The dreaded black screen of death is a nightmare no iPhone user wants to face. One moment, your phone is working fine, and the next, the screen goes pitch black.
Whether it’s a sudden crash or a recurring issue, the black screen can leave you feeling stuck. Here in this guide we will discuss different ways to fix the iPhone black screen of death with in-depth steps to help you troubleshoot effectively.
Ways To Fix iPhone Black Screen of Death
1. Force Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes, all your phone needs is a good reboot. Forcing a restart is the simplest way to jolt your iPhone back to life. The method varies depending on your model, so follow these steps carefully.
- For iPhone 8 and later (including iPhone 14): Quickly press and release the volume up button, followed by the volume down button. Then, hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
- For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold both the volume down button and the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the home button and the power button together until the Apple logo shows up.
Why does this work? Sometimes, software glitches can cause your iPhone to freeze or crash, resulting in a black screen. A forced restart clears the temporary memory (RAM) and interrupts any stuck processes.
It’s like giving your phone a quick shake to snap it out of a daze. If you see the Apple logo after restarting, you’re on the right track. But if the screen remains black, move on to the next step.
2. Check the Battery and Charging Port
You might think your phone is dead when, in reality, it’s just drained. It’s easy to overlook the possibility of a dead battery, especially if you’ve been multitasking on a low charge.
Start by plugging your iPhone into a charger and wait for a few minutes. Sometimes, it takes a moment for the battery indicator to show up.
But don’t stop there – inspect the charging port. Dirt, lint, or debris can block the connection and prevent your phone from charging. Use a flashlight to check inside.
If it’s dirty, grab a clean, dry toothbrush or a soft-bristle brush to gently remove any gunk. Avoid poking sharp objects into the port; you don’t want to damage the delicate pins.
If your phone still won’t charge, try a different cable and power adapter. It’s possible the issue lies with the accessories and not the phone itself. Once you rule out hardware problems, it’s time to consider software-related fixes.
3. Update or Restore Using Recovery Mode
When the black screen persists, recovery mode might be your best shot. This mode allows you to update or restore your iPhone using a computer, which can resolve deeper software issues. Here’s how to use it:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer (Mac or PC) using a Lightning cable.
- Launch Finder on macOS Catalina or later, or iTunes on earlier macOS versions or Windows.
- Enter recovery mode:
- For iPhone 8 and later: Press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button, and hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold the volume down and side buttons together until recovery mode appears.
- For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the home and power buttons simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen.
Once in recovery mode, choose Update if you want to reinstall iOS without losing data. If the update doesn’t work, select Restore, but note that this will erase your device.
Recovery mode digs deep into the software to repair corrupted files or buggy updates. However, if this doesn’t resolve the issue, you might need a more robust approach like DFU mode.
4. Try DFU Mode for a Deep Reset
DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is the ultimate reset tool. It bypasses the bootloader and allows your computer to interact directly with your iPhone’s firmware. This is especially helpful when software corruption is severe.
Here’s how to enter DFU mode:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer.
- Depending on your model:
- iPhone 8 and later: Quickly press volume up, volume down, then hold the side button. When the screen turns black, hold volume down and the side button together for five seconds. Release the side button but continue holding the volume down button for another five seconds.
- iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold the volume down and power buttons for eight seconds. Then release the power button but keep holding volume down for five seconds.
- iPhone 6s and earlier: Hold the home and power buttons together for eight seconds. Release the power button but keep holding the home button for five seconds.
If your iPhone enters DFU mode successfully, the screen will remain black, but Finder or iTunes will recognize the device. Choose Restore to reinstall iOS from scratch.
DFU mode is like wiping the slate clean. It erases everything, including deeply embedded software glitches. While it’s a powerful tool, it should be your last resort before seeking professional help.
5. Check for Hardware Issues
If none of the above solutions work, the problem could be hardware-related. The black screen might result from a damaged display, faulty connectors, or even water damage. Here’s how to troubleshoot hardware issues:
- Inspect the screen for cracks or physical damage. A broken display might prevent the phone from showing any visuals, even if it’s powered on.
- Listen for sounds or vibrations. If your phone vibrates or makes noise when you receive a call or notification, it’s likely a display problem.
- Check for signs of water damage. Look for the liquid contact indicator (LCI) inside the SIM card slot. If it’s red, your phone has water damage.
If you suspect hardware issues, visit an Apple Store or an authorized repair center. They can diagnose and replace faulty components. While repairing hardware might be costly, it’s often the only way to revive a severely damaged phone.
6. Use a Third-Party Repair Tool
Several third-party tools can fix iOS issues without erasing your data. Applications like Tenorshare ReiBoot, iMyFone Fixppo, and Dr.Fone Repair are designed to handle black screen problems. Here’s how they work:
- Download and install the software on your computer.
- Connect your iPhone to the computer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to enter recovery mode or DFU mode.
- Choose the Standard Repair option to fix your phone without data loss.
These tools offer a user-friendly interface, making it easy for anyone to perform complex repairs. They’re especially handy if you’re uncomfortable using recovery or DFU modes manually.
7. Prevent the Black Screen in the Future
Prevention is better than cure. To avoid future black screen issues, adopt these habits:
- Keep your software updated. New iOS updates often fix bugs that could lead to crashes.
- Avoid sketchy apps. Download apps only from trusted sources, and uninstall any that behave suspiciously.
- Don’t let your phone overheat. Extreme heat can damage internal components, leading to unexpected crashes.
- Use genuine accessories. Cheap chargers and cables can damage your iPhone’s battery or charging port.
By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of encountering the black screen again.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone black screen of death can be frustrating, but with the right approach, it’s fixable. Whether you start with a simple force restart or dive into advanced techniques like DFU mode, there’s a solution for every situation.
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Your iPhone is valuable, and with a bit of effort, you can get it back in working order.
Also Read:
