Are you experiencing the dreaded iPhone black screen problem? Don’t worry! In this article, we’ll uncover the causes and offer solutions to fix your iPhone’s black screen. With our guidance, you can diagnose the issue, recover data, and conquer the black screen of death. Let’s get started!
Causes of iPhone Black Screen
1. Hardware Issue
One of the main culprits behind the iPhone black screen of death is hardware problems. Components between the screen and the motherboard are particularly prone to damage, resulting in a black screen or failure to turn on.
Impact-related hardware issues, connectivity-related hardware issues, and power-related hardware issues are common examples. These issues can be caused by drops, vibration, internal component connectivity problems, or drained/malfunctioning batteries.
2. Software Issue
If no hardware issues are found, the black screen problem may be due to software-related issues. Display problems caused by app compatibility issues, firmware update failures, iOS bugs or incompatibilities, a full iPhone storage, a dead battery, or a broken screen can lead to a black screen.
Now that you know what causes your iPhone screen to turn black, let’s explore how to fix the iPhone black screen of death issue.
How to Identify iPhone Black Screen of Death?
Solution 1: Dead Battery
The iPhone relies on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for power. Over time, the battery’s capacity diminishes, resulting in decreased battery life. Eventually, the battery may be unable to supply sufficient power to the iPhone, leading to various issues, including the black screen of death.
How to fix it
Connect your iPhone to a power source using the original charging cable and adapter. Make sure the charging cable and adapter are in good condition. Let it charge for at least 15-30 minutes, then attempt to power it on.
If the battery was drained, the iPhone should start up normally. If the problem persists, it might be necessary to replace the iPhone’s battery.
Solution 2: App Problem
a) Identifying App Malfunctions
A malfunctioning app can be a potential cause of the black screen issue. Incompatibility issues with your iPhone’s software can result in a screen malfunction. To address this, follow these steps:
- Swipe up or press the home button twice to view all open apps.
- Swipe up on the recent apps to identify the problematic one and close it.
- Once the app is closed, your screen should regain its responsiveness.
b) Troubleshooting a Problematic App
If the black screen issue occurs immediately after launching a specific app, the app itself may be causing the problem. Here’s how to resolve it:
- Quickly press the ‘Home’ button twice to access the app switcher.
- Swipe left or right to find the app causing the issue and close it by swiping it away.
- Press the ‘Home’ button again to return to the home screen.
- Relaunch the app to check if the problem is resolved.
c) Dealing with Frequent App Crashes
Frequent app crashes can also lead to the black screen issue. When an app is not properly optimized, it may only display a black screen upon opening. Here’s what to do in this scenario:
- Check if you can invoke the app switcher by swiping up or pressing the home button twice.
- Force quit the apps that you suspect might be causing the issue.
- After force quitting the apps, open them again to check if the black screen problem is resolved.
Solution 3: Force Restart
If it is a software issue, force restarting your iPhone should resolve it. A crashed app or background process can be terminated and restarted by force restarting your iPhone. Here are the steps to force restart your iPhone:
- Press and release the Volume Up button quickly.
- Press and release the Volume Down button quickly.
- Hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo on the screen. The logo may take 10 to 20 seconds to appear, depending on the crash.
- When your iPhone restarts, remove any app that caused the crash or update the app if a new version is available. Note: Charge your device before force restarting, as a low or zero battery can cause the screen to go black.
Solution 4: Restore Your iPhone with iTunes
If the previous solutions didn’t work, you can try restoring your iPhone through iTunes. This is an advanced solution and should only be done when other methods fail. It can fix issues arising from apps, firmware, and even malware. Follow these steps to restore your iPhone in recovery mode:
- Tap and release the Volume Up button.
- Tap and release the Volume Down button.
- Hold the Side button until you see the Connect to iTunes screen. Keep holding the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- Your device will enter Recovery mode, and you’ll see the Restore and Update options on your computer screen. If an update is available, click on it to install the latest iOS version.
If not, choose the Restore option and wait for the process to finish. Note: Your iPhone data will not be erased during this process. If the connection to iTunes is interrupted, reconnect and follow the steps again.
Solution 5: DFU Restore
If Recovery mode restore didn’t work, you can try DFU mode restore as a last resort. This method is not recommended unless you are confident, as it can potentially brick your iPhone. Here are the steps:
- Restart your computer and connect your iPhone to it using a lightning cable.
- Press and hold the Side button, then press and hold the Volume Down button. If you see the Apple logo, release all buttons and start over.
- If you don’t see the Apple logo, release the Side button but continue holding the Volume Down button.
- Once iTunes displays a message that it has detected your iPhone, release the Volume Down button and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the DFU mode restoration process. Note: If your screen shows a “Plug into iTunes” message, you are not in DFU mode and should start over. It’s recommended to seek assistance from an Apple expert if you’re unsure about attempting DFU mode for the first time.
Solution 6: Contact Apple Store
If none of the previous steps resolved the issue, there may be other underlying causes for the black screen problem. In such cases, it’s recommended to seek professional help or contact Apple support for further assistance.
Conclusion
The iPhone black screen of death can be caused by both software and hardware issues. Before concluding that the issue is due to hardware, try the software solutions provided in this article. If necessary, visit an Apple store or contact an Apple technician to replace the screen or fix any dislodged components.