The handheld gaming scene has seen a massive surge in popularity with the release of the Steam Deck back in 2022. Prior to this, handheld gaming was limited to only a few consoles, like the Nintendo Switch, which has a limited library of games. Post-release of the Deck, players have made it clear that they prefer portability over performance to some extent. So, to cater to the audience that prefers handheld gaming, a bunch of handheld systems were released. The Lenovo Legion Go and Asus Rog Ally are among the most popular ones, after the Deck. But in 2024, a new player made its entry into the handheld scene, and that’s none other than the MSI Claw. MSI is a renowned name in the PC space, and they too have expanded their portfolio to provide players with a system that is capable of handling AAA titles and is portable. Now, although the MSI Claw is a very popular handheld, it does have its fair share of issues that many have complained about since its release. One of the many issues that often trouble players is the MSI Claw not turning on issue. So, if you too are encountering the same, don’t worry. You are not alone. This guide includes all the workarounds you need to get rid of the problem for good. So, consider reading till the end.
Unlike the popular handhelds like Steam Deck, Legion Go, and Rog Ally, the MSI Claw is built differently, as it runs on an Intel CPU and GPU, whereas the handhelds mentioned earlier run on AMD-based CPUs/GPUs. Boasting a massive 7-inch FHD 120Hz panel, gaming on the Claw is a very immersive experience, if you are lucky enough to not get caught up in errors. Well, since you are reading this guide, chances are that your MSI Claw is failing to boot up. So, let’s discuss what you can do to fix the issue.
Also read: The Legend of Heroes Trails through Daybreak Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, & Asus Rog Ally Support Details
MSI Claw not turning on: How to fix it
Now, there can be multiple reasons causing the handheld to turn on. Due to this, the workarounds required to fix the issue can vary. That said, here are the effective potential fixes that you can try:
1) Charge for some time
It is possible that your MSI Claw’s battery has been fully drained and is not turning on. So, in that case, simply plug in the device to a socket, and then wait for some time to let it charge. After this, check if the device turns on.
2) Check cable for hardware damage
If the device is not turning on even after you have charged it for a while, check the charging cable or the adapter. A faulty cable or adapter might be the reason why the device is not charging and therefore not booting up. Use a different cable or adapter to check if the device charges.
3) Perform an EC restart
This is a pretty common workaround that fixes most issues with MSI devices. So, to perform an EC restart on your MSI Claw, start by disconnecting the handheld from charging. Now, press and hold the power button on the MSI Claw for no less than 25 seconds. Doing so will initiate an EC restart. Doing so should fix the issue.
4) Contact Support
If none of the workarounds were helpful, then it seems that there is something more complex at play. In that case, all you can do is contact MSI support and wait for their response. If your device hasn’t undergone any physical damage, you should be eligible for a free repair or even a replacement.
That said, now you know what to do if your MSI Claw is not turning up. If you find this guide informative, consider visiting Android Gram for more such interesting content on all things gaming.
