If you’re an iPhone user, you’re bound to be aware of one thing; the iPhone is most definitely a very durable smartphone. If you buy an iPhone once, it’ll definitely last you in the years to come making it in all honesty, a worthwhile investment.
However, even if the iPhone is a durable device in itself, longevity lies in good maintenance of the device. You can stretch out the functional duration of the phone if you actually look after it with care. This doesn’t mean in any way that taking care of your device will result in life-lasting performance of the phone. Eventually, most smartphones end up with one issue or the other due to the wear and tear that comes from its usage.
One such issue that sometimes springs up is the iPhone Black Screen of Death, where the iPhone screen goes black but still running. Sometimes, the screen might be off too and regardless of trying, the screen remains off. From what we’ve seen, this issue is not too uncommon and it can happen due to multiple reasons. Why’s my iPhone screen black? A few of these reasons include:
- Hardware issues
- Software Issues
- Breakage
- Issue with a particular app
- Low battery
Luckily, there’s no need to panic. At least not yet.
Before you start losing your mind and stressing out, there are a number of things you can do to try and resolve the issue while sitting at home. Even though there’s a probability that there’s a hardware issue at play here, we recommend you try some troubleshooting first. If nothing else, you’ll have a fairly better idea of why you’ve been cursed with the iPhone Black Screen of Death.
Some things that you can do to get the phone working again, are discussed below:
1. A Drained Battery
This is probably the first and the most obvious thing that came to your mind and you did it already. Regardless, it’s still important for us to mention this. This is usually the case if not just the screen but the phone is off altogether. For this problem, as simple as it seems, just plug your iPhone into a charger and press the home button. If the Apple logo appears, you’re safe and have just averted a rather uncomfortable experience.
2. Software issues
If you’re experiencing a situation where your iPhone’s screen is black but the iPhone still works, there’s still something you can do. You’ll know your iPhone is turned on because you’ll be able to hear notifications from text messages or calls, but the screen will be pitch black with darkness and also be unresponsive. This is not an uncommon problem and has been reported by many iPhone X users in particular. The problem has been experienced in other iPhone models as well.
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If you’re stuck where the screen is black but the iPhone still works, a potential reason for this to be happening could be because of a software issue. This problem usually suggests that the iPhone is frozen or is crashing. Luckily what you can do here is reboot your device. What’s even better is that rebooting an iPhone is a very simple task with almost non-existent difficulty. Restarting your iPhone will depend on the model you have. Methods for force restarting all models have been explained below:
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- If you have an iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, or an iPhone 8, restart your device by pressing the Volume Up button first. Right after, press the Volume Down button followed by pressing and holding the power button. This process can take up to a few seconds so be patient and keep holding the power button till the Apple logo appears on the screen.
- If you have an iPhone 7 or an iPhone 7 Plus, you can force restart it by pressing and holding the power and volume down button together, at the same time. Hold the buttons till the Apple logo appears.
- For an iPad, iPhone 6S, and all other previous models, press and hold the power and home buttons together, at the same time. Hold the buttons till the Apple logo appears on the screen
If this tactic works, then congratulations! You’ve just solved the problem.
3. Issues with an App
If you’re experiencing the iPhone screen black but still works then there’s a high probability that this is an isolated software issue with the app you are using. The other possibility is that the app could be loading something. This happens many times with streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube, particularly if you have a slow internet connection. In such a situation, the best thing to do would be the following:
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- Exit the app, close it, and go to the home screen.
- Open the App Store and tap on the Updates section. If there are any available updates specifically for the app that is crashing on you, install them.
- Restart your iPhone.
In most cases, doing this will fix the issue. If the problem persists, we advise you to contact the developer of that app or uninstall the app to maintain your device’s health.
4. DFU recovery mode
- Connect Your iPhone to the Computer with a cable.
- Put Your iPhone into DFU Mode: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black. Keep holding the Side button and start holding the Volume Down button for 5 seconds.
- iTunes or Finder will detect your iPhone in recovery mode and prompt you to restore or update. Choose “Restore.”
5. Repair the iPhone
If you’ve tried all of the above and it hasn’t helped, then we suggest you contact an expert to handle the problem. In this case, the most probable cause for the iPhone Black Screen of Death could be a hardware issue on the inside. It could be a result of wreckage in case you dropped your phone. There’s a chance the LCD cable has been dislodged due to the physical impact. If that is the case, you don’t need to worry because the repair procedure is fairly simple. However, if the damage is more extensive such as the LCD breaking, it could take a heavy toll on your wallet. Sometimes, both these situations can occur from water damage as well.
Under no circumstances, do we advise you to try and repair your iPhone by yourself. We don’t advise it because you’ll probably end up doing more harm than good without the proper tools or knowledge. Don’t make things worse by attempting self-repair just so you can save money on repairs by an expert. However, if you’re a rebel and wish to challenge the system, we recommend you use a repair guide. You can find a lot of those online. Most of them are excellent too.
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We still, recommend you to reach out to an expert. If you’re worried about the costs, you don’t have to be too worried. Luckily, there are many experts out there in the market who can repair your iPhone for considerably less cost. Regardless of what issue it is, they’ll deliver quality work and it won’t be too heavy on your wallet either. These days, there are some repair companies who’ll come to your doorstep within an hour or two after you call them and repair the phone right there and then. That way, you won’t be too worried about privacy concerns either!
We acknowledge that reading this article may not have magically worked in fixing your iPhone’s black screen because the issue is in most cases, driven by a hardware fault. We still hope that you found this article helpful.
How do I get rid of the black background on my iPhone?
To prevent iPhone black screen of death issue, you can do the following:
- Keep iOS updated to prevent software-related glitches.
- Avoid jailbreaking or your iPhone will be vulnerable.
- Use official apps to avoid security risks and software conflicts.
- Protect your device physically, such as using a Phone case or screen protector.
- Back up data so iTunes or DFU recovery can help you.
- Restart regularly to clear memory and refresh the system process.
- Beware of malware.
- Seek professional help if needed.
How much does it cost to fix a black screen of death on an iPhone?
It depends on the cause of your iPhone black screen of death and where you go for help. For example, if you seek help from an Apple Store, you may pay between $199 and $329.
This was sooooo helpful thank you
right i really thought it was over!!!
but its up ,down and hold that power button …..
Thank you SO much! I thought I was gonna have to get a new phone!!
Great site. Fixed my problem immediately. Delighted, thank you.
Thankyou so much i was freaking out.
how did you fix it????
Saved me a panic night, just as i was going to go to bed, black screen. My phone charger case Hasn’t been working well so i thought it was that but it wouldnt turn on even when plugged into The mains charger. Volume up and down then power button hold worked for me. Thank you so much
Do I press them all together or one at a time?
my iphone is having software issues, But It Doesn’t Restart When I Do The Volume Button Power Things. I Have An X. What’s Going On, Am I Going To Have to get a new phone??
same thing what did you do for it to work???
i have an x too and the same problem, did you manage to get it fixed??? If so please let me know
user of iphone 6s. it turns to have apple logo but then it blackout againn.. whyyyyyy ?
Hi, my iphone se 2020 has a similar problem, but these Didn’t work, the haptics work for the home button, and when u pick The phone up, the apple symbol appears, yet thats it. It is only either black or apple symbol. We put it on charge to see if that worked, but it didnt. We just found it after the alarm went off, and not being able to turn it off untill it went off of its own accord… can you help?
I Have Tired the following methohs when my iPhone stuck on Black Screen, may it helps you too.
1.Fix iPhone Black Screen Problem with TunesKit iOS System Recovery For mac
Step 1, Connect iPhone to the computer
Step 2, Download frimware package
Step 3, Fix your iPhone
2,Fix iPhone Black Screen Problem by Hard Reboot
3,Restore iPhone to Factory Setting to Fix iPhone Black Screen
4,Seek for Apple Genius Bar to Fix iPhone Black Screen
It seems mine would need a repairer ? cause no other steps are working.
same my guy
Hard reboot worked. THANK YOU !
Thank you!
My gosh that worked! thank you!
wow it works!
Thanks for sharing! TunesKit works!
How do I rebook my black screen on my 11 IPHONE?
did you fix it? i have the same problem and need my phone, panic! its 2 am t-T
I tried to use the power up volume and go down and hold while holding power button. Still have black screen. How do I rebook? I was watching The Chosen. Please help. I have an IPHONE 11. Thank you
Same problem please help me out
Press volume up (release) then press volume down (release)then hold power button . Done
i have a iphone 6 and it no work i think i need a repair
I also have an Iphone 6 & can’t fix my black screen . What worked for you?
same goes to me
lifesaver! I like this phone and thanks for the quick fix.
Seems when I press the suggested buttons I reach the Emergency Services and I can’t disconnect the call because of the black screen, happened twice now so not going to try again, very disconcerting! It’s going back to Music Maggie when I figure out how to extract the Sim Card! How I love technology 😂😂
my phone is getting powered off by it’s own so how can I resolve this issue
iPhone 11 pro max screen is black and won’t turn on any help
Thanks, this article was helpful.
It worked! i was rly nervous for a little bit but it ended up being fine
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS……VERY HELPFUL
iPhone 13 pro max has a black screen. Tried the restart method and it didn’t work. Phone has a charge and I can feel it vibrate when i get a call. Not sure what else to do.
did it work eventually?
You’re a life saver!!!!
So basically, at the end of last year i bought an iphone XS and i used for roughly 2 weeks before i woke up, went on snapchat and my screen went completely black. i could stll hear all my notifications. i tried the charging and battery method and the volume power method but it still didn’t work. my iphone XS has been sitting in my office for a good 3 months without being looked at by me and it has been frozen for 6 months now. i was lucky my phone went black 9 days before christmas, i managed to get a new phone on christmas eve. i’m still desperate to fix my other phone and tommorrow i’m going to try see what i can do. what is the best solution on fixing my phone other than what i have already tried?????? please let me know, thank you
this was brilliant. thank you very much!!
This worked thank you!
It wasn’t working for me but I read another similar article and tried again. Basically, it only worked when I QUICKLY pressed volume up, then QUICKLY pressed volume down, then held the power button until the apple logo appeared. Phone was then fixed. Hope this helps someone else.
“If you have an iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus or an iPhone 8, restart your device by pressing the Volume up button first. Right after, press the Volume Down button followed by pressing and holding the power button. This process can take up to a few seconds so be patient and keep holding the power button till the Apple logo appears on the screen.”
This step fixed it for me! You are a freakin’ genius! Thanks so much for your help!
THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!! IT WORKED!!!!
Saved my bacon there – thanks, My XS suddenly went black (but the phone would ring) a full reset as you described saved it
“If you have an iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus or an iPhone 8, restart your device by pressing the Volume up button first. Right after, press the Volume Down button followed by pressing and holding the power button. This process can take up to a few seconds so be patient and keep holding the power button till the Apple logo appears on the screen.”
Lucky I wasn’t having a black screen with an app crash because I’ve no idea how I’d have quit the app, I gues in my case the whole iPhoneOS had crashed
“Exit the app, close it and go to the home screen.”
I couldn’t do that but lucky for me the reset worked.
oh my lanta it really does work thank youuu
Thank you so much i was freaking out
MANY THANK!!
Holyyysh***********t it works! it’s 1am in the morning and i am panicking hahhahahaha wtf!!!
Mine got fixed I what i did first i charge my phone. repeatedly doing every steps as much as possible but i am pretty sure it works doing: press volume up (release) + press volume down (release) + hold power button until vibrates after an hour of extreme panic attack finally! it is surely helpful. nGL!
oh shoot this didt work for me im currently going to cry xd
Dear ESR Gear,
Thank you for sharing your blog post on how to fix the iPhone black screen of death. Encountering a black screen issue can be alarming for iPhone users, and your article provides valuable insights and solutions to address this problem. I would like to express my appreciation for the information you’ve provided and offer some feedback.
Your article offers a comprehensive explanation of the possible causes behind the iPhone black screen issue, such as software glitches, hardware problems, or a drained battery. By identifying these potential causes, you help users understand the root of the problem and narrow down the appropriate troubleshooting steps.
I appreciate your step-by-step instructions on how to fix the iPhone black screen of death. Starting with simple solutions like force restarting the device or charging it, and gradually progressing to more advanced troubleshooting techniques, allows users to attempt a resolution in a logical manner.
Your explanation of force restarting the iPhone is particularly helpful. Force restarting can often resolve temporary software glitches and bring the device back to normal functionality. Providing clear instructions for different iPhone models ensures that users can follow the appropriate steps based on their specific device.
Additionally, your mention of the Recovery Mode and DFU (Device Firmware Update) Mode as advanced troubleshooting methods is valuable. These modes can help users restore their iPhones by updating or reinstalling the operating system. By providing the necessary steps for entering these modes and initiating the restore process, you empower users to attempt more in-depth solutions.
I would like to suggest including a note about the importance of backing up data before attempting any restore methods. While these solutions can be effective, they may result in data loss. Encouraging users to regularly back up their iPhones to iCloud or iTunes helps safeguard their important files and personal data.
Furthermore, mentioning the option of seeking professional assistance if the issue persists despite trying the recommended solutions would be beneficial. In some cases, the black screen issue may require specialized knowledge or hardware repairs that can be best handled by authorized service providers.
Overall, your blog post provides valuable guidance on addressing the iPhone black screen of death. By following your instructions, users can attempt various troubleshooting methods and potentially resolve the issue. I commend you for sharing your expertise and offering practical solutions to help iPhone users overcome this frustrating problem.
Thank you again for sharing this informative article. I hope my feedback proves useful and contributes to the knowledge of your readers.