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Solution 37295: Troubleshooting a TI-84 Plus CE or TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition That Will Not Turn On, Charge, Function Properly, Displays a “Validating Operating System…” Message or Flashes White.

What troubleshooting steps can I try if the TI-84 Plus CE or TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition?

Please ensure that there are no buttons that are stuck down below the keypad.

Please Note: The resets described in the troubleshooting steps below may cause a loss of applications, programs, and data. If at all possible, please backup all your files by copying data files and programs from your calculator to a folder on your computer using TI Connect CE™ Software.

Please use the links below to quickly move to the section you need:

Calculator will not turn on, charge, flashes white, or displays a “Validating Operating System…” message.
Calculator will not function properly

Calculator will not turn on, charge, flashes white, or displays a “Validating Operating System…” message:

First verify the USB port:

• Verify the USB cable is completely pushed into the USB port of the calculator and is a tight fit. If it is not completely pushed in, the charger will not detect it. The cable is pushed in all the way when no metal is visible.

• Check the USB port for debris, bent pins, or other damage.

o Please use canned/compressed air to remove any dust or foreign objects that may be in the USB port.

o If there is damage to the USB port, such as a loose metal component or bent or missing connector pins, this is considered physical damage and would not be covered under warranty.

1) Attempt to charge the calculator by connecting to a computer or wall adapter using the USB cable that came with the calculator for at least 3 hours. If charging from your computer, ensure that your computer is not in sleep or hibernation mode and plugged into a wall outlet if using a laptop. If the calculator boots up check if the charge indicator displays a low charge, if it does let the calculator charge for a couple of hours.

About the wall charger:

If you are using a wall charger, make sure you are using a TI wall charger or other UL-certified USB charger rated for at least 1 amp (usually written as “1A” or “1000 mA”). To determine whether your charger is UL-certified, flip it over to the inside, and read the label. Look for the UL stamp and confirm that it states that it is 1000 mA or higher.

About the rechargeable battery:

You should also confirm the battery has not reached the end of its life. Usually, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries will last 2.5 to 3 years. If your rechargeable battery is at least 2.5 years old, it may be time to purchase a new TI Rechargeable Battery. For more information about your TI Rechargeable battery, including best care practices, please see Solution 33711: Best Care Practices for TI Products with a TI Rechargeable Battery

If it’s time to replace your battery, you can place an order for a TI Rechargeable Battery through the TI-Online Store at: https://epsstore.ti.com or by calling TI-Cares

2) Check the reset button on the back of your handheld and make sure it is not pressed. If it is, use a solid object such as a paper clip to make sure it is no longer pressed. It is very important to not use an object that can leave behind debris, such as a pencil.

3) Press and hold the reset button on the back of the unit for at least 5 seconds.

4) Remove the battery door from the back of your handheld, disconnect the battery, leave disconnected for approximately 3 minutes, and then reconnect the battery.

5) Verify the USB cable is completely pushed into the TI-84 Plus CE and is a tight fit. If it is not completely pushed in the charger will not detect it.

6) Allow to charge for 1-2 hours.

As the last step, try to reinstall the calculator Operating System (OS). To do this follow the steps below:

1) (TI-84 Plus CE only) While holding the [2nd] [Del] keys down, press and release the RESET button on the back of the calculator. The message "Waiting... Please Install Calculator Software" should appear. Use TI Connect CE software to transfer the latest Operating System to your calculator. If you have access to another TI-84 Plus CE calculator, you may transfer the Operating System from calculator to calculator. However, please ensure the OS on the calculator you are transferring from is version 5.6 or later.

2) (TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition only) If the calculator will turn on use TI Connect CE software to transfer the latest Operating System to your calculator. If you have access to another TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition calculator, you may transfer the Operating System from calculator to calculator. However, please ensure the OS on the calculator you are transferring from is version 4.2.

3a) (TI-84 Plus CE only) If your calculator still displays a “Validating Operating System…” Message or Flashes White please click this link for additional troubleshooting.

3b) If your calculator still will not charge or turn on, please contact TI-Cares for technical support and additional service options.

Calculator will not function properly:

1) With the calculator turned on press [2nd] then [+] to access the memory menu. Next press [7] to access the reset menu and press [2] to restore default settings and verify if the issue is resolved.

2) If not press and hold the reset button on the back of the unit for at least 5 seconds.

3) If still not functioning properly use the TI Connect CE software to transfer the latest Operating System to your TI-84 Plus CE or TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition.

4) If your calculator still is not functioning properly, please contact TI-Cares for technical support and additional service options.

(TI-84 Plus CE Only) Calculator still flashes white or displays a “Validating Operating System…” message.

1) If the calculator still displays a persistent “Validating OS” message or flashes white repeatedly, and you have access to another TI Rechargeable Battery, please try using that battery temporarily, and note the calculator’s response and functionality when using this battery.

If using a different battery results in the calculator booting up properly and the calculator was purchased new within the last 2 years, please complete a Battery Request Form to request a replacement battery.*

If the calculator does not turn on with another battery, please contact TI-Cares for additional troubleshooting.

If you do not have access to another battery and the calculator was purchased new within the last two years, please complete a Battery Request Form to request a replacement battery.*

* Must meet criteria stated in form.

Last updated: 6/19/2025

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Solution 37295: Troubleshooting a TI-84 Plus CE or TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition That Will Not Turn On, Charge, Function Properly, Displays a “Validating Operating System…” Message or Flashes White.

What troubleshooting steps can I try if the TI-84 Plus CE or TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition?

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