Having your iPhone suddenly turn black can be alarming. However, there are several potential causes for this issue that range from minor to more serious. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through all the reasons an iPhone screen may go completely black and the steps you can take to get it working again.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about an iPhone with a black screen:
What are the main causes of an iPhone black screen?
The most common causes are a drained battery, software crash, hardware failure, or screen damage.
Can I fix an iPhone black screen myself?
Yes, you can try basic troubleshooting steps like force restarting, charging, and software updates. For hardware or physical damage, you’ll need professional repair.
How do I force restart my iPhone with black screen?
Press and hold the Side and Volume Up buttons simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.
Is my data lost if my iPhone screen is black?
No, your data should still be intact even if the screen goes black. But it’s wise to regularly backup your iPhone just in case.
Causes of a Black Screen on iPhone
There are several possible explanations for an unresponsive black screen on your iPhone:
Drained Battery
The most straightforward reason your iPhone screen may have gone black is because the battery drained completely. iPhones with OLED displays will show a true black screen when powered off due to the behavior of OLED technology.
Try connecting your iPhone to a charger and letting it charge for at least 10-15 minutes. In many cases, this simple step will successfully reboot your iPhone and restore the display.
Software Crash or Glitch
It’s also relatively common for an iPhone to suddenly turn black due to a software crash or glitch. iOS is complex software that can sometimes encounter issues. Problems may arise after installing a software update or app, for example.
Force restarting your iPhone essentially serves as a “reset” that can resolve many software-related crashes. If that doesn’t work, you may need to uninstall problematic apps or update to the latest iOS version to fix software bugs.
Hardware Failure
In rare cases, a black screen can indicate an internal hardware issue such as failure of the display or logic board. Buttons and touch may also stop working with this type of failure.
Hardware failures often require professional repair or replacement. But before taking this costly step, try force restarting and restored your iPhone using a computer to rule out software issues.
Physical Screen Damage
Physical cracks or damage to the iPhone’s screen can disable the display. This includes damage to the internal OLED display panel as well as the external glass or digitizer.
Check carefully for any cracks, chips, or distortions in the screen glass. Also look for gaps between the touchscreen and iPhone frame. Any physical damage will need professional repair service.
How to Fix iPhone Black Screen
Here are the steps to try when troubleshooting an unresponsive black screen on your iPhone:
Force Restart iPhone
Start by force restarting your iPhone, even if the screen is black. This will reboot your device and resolve many temporary software glitches.
To force restart, press and hold the Side/Power button and either Volume button until you see the Apple logo. Keep holding for at least 10 seconds for older iPhone models with Home buttons.
Charge iPhone
Plug your iPhone into a charger and let it charge for at least 15 minutes. Use the charger that came with your iPhone for best results. This can provide enough charge to reboot a phone that has fully drained its battery.
Update iOS Software
Outdated system software can sometimes cause iPhone display issues. Connect your iPhone to a computer and update to the latest iOS version via iTunes.
On a computer with iTunes, plug in your iPhone and click Summary > Check for Update. Install any available updates to ensure compatibility and fix bugs.
Restore iPhone Using iTunes
If force restarting and software updates don’t restore functionality, the next step is to erase and restore your iPhone. This will clear any corrupted files or settings that may be preventing normal operation.
To restore, connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes installed. Then enter recovery mode by pressing and holding the Side and Volume Down buttons for 5 seconds. In iTunes, choose Restore to wipe your device and reinstall the latest iOS version.
Get Professional Repair
For an unresponsive black screen caused by physical damage or hardware failure, professional repair is required. Third-party repair shops and Apple themselves offer iPhone screen and logic board repairs.
Contact a reputable repair shop and be prepared to pay anywhere from $100 to over $500 depending on the specific issue. Data recovery services may also be necessary if damage is severe.
Preventing iPhone Black Screen
While you can’t always prevent technical issues, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of your iPhone turning black unexpectedly:
- Keep your iPhone updated with the latest iOS version
- Avoid exposing your iPhone to extreme heat or cold
- Use a protective case and screen protector
- Only install apps from trusted developers
- Backup your iPhone data regularly
- Avoid jailbreaking your iPhone
- Handle your iPhone with care to prevent drops or damage
Recovering Data from Black Screen iPhone
If your iPhone screen is black, you’re probably worried about getting your data back. Thankfully, even with a black, broken, or unresponsive screen, there are options to recover your photos, messages, notes and media.
iTunes Backup
Connect your iPhone to a computer and restore from your latest iTunes backup if you have one. This will retrieve your data while restoring a functioning system.
iCloud Backup
Sign into iCloud.com from any computer or device and restore from an iCloud backup. This works even with a broken iPhone screen.
Professional Data Recovery
For severe damage where you can’t power on your iPhone, professional data recovery can extract files directly from the internal storage. Costs range from $300-$1000+ depending on your specific case.
Repair Shop Data Transfer
Many repair shops now offer iPhone data recovery services. They can swap the storage chip from your damaged iPhone into a working one to retrieve files, if hardware allows.
When to Get a New iPhone
If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting options and your iPhone still has an unresponsive black screen, it may be time to consider replacing it. Here are signs it’s time to upgrade to a new iPhone:
- Damage is too severe for any repair options
- Cost of repairs exceeds the value of your iPhone
- Your iPhone model is more than 5 years old
- Repairs would take more than 2-3 days
- You need the latest features like 5G network support
You can often save money buying used/refurbished devices or waiting for sales on the latest models. Just be sure to properly wipe and disconnect your old iPhone first if you plan to sell or trade it in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my iPhone screen suddenly turn black?
The most likely causes for an iPhone black screen are a drained battery, software crash, hardware failure, or physical damage to the display/glass.
Can I still receive calls and messages if my iPhone screen is black?
Yes, calls, messages and notifications will still come through even if the screen is black or broken. You just can’t see or access anything on the display.
Is it safe to factory reset my iPhone if the screen is black?
Yes, it’s generally safe to force restart, restore, or reset an iPhone even with a black, broken, or unresponsive screen. This can often resolve software-related issues.
Will my data be deleted if I restore my black-screen iPhone?
Yes, restoring through iTunes or factory resetting an iPhone will wipe all contents and settings. Be sure to backup your data first.
How much does it cost to repair an iPhone with black screen?
Costs vary depending on the specific problem. Screen replacements typically range from $100-$300. Logic board or other hardware repairs can cost up to $500 or more.
Summary and Conclusions
A black iPhone screen can be alarming but is often repairable. Start troubleshooting by force restarting your iPhone and letting it charge for at least 10-15 minutes. Updating iOS, restoring the iPhone using iTunes, and professional repair are other options if hardware is functional.
To minimize risk, keep your iPhone in a case, avoid harmful apps, and backup data regularly. Seek professional repair for any physical damage or unfixable hardware failure. And if all else fails, buying a used, refurbished, or new iPhone may be your most cost-effective route for getting back up and running.
