5. **Hardware Issues**: Faulty or improperly connected hardware, like the motherboard, RAM, CPU, or storage devices, can prevent the BIOS from recognizing them, resulting in a failed boot. 6. **Boot Device Priority**: If the BIOS cannot find a bootable device in the configured boot order, it will fail to boot. 7. **Virus or Malware**: Certain malicious software can target the BIOS, leading to boot failure. 8. **Power Issues**: Sudden power outages or fluctuations during the boot process can cause BIOS boot failures. To resolve BIOS boot failure, you may need to perform actions like clearing the CMOS (resetting BIOS settings), replacing the CMOS battery, updating or reverting the BIOS, checking and securing hardware connections, or using a bootable rescue media to diagnose and fix the issue.

If no operating system is installed, your Raspberry Pi will display a BIOS boot failure message. It could also be that you have an incompatible OS on your SD card. Hence, make sure you have the correct operating system installed on your SD card before attempting to boot it on your Raspberry Pi.