A black screen is one of the most common issues iPhone users encounter. It’s understandable to panic when your iPhone suddenly goes dark, especially if you rely heavily on your device.
A black screen usually means the display has stopped functioning properly, but the phone itself is still working. The good news is that in many cases, a black screen on an iPhone can resolve on its own without needing professional repair. However, there are also times when user action or a repair may be required.
What causes a black screen on an iPhone?
There are a few potential causes of a black screen on your iPhone:
Software issue
A black screen is often caused by a minor software glitch. Things like bugs in apps, iOS issues, or downloading content that is not optimized for your device could make the screen go black temporarily. In these cases, the display is having trouble rendering content properly.
Hardware issue
Hardware problems like an issue with the display cables, screen damage, or problems with internal components can also lead to black screen. Defective hardware prevents your device from properly displaying content on the screen.
Battery failure
If the battery dies or is unable to hold a charge, it could cause the iPhone’s screen to go black. This prevents power from reaching the display to light it up.
Too hot or cold
Extreme temperatures can prompt an iPhone to shut off the display to protect internal components. This causes the screen to go black until it cools down or warms up again.
Steps an iPhone takes to fix a black screen
When an iPhone experiences a black screen, there are steps it automatically takes in the background to try and fix the issue:
Restarting
Just like a computer, restarting an iPhone will clear out memory, shut down background processes, and refresh the operating system. This can resolve many minor software glitches causing black screens.
Diagnostics
iPhones run diagnostics in the background checking for potential hardware or software issues when certain problems occur. This allows it to pinpoint and resolve any problems leading to a black screen.
Battery conservation
Your iPhone will automatically enable battery conservation modes to reduce power consumption. By lighting up fewer processes, it directs power to restarting the device and the display.
Cooling down
If overheating caused the black screen, your iPhone will cool itself down by suspending nonessential tasks. This lowers processing needs, reduces heat production, and allows it to come back online once at safer temperatures.
Updating
Software updates often include fixes for bugs that can cause black screen issues. Your iPhone will automatically check for and install updates in the background.
How to manually revive an iPhone with black screen
While an iPhone works behind the scenes to fix a black screen, there are also some steps you can take to manually revive it:
Hard reset
Performing a hard reset, or force restart, will completely reboot your iPhone and often resolves temporary software issues. To hard reset most models press and quickly release the Volume Up button, press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
Update iOS
Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Outdated software can cause bugs and glitches. Updating may clear up problems.
Delete problem apps
Some third-party apps can cause conflicts with iOS. Deleting suspicious apps may help your iPhone run more smoothly.
Check connectivity
Make sure all cables, connectors, and ports are free of debris. Clean Lightning connectors can improve connectivity issues making the display work.
Things to avoid
While trying to revive your iPhone, avoid these common mistakes that can make matters worse:
– Force turning the phone off and on – Just let the hard reset process happen automatically. Excessively powering your device on and off can drain the battery.
– Using uncertified cables and chargers – Low quality cables and chargers can damage components. Use Apple MFi certified accessories.
– Updating iOS before backing up – Be sure to back up your iPhone to iCloud or iTunes before updating iOS in case anything goes wrong.
When to seek professional repair for a black screen
While an iPhone works hard to remedy a black screen, and there are steps you can take to revive it, sometimes professional repair is necessary:
| Situation | Repair Likely Needed |
|---|---|
| Black screen after dropping phone | Yes – Fall may have damaged display or internal components |
| Black screen accompanied by flickering | Yes – Likely hardware problem with display |
| Unresponsive after holding buttons 20+ seconds | Yes – Phone is fully unresponsive indicating serious issue |
| Black screen persists after force restart | Yes – Hard reset should have fixed minor software issue |
| Screen comes on briefly then goes black | Yes – Points to problem with display or logic board |
As you can see, if the black screen persists after trying common troubleshooting steps, it likely indicates an underlying hardware problem or serious software issue requiring professional attention.
iPhone black screen repair options
If your iPhone does require service for a black screen issue, there are a couple repair options:
Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider
You can take your iPhone to an Apple store or mail it to an authorized service provider. They have the genuine Apple parts and training to properly diagnose and repair your iPhone if needed. The downside is repairs can be expensive without warranty coverage.
Third-party repair shop
Alternatively, you can look for a quality independent repair shop with experience fixing iPhones. Their prices are often much lower than Apple, but the parts may not be official Apple components. Be sure to vet the repair shop thoroughly beforehand.
DIY repair
Some ambitious users attempt to fix an iPhone black screen themselves following online tutorials. However, iPhone repairs are complex and require disassembling the entire device. Apple does not make genuine parts or schematics available to non-authorized technicians. Proceed with extreme caution attempting DIY repairs.
Cost to fix an iPhone with black screen
The cost to repair an iPhone with black screen can vary significantly based on a few factors:
Issue severity
A minor software glitch may be fixed by updating iOS for free. But display or logic board issues require full device replacement, which can cost up to $549 for newer iPhones without AppleCare+ warranty coverage.
Repair shop
Apple charges premium rates, often $200-500+ for display or other repairs. Independent shops cost much less, some under $100, but with no guarantee on parts.
iPhone model
Replacement parts and repair complexity differ by model. More expensive iPhone models typically cost more to fix than older generations.
Location
Repair prices also vary by region. Shops in higher cost urban areas typically charge more than rural or suburban locations.
Preventing a black screen on an iPhone
While you can’t always avoid a black screen, there are preventative measures to help minimize risks:
Get a protective case
A sturdy case can prevent damage from drops that often lead to display issues and black screens. Cases also limit dust ingress that can foul connectors.
Avoid extreme temperatures
Don’t leave your iPhone in excessively hot or cold environments which can prompt black screening as a protective measure. Room temperature is ideal.
Keep the software updated
Always install the latest iOS updates as soon as possible. They include fixes for bugs that commonly cause black screen crashes. Keeping iOS updated reduces glitches.
Close apps when not in use
Frozen or glitchy apps can prompt black screening issues. Always remember to properly close out of apps when you are done using them to maintain optimal iOS performance.
Handle with care
Be gentle with your iPhone, don’t drop it, get it wet, or subject it to dust or dirt which can foul hardware and cause black screen issues down the road. A little care goes a long way.
Conclusion
The good news is that many instances of iPhone black screens can resolve on their own without need for repair. iPhones are designed to diagnose and fix common issues in the background. However, for more serious black screen issues not revived using basic troubleshooting, professional repair may be required. The cost will depend on the specific issue and repair shop. With proper preventative care, you can help minimize occurrences of black screens on your iPhone.