The power button on Sony VAIO laptops sits above the keyboard or on an edge near the hinge; convertibles place it on a side.
New to a VAIO and can’t spot the switch? You’re not the only one. VAIO layouts vary across lines such as Fit, Pro, S, and Duo, and small details change by year. The good news: once you know the clues—icons, common corners, and model quirks—you’ll find it in seconds and avoid pressing the wrong keys like ASSIST or VAIO.
Power Button Placement On Sony VAIO Laptops: Quick Guide
Most clamshell models put the round power symbol near the top right edge above the keyboard, close to the hinge. Slim lines may move it to a side edge. Slider or flip designs, such as Duo and Fit multi-flip, place it on the left or right side where your thumb lands when holding the screen.
Typical Spots You Should Check First
- Top Right Above The Keyboard: A small round button with the ⏻ icon, sometimes flush with the chassis.
- Right Or Left Edge Near The Hinge: A narrow button or slider you can press with a fingertip.
- Front Lip On Older Units: A sliding switch on the front edge on some legacy notebooks.
- Convertible Designs: Side-mounted button so you can wake the PC in tablet mode.
Don’t Confuse These With Power
Many models include two extra keys above the keyboard: ASSIST and VAIO. They launch software and maintenance tools and do not turn the laptop on. They sit near the real switch and share the same row, which leads to mix-ups during setup or repair. See Sony’s explanation of the VAIO and ASSIST buttons to double-check what each key does.
How To Turn It On Safely
Open the lid, connect AC if the battery is low, then tap the power symbol once. A green or white indicator near the key or on the chassis confirms activity. Holding the button for four or more seconds forces a shutdown; save that for a freeze or crash only. Sony’s help page on turning on your VAIO shows the basic steps.
What The Power Icon Looks Like
The symbol is the familiar circle with a short vertical line at the top. On some notebooks the mark sits on a chrome cap; on others it’s a tiny print near a flush key. A faint ring or dot light may glow when the system wakes. If you see ASSIST or VAIO printed on a keycap, that is not the switch you need. If lighting is poor, shine a phone flashlight along the edges.
Model-By-Model Clues
Your exact placement depends on the family. Use the list below to zero in quickly, then confirm on your unit by looking for the ⏻ icon or the thin ring light around the switch.
VAIO S Series (SVS13/SVS15)
Business-leaning notebooks in this line usually place the button above the keyboard near the right hinge. The key may sit in a shallow recess with a tiny LED ring.
VAIO Fit And Fit Multi-Flip (SVF14/15 And SVF13N/14N/15N)
Standard Fit clamshells commonly use the top right deck position. Multi-flip convertibles move the switch to an edge so it’s reachable when the display is folded into tablet mode.
VAIO Pro And Ultrabook Lines
Ultralight models often adopt a slender side button near the hinge to keep the top deck clean. It can feel like part of the trim, so run a finger along the edge until you feel the click.
VAIO Duo Slider (Duo 13)
This slider-tablet hybrid places the control on a side so it’s accessible whether the panel is slid forward or back. It’s easy to miss if you only check the deck.
Step-By-Step: Find The Power Switch On Your Unit
- Set the laptop on a lit surface so icons are easy to see.
- Scan the top deck from the F-keys to the right hinge for a small round mark labeled with the ⏻ symbol.
- Run a fingertip along the right and left edges near the hinge; feel for a clicky nub or flush key.
- Check the front lip for a slider if you’re using an older notebook.
- On a convertible, look at the edges you grab when holding it like a tablet.
- Still unsure? Open your exact model’s help page and search “Parts and Controls.”
What The Indicator Lights Mean
VAIO units use small LEDs to report state. A steady green or white light means the system is on. A slow blink points to sleep. No light may mean shutdown, low battery, or a deep hibernation state. If the charge lamp blinks quickly in amber, the battery may not be detected and needs attention.
Fixes When The Button Doesn’t Respond
Try A Basic Power Reset
- Disconnect the adapter and all USB gear.
- Hold the button for 20–30 seconds to clear residual charge.
- Connect AC only and press the button once.
Use Battery Off (If Present)
Some VAIO notebooks include a tiny reset hole on the underside labeled Battery Off. Pressing it with a paper clip for about three seconds disconnects the pack, which can revive a locked controller. After that, connect AC and try the switch again.
Check The Lid Angle
Several VAIO notebooks only start when the lid is open to prevent pocket starts. Open the panel wide, then press the button again. If the laptop starts only on AC, charge the pack for a while before testing on battery.
Real-World Examples You Can Map To Your VAIO
S Series Placement
On many S models, the switch sits above the keyboard on the right, just under the hinge line. It’s a small circular key with a halo light.
Fit Multi-Flip Placement
On flip designs, the button moves to a side edge so it’s reachable in stand or tablet positions. You’ll feel a firm click rather than a slider action.
Duo 13 Placement
The slider mechanism hides the deck area, so check the edge near the hinge. Look for a raised nub you can press with your thumb while the screen is in slate mode.
Find Your Exact Model Code
Flip the laptop over and look for a label that starts with letters like SVF, SVS, SVT, or SVD followed by numbers. On some older batteries-removable units, the sticker sits inside the bay. That code points you to the right manual on Sony’s site, where “Parts and Controls” diagrams show the switch and any neighboring keys like ASSIST.
Safety Notes When Using The Power Switch
- A short tap starts or wakes the PC; a long press (four seconds or longer) forces power off and can drop unsaved work.
- Never press Battery Off while the system is running. Use it only after shutdown, and only for recovery.
- Keep liquids away from the hinge edges where side buttons live.
When You Might Be Hitting The Wrong Key
The ASSIST key launches VAIO Care. The VAIO key opens media software. Both often sit near the real switch. If you press one of these and nothing powers up, you’re pressing the wrong button.
Quick Reference Table
The table below gives you fast cues for common VAIO families. Use it to match what you own and head straight to the most likely spot.
| VAIO Family | Likely Location | Helpful Tip |
|---|---|---|
| S Series (SVS13/15) | Top right above keyboard | Look for a tiny ring light around the key |
| Fit (SVF14/15) | Top right deck | Shares a row with ASSIST/VAIO keys |
| Fit Multi-Flip (SVF13N/14N/15N) | Side edge near hinge | Placed for tablet use |
| Pro/Ultrabook | Side button by hinge | Button sits flush with trim |
| Duo Slider (Duo 13) | Side near the slider rail | Reachable in slate mode |
Care Tips That Protect The Switch
- Keep crumbs out of the hinge area; use a soft brush during routine cleaning.
- Avoid pressing with tools; the switch is designed for a fingertip press.
- If the key feels sticky, shut down and clean the rim with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
- If the cap is broken or missing, a repair shop can replace the board or cap without replacing the whole top case on many models.
Common Mistakes That Slow You Down
- Only Checking The Keyboard Area: Edge buttons are easy to miss because they sit flush with the frame.
- Pressing ASSIST Expecting Power: That key opens recovery tools; it won’t boot a powered-off system.
- Holding The Button Every Time: A long press is a last resort. Use a light tap for normal starts.
- Ignoring The Lid Sensor: Some notebooks won’t start with the lid closed. Open it past the halfway point.
- Skipping AC Power During Tests: Low charge can mask a healthy switch. Plug in while you test.
Still Can’t Find Or Activate It?
Confirm AC power and look for any amber blink near the charge jack. That pattern points to a battery or charge fault. If you see no lights and the switch does nothing, try the Battery Off hole once, then contact support with your full model code and a short description of symptoms.
Bottom Line
The switch lives in predictable spots: the top right deck on classic clamshells and the side edge on flip and slider designs. Learn the icon, sweep the edges near the hinge, and you’ll find it fast. If the button won’t respond, a basic reset or the Battery Off hole can revive a stubborn unit, and your model’s online guide will give diagrams when you need them.