What exactly is a black screen on an Iphone, and what causes it? Similar to other electronic devices, such as computers and game consoles, which have their own versions of screen malfunctions, the iPhone experiences this issue when it becomes completely unresponsive. In the case of the iPhone black screen, the screen remains blank and unresponsive to touch, although the phone continues to function, evident from vibrations or sounds. This frustrating problem renders the iPhone essentially useless without screen visibility or touch responsiveness.
The black screen issue often arises from physical damage, such as a severe drop, which can damage the connection between the screen and the motherboard, rendering the screen unresponsive. Additionally, software issues within the device, such as complications from iOS upgrades or downgrades, or attempts to jailbreak or modify the firmware independently, can also lead to the black screen problem.
Regardless of how the black screen occurred, there are troubleshooting methods you can employ to attempt to fix it or mitigate any potential data loss.
1. Depleted battery
The initial troubleshooting step is to ensure that your device is indeed experiencing a black screen. A depleted battery can mimic this issue, so it’s essential to address this possibility first. Connect your device to a functional power source and observe its response. If you see the Apple logo or any other indication of activity on the screen, the issue is resolved. However, if the screen remains unresponsive and the device vibrates as if charging, it confirms the presence of a black screen.
2. Adjust your iPhone’s Brightness
If Siri on your iPhone appears to be responding to voice commands, but the screen remains black, it’s possible that your iPhone’s brightness is set too low, giving the impression of a black screen. While this could be caused by a software glitch, it’s worth checking the brightness level first before attempting any other troubleshooting methods on this list.
Software malfunctions within apps can also trigger a black screen on iPhones. Not all apps are compatible with every iPhone’s software version, leading to potential screen malfunctions. If this occurs, force-quitting the problematic app may restore screen functionality. To do this, swipe up or double-press the home button (if available) to view all open apps. Identify the malfunctioning app among the recent ones and close it. Once the app is closed, your screen should regain full responsiveness. If the issue persists or you cannot access your apps due to a blank screen, a more significant problem may be at play.
4. Perform a force restart on your iPhone
If you’ve encountered problems with your electronic devices in the past, you’ve likely heard the advice, “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” While it may seem simplistic, this is often the initial recommendation from experts when dealing with potential software or hardware issues on your iPhone. Rebooting a device is sometimes referred to as a forced restart or hard reset. This straightforward action power cycles your iPhone, effectively clearing its temporary memory. It’s important to note that performing a force restart does not erase your device or delete any data; rather, it closes all active applications and initiates a fresh start. If your issue stems from a problematic app or malfunctioning system process, a force restart can resolve it.
The steps for performing a force restart may vary depending on your iPhone model. For detailed instructions, refer to our guide on how to force restart your iPhone.
5. Activate iPhone recovery mode
Recovery mode is a functionality that enables you to link your iPhone to a computer for repair purposes. Typically, this involves installing a fresh version of iOS, the operating system that powers your device.
Pro tip: Entering recovery mode might result in a factory reset, wiping all data from your iPhone. Therefore, it’s advisable to consider recovery mode as a last-resort option and, if possible, ensure that you have backed up your personal data beforehand.
To initiate recovery mode on your iPhone, connect it to a Mac or PC using a USB cable and perform a hard reset as outlined in the previous section. Then, using Finder or iTunes, select either the Update or Restore option for your phone.
You’ll receive a warning prompt before proceeding with a recovery option.
For further insight into the functionality and utilization of recovery mode, refer to our article on leveraging recovery mode to resolve issues with your iPhone.
6. Restore Your iPhone Using iTunes
If the previous solutions have failed to resolve the issue with your iPhone, the next step is to restore your iPhone using iTunes. This is considered an advanced solution and should only be attempted when simpler methods have been unsuccessful. It can address issues related to apps, firmware, and even malware.
You will need a computer or Mac with iTunes installed, preferably where you regularly back up your device. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable and follow these steps to initiate the restoration process in recovery mode:
- Press and release the Volume Up button.
- Press and release the Volume Down button.
- You will see the Connect to iTunes screen. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
- Your device will enter Recovery mode, and you will see the Restore and Update options on your computer screen. If the Update option is available, select it to ensure your device receives the latest iOS version.
- If the Update option is not available, select the Restore option and patiently wait for the restoration process to complete.
Note that this process will not erase any data on your iPhone. Sometimes, the downloading process may take longer than usual, and your device may disconnect from iTunes. In such cases, you will need to reconnect and repeat all the steps mentioned above.
7. Examine for Physical Damage
Thoroughly examine your iPhone for any indications of physical damage, including cracks or dents on the screen resulting from dropping the iPhone, or potential water damage. Physical or water damage poses significant risks to the functionality of your iPhone. If you discover any damage during your inspection, it could be the cause of your iPhone’s black screen, and we recommend seeking professional repair services promptly.
If the previously mentioned solutions don’t resolve your problem, consider using an iOS repair and recovery tool like Tenorshare ReiBoot to tackle a recurring black screen issue on your iPhone. Tenorshare ReiBoot is available for both Mac and Windows platforms and is designed to address common iPhone issues effectively. While the basic version of the app is free, access to advanced features requires upgrading to the premium version.
Upon connecting your iPhone to your Mac or Windows PC, the ReiBoot application conducts a thorough scan to identify any potential issues contributing to the black screen problem. Depending on the situation, the app may either resolve the issue immediately or guide you through a step-by-step recovery process.
One of the standout features of Tenorshare ReiBoot is its ability to recover your device without data loss. This is particularly valuable, as in many cases, resorting to a factory reset may be necessary to restore the iPhone to full functionality.
9. Repair Your iOS System
Software update corruption or unidentified iOS errors can cause your iPhone to display a black screen temporarily or permanently. If you’ve exhausted all the previously mentioned solutions without success, it’s time to explore some advanced third-party iOS system repair tools, such as EaseUS iOS System Repair.
EaseUS iOS System Repair offers two repair modes:
- Standard Repair: Retains data while resetting the device.
- Deep Repair: Erases data and updates the device.
Both modes require you to enter your iPhone into Recovery Mode first. The software interface provides a user guide on how to enter Recovery Mode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, ensuring ease of use. Since resolving the black screen issue can be complex and the causes varied, we recommend starting with the Standard Repair mode to minimize data loss. However, based on our extensive experience diagnosing iPhone issues with black screens over the past decade, the Deep Repair option often yields better results.
10. Initiate a factory reset
If, despite attempting the troubleshooting tips provided, your iPhone remains stuck with a black screen, it might be necessary to consider performing a factory reset. It’s crucial to note that factory resets should be the final resort, as they entail the risk of data loss unless you’ve recently backed up your iPhone. However, if a severe system glitch is responsible for the screen malfunction, a factory reset could potentially resolve the issue.
For detailed instructions and prerequisites before proceeding, refer to our guide on how to perform a factory reset on your iPhone.
If you’ve followed these steps and still require assistance, we recommend seeking help from a professional phone repair shop.
11. Phone repair shop
If none of the aforementioned steps have successfully addressed the issue, you could consider going to a phone repair shop. In most cases they will be able to fix the issue that causes the black screen to occur. This is of course a paid service.
12. Apple Store
If none of the aforementioned steps have successfully addressed the issue, it’s important to acknowledge that there may be other underlying factors contributing to the black screen problem. In such instances, it is advisable to seek professional assistance by contacting Apple support or visiting an Apple Store for further guidance.