What This Error Means
The “Power Off” state on a Whatsminer — also experienced as the miner refusing to turn on, no LED activity, no fan spin, or the WhatsMiner Tools software showing the unit as “Power Off” — means the MicroBT Whatsminer is not receiving power, cannot initialize its power sequence, or has a hardware fault preventing startup. Unlike Antminers that use separate APW power supplies, most Whatsminer models have an integrated power supply unit (PSU) built into the miner chassis, which means power issues have different diagnostic paths.
Whatsminer models (M20, M30, M50, M60 series) use a power button or automatic power-on sequence. When the miner does not respond to power input, the issue is either upstream (wall power, cables), within the integrated PSU, or on the control board that manages the startup sequence.
Common Causes
- Tripped breaker or no wall power — The electrical circuit supplying the Whatsminer has tripped or the outlet has lost power. Whatsminer models draw 2,500-3,600+ watts and require dedicated circuits.
- Failed integrated PSU — The built-in power supply has failed. Whatsminer PSU failures can be caused by capacitor aging, component failure, or power surge damage.
- Damaged power input cable — The C13/C14 or C19/C20 power cord connecting the miner to the wall outlet is damaged or not fully seated.
- Control board failure — The control board responsible for managing the power-on sequence has a fault, preventing it from signaling the PSU to start.
- Protection circuit triggered — The miner’s built-in protection circuitry has detected a fault (short circuit, over-current, ground fault) and is preventing startup to protect the hardware.
- Incorrect input voltage — The Whatsminer requires 220-240V AC input. Connecting to 120V will not provide enough power for the integrated PSU to start the hashing system.
Step-by-Step Fix
Safety first: Whatsminer models with integrated PSUs carry mains voltage internally. Never open the PSU compartment. All diagnosis should be performed at the cable and connector level unless you are a qualified electrician or electronics technician.
Step 1: Verify Wall Power
Confirm the outlet is providing power by testing with another device. Check your circuit breaker panel — large ASIC miners frequently trip breakers, especially if sharing a circuit. If the breaker is tripped, reset it. If it trips again immediately when the miner is connected, there may be a short circuit in the miner or power cable.
Step 2: Check Input Voltage
Use a multimeter to measure voltage at the outlet. Whatsminer models require 220-240V AC. If you are on a 120V circuit, this is likely the issue — you need a 240V circuit installed by an electrician or a compatible PDU. Verify the measurement shows at least 210V AC.
Step 3: Inspect the Power Cord
Check the power cord for damage. Whatsminer models use heavy-duty power cords (typically C19/C20 for newer models). Ensure the connector is fully inserted into the miner — C19 connectors can appear seated but not be fully engaged. Try wiggling the connector while checking for intermittent LED activity. If possible, test with a different power cord of the same type and rating.
Step 4: Check Status LEDs
Look at any status LEDs on the miner. Different Whatsminer models have different LED patterns:
- No LEDs at all — power is not reaching the control board
- Red LED only — the control board has power but detected a fault
- Blinking pattern — may indicate a specific error code (consult your model’s documentation)
- Green LED — normal startup (if fans also spin, the miner should be booting)
Step 5: Perform a Power Reset
Disconnect the power cord from the miner. Wait at least 2 minutes — this allows internal capacitors to fully discharge and protection circuits to reset. Reconnect the power cord firmly and observe. Some Whatsminer protection circuits latch when triggered and require a full discharge cycle to reset.
Step 6: Check for Short Circuit Indicators
Before reconnecting power, inspect all visible cable connections inside the miner (if accessible without opening the PSU compartment). Look for damaged cables, loose connectors, or any signs of arcing or melting. A short circuit on a hashboard can prevent the PSU from starting — it will detect the overcurrent condition and refuse to power up.
Step 7: Try Powering With Hashboards Disconnected
If you can access the hashboard power connectors without opening the PSU, disconnect all hashboard power cables. Attempt to power on with only the control board connected. If the miner boots to the control board level (network accessible, web interface available), reconnect hashboards one at a time to identify which board is causing the power-on failure.
Advanced Diagnosis
WhatsMiner Tools software: MicroBT provides the WhatsMinerTool software for Windows that can scan the network and show detailed miner status. If the miner is partially booting (control board alive but PSU not fully powering hashboards), the tool may show diagnostic information not available through other means.
API access: Whatsminer models have a management API accessible on port 4028. If the control board is alive, you can query the API for error codes:
# From a computer on the same network:
echo '{"cmd":"summary"}' | nc [miner-ip] 4028
echo '{"cmd":"edevs"}' | nc [miner-ip] 4028
echo '{"cmd":"get_error_code"}' | nc [miner-ip] 4028PSU voltage rails: If you have access to test points on the PSU output (without opening the sealed PSU unit), check the 12V and standby voltage rails. The standby rail should be present even when the main output is off — it powers the control board. If the standby rail is dead, the PSU’s primary side has failed.
When to Get Professional Help
Seek professional ASIC repair if:
- The miner shows no signs of life after verifying wall power and cables — internal PSU or control board failure
- The breaker trips immediately when the miner is connected — potential short circuit requiring diagnosis
- LED patterns indicate a hardware fault code that you cannot resolve
- The miner boots the control board but will not power hashboards — PSU output stage or hashboard short
- Any signs of physical damage, burning smell, or discolored components
D-Central Technologies services all Whatsminer models including PSU diagnosis, control board repair, and hashboard troubleshooting. We have experience with every Whatsminer generation from the M20 through the M60 series. Submit a repair request here
Affected Models
This guide applies to all MicroBT Whatsminer models including: M20S, M21S, M30S, M30S+, M30S++, M31S, M31S+, M50, M50S, M50S+, M56, M56S, M60, M60S, and their variants. The diagnostic approach is similar across all models, though specific LED patterns and connector types vary.
Related Error Codes
- Whatsminer Hashboard Error / Missing Boards — A hashboard short can prevent PSU startup
- Whatsminer Over Temperature — Previous overheating may have triggered a protective shutdown
- Antminer PSU Failure — Similar concepts for external PSU troubleshooting
- Network Error — A partially booted miner may appear as a network issue
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Whatsminer have a power button?
Most Whatsminer models start automatically when power is applied — there is no separate power button. If the miner does not start when plugged in and the outlet has verified power, the issue is internal to the miner. Some newer models have a power button on the control board, but auto-start on power application is the standard behavior.
Can I replace the Whatsminer PSU myself?
Whatsminer PSUs are integrated into the chassis and are not designed for user replacement on most models. Unlike Antminer setups where the PSU is a separate unit, Whatsminer PSU replacement typically requires partial disassembly of the miner and knowledge of the specific PSU module used. This is best left to professionals.
Is it a power issue or a control board issue?
Key diagnostic: if no LEDs light up at all and the fans do not twitch on power application, the issue is likely the PSU or power delivery. If the status LED comes on but fans do not spin and the miner does not boot, the control board may be alive but the PSU output stage or the control board’s power management is faulty. If fans spin briefly then stop, the PSU is starting but detecting a fault condition.
My Whatsminer worked fine yesterday — why won’t it start today?
Sudden failure to start is most commonly caused by: a tripped breaker (check your panel), a power surge overnight that damaged the PSU, a failed capacitor in the PSU (capacitor failure can be sudden), or a hashboard fault that developed and now triggers the protection circuit. Check the simple things first (breaker, cable), then move to the more complex diagnosis.