The present invention relates to the field of computers and communications, and discloses a shutdown method, a startup method, and a communication terminal. The startup method includes: receiving a startup signal, where the startup signal is used to trigger a terminal to perform a startup; supplying power to components of the terminal; starting the terminal according to a first startup mode; and if the startup according to the first startup mode fails, performing a startup according to a second startup mode. The technical solution is applied to help to increase the startup speed when the terminal is powered on and started.