Thinkpads Forum

I've got a new X13 Gen 3 AMD & embarrassingly can't get it to power on - it has the fingerprint reader power button. When I press the button it doesn't feel like a switch, there's no real 'give' to it & it doesn't feel like it will 'click' if I push it any harder. Pressing it or holding my finger on it has no effect. Could anyone with this model please let me know - is this a switch that I need to press harder (conscious of damaging it if it's not) or any other helpful info? Rang Lenovo support but they couldn't really help, tho have opened a case for me pended for next week. I've tried the pinhole reset on the base. Thanks

Is this brand new and has never started?
Return it under warranty for a replacement.
If it has W10 or W11, either keep holding the power button down,
or remove the SSD and then try to start it.

Yes it's brand new & never started. It's actually the second one I've received as I had the same issue with the first & the seller exchanged. Now I'm starting to wonder if I don't know how to use a ThinkPad power button these days... this is my first since T420 & X230. It really doesn't feel like a switch that will click to power on, it's like the fingerprint reader on my phone, for example. I will try removing the SSD, thanks for your reply & help.

Did you connect it to AC before trying to power it on? My wife has an X13Y G3, a little different but we've had no issues with it.

There is a factory "protection" to prevent the machines from powering on in transit from the factory if the power button is depressed somehow. When you connect it to AC and press the power button the first time, this goes away. (At least their Chromebooks do this, it's been a while since I set up a NIB TP)

You have to plug the power adapter before starting it for the first time. They ship it with the internal battery disabled.

I actually do the same with any laptop I'm not going to use for a while. It prevents over-depletion.