If your Canon EOS R50 not turning on issue appeared suddenly, the cause is often simpler than it seems.
This guide walks through the most common power, battery, and setup problems so you can narrow down the fault quickly.
What “not turning on” usually means
When a Canon EOS R50 appears dead, the problem is not always the camera body itself.
In many cases, the camera has power but cannot boot because of a battery issue, lens communication problem, card error, or an incorrect switch position.
Before assuming a hardware failure, check whether the camera shows any signs of life, such as:
- Lights near the power switch or card slot
- A brief autofocus sound or display flicker
- Any icon on the electronic viewfinder or LCD
- Battery charging behavior when the battery is inserted into a charger
Start with the simplest checks
Basic checks solve a large share of power complaints on mirrorless cameras.
Work through these items in order so you do not miss an easy fix.
Confirm the power switch position
The Canon EOS R50 uses a physical power switch, and it can sometimes feel as if it is on when it is not fully engaged.
Move the switch firmly to the ON position and listen for any startup sound or display activity.
Check the battery charge
A completely drained LP-E17 battery may leave the camera totally unresponsive.
Remove the battery and charge it with a compatible Canon charger until the indicator shows a full charge.
If the battery is old, it may show full on the charger but still fail under load.
Reinsert the battery correctly
Battery orientation matters.
Remove the LP-E17, inspect the contacts for dirt or oxidation, then reinstall it firmly until the battery lock clicks.
A battery that is slightly misaligned can prevent startup.
Why the battery may be the real problem
Battery-related issues are one of the most common reasons for a Canon EOS R50 not turning on.
Even when a battery looks fine, internal wear or contact issues can cause intermittent failure.
Test with a second battery
If you have access to another genuine Canon LP-E17 or a trusted compatible battery, test the camera with that one.
If the camera powers on normally, the original battery is likely the problem.
Inspect the battery contacts
Look inside the battery compartment for bent pins, corrosion, dust, or moisture.
Clean only with a dry microfiber cloth or a clean, lint-free swab.
Avoid liquids unless you are following Canon service guidance.
Consider battery age and storage history
Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, especially if they are stored fully discharged, left in hot environments, or used heavily.
If the battery is several years old, reduced capacity may be enough to prevent reliable startup.
How to rule out a card or accessory issue
Sometimes the camera is not truly dead; it is getting stuck during startup because of an accessory or memory card problem.
Removing external variables is a fast way to isolate the fault.
Remove the memory card
Turn the camera off if possible, then remove the SD card and try powering on again.
A damaged card or file system error can interfere with startup.
If the camera turns on without the card, format the card in-camera after backing up your files.
Detach the lens and try again
A lens communication issue can make the body seem unresponsive.
Remove the lens, inspect the metal contacts on both the lens and body, then reattach the lens securely.
If the camera powers on with no lens attached, the lens may be the source of the problem.
Disconnect all accessories
Remove grips, microphones, USB cables, HDMI cables, remote controls, and adapters.
Accessory power or communication faults can block normal startup, especially if something is drawing power or causing a short.
Could the camera be stuck in a protection state?
Mirrorless cameras sometimes refuse to boot if the system detects an abnormal condition.
This can happen after a firmware glitch, an interrupted power cycle, or an environmental issue such as condensation.
Look for condensation or moisture
If the camera moved from a cold environment to a warm, humid one, internal condensation can trigger a protective shutdown.
Remove the battery and card, leave the camera in a dry room, and wait until it reaches room temperature before trying again.
Let the camera rest after a failed startup
If the battery was inserted repeatedly while the camera was trying to start, the camera may need a short reset period.
Remove the battery, wait 5 to 10 minutes, then reinstall it and try again.
Check for a firmware-related issue
Firmware problems are less common than battery issues, but they can cause startup instability.
If the camera recently updated or lost power during an update, you may need Canon support or a service center to recover it properly.
Use these reset steps carefully
Resetting the camera can help when settings or temporary states are preventing normal operation.
These steps are safe for most users and do not require special tools.
- Remove the battery and memory card.
- Wait several minutes to fully discharge residual power.
- Press the shutter button once or twice while the battery is out.
- Reinsert only the battery and attempt startup.
- If the camera starts, shut it down and reinsert the card one item at a time.
This process helps determine whether the issue is with the power system, the card, or a connected accessory.
When to suspect a hardware fault
If the Canon EOS R50 still will not power on after battery, card, lens, and accessory checks, the issue may be internal.
Common hardware-related causes include a damaged power switch, failed battery terminals, main board damage, or liquid exposure.
Warning signs of a hardware fault include:
- No response with multiple charged batteries
- No display activity even with the card and lens removed
- Visible corrosion or impact damage
- Recent water exposure, overheating, or a drop
If any of these apply, stop repeated power attempts and seek professional inspection.
Continued troubleshooting can worsen electrical damage.
Preventing future power problems
Once the camera is working again, a few habits can reduce the chance of another power failure.
Good battery care and careful storage make a noticeable difference for mirrorless systems like the EOS R50.
- Use genuine Canon LP-E17 batteries or reputable replacements
- Charge batteries before long storage periods
- Avoid storing batteries in hot cars or humid spaces
- Remove the battery if the camera will sit unused for weeks
- Keep lens and battery contacts clean and dry
- Format memory cards in the camera after file backups
When to contact Canon support
If you have tested a known-good battery, removed all accessories, ruled out the memory card, and waited for moisture to clear, contact Canon support or an authorized repair center.
Be prepared to describe exactly what happened before the failure, including whether the camera was dropped, updated, or exposed to moisture.
That history can help a technician determine whether the issue is a simple power failure or a deeper internal fault affecting the Canon EOS R50 startup circuit.