There are a few potential causes when your iPhone screen goes black or blank but the phone is still on:
Screen Timeout
The most common reason an iPhone screen goes black is because the screen timed out from inactivity. By default, iPhone screens are set to turn off after 30 seconds of inactivity to conserve battery life. The phone is still on and functioning, the screen has just gone to sleep.
To wake your iPhone up, press the Sleep/Wake button or Home button once. The lock screen will appear prompting you to enter your passcode or use Touch ID or Face ID to unlock your phone.
Screen Blackout Bug
Some iPhone users have reported a bug where the screen goes completely black and unresponsive, but the phone is still running in the background. This appears to be some type of glitch where the screen stops functioning properly.
If you run into this black screen issue, try doing a force restart of your iPhone by pressing and holding the Sleep/Wake button and Volume Down button together until the Apple logo appears. This will hard reboot your phone which usually resolves temporary system glitches.
Display Cable Issue
If your iPhone screen is black but you can hear alerts or feel vibrationfeedback, it’s possible there is an issue with the display cable connector.
The display connector cable transmits data between the iPhone’s display panel and logic board. If this cable becomes loose or damaged, it can cause the screen to stop displaying an image while the rest of the phone’s components like the processor continue working.
Trying a force restart may resolve this if the display cable just needs to be reset. Otherwise, you may need professional repair to check the display connector and cable.
Power Management Chip Failure
The power management chip controls power distribution to all components of the iPhone, including the display screen. If this chip fails or glitches, it can cut power to the iPhone screen causing a black display.
Pressing and holding the Sleep/Wake and Volume Down buttons for 10 seconds should force a reset of the power management chip. If the screen persists in staying black, then the power chip may need to be repaired or replaced.
Proximity Sensor Issue
iPhone screens can sometimes turn off when the proximity sensor malfunctions. This sensor detects when your iPhone gets close to your face during calls and turns off the screen to prevent accidental taps.
If the proximity sensor gets stuck in an activated state, it will think the iPhone is constantly held up to your face and continue disabling the screen. A restart will usually correct faulty proximity sensor behavior.
Faulty Screen
In some cases, the iPhone screen itself can be faulty and cause a black display. For example, a cracked or damaged screen can fail to light up properly. Connector ribbons inside the screen can also stop working properly leading to a blank display.
If a restart does not resolve the issue, you most likely need the iPhone screen repaired or replaced unless the phone is having broader system issues.
Failed iOS Update
Attempting an iOS update that fails can sometimes cause the iPhone screen to go black. The update process crashes before completing, which leaves the operating system corrupted.
To recover, you will need to hard reset the iPhone then attempt to restore or update the iOS software again. Connect your iPhone to a computer to restore with iTunes or initiate recovery mode to try the update again.
Water Damage
Exposing an iPhone to water, even small splashes, can damage components and cause screen failure. The water can short circuit display connectors or erode cables leading to black screen issues.
If your iPhone screen goes black after getting wet, power off the phone immediately and allow it to dry out completely before restarting it. Place it in some rice or a dessicant pack to absorb moisture. You may need to replace damaged cables or connectors if the issue persists.
Dropped iPhone
Dropping your iPhone can damage the screen or internal components like connectors and cables. The impact can jar cables loose or break display components.
After a drop, inspect your iPhone for any exterior cracks or dents. If the screen remains black after rebooting, you may need professional repair to check for loose cables or replace damaged display parts.
Potential Solutions
Here are some troubleshooting steps to take if your iPhone screen goes black:
- Restart your iPhone – Press and hold Sleep/Wake button and Volume Down until Apple logo appears.
- Force restart – Press and hold Sleep/Wake + Volume Down for 10+ seconds.
- Check for water damage or physical damage like cracks – Get repaired if found.
- Update or restore iOS – Update software or restore iPhone in iTunes.
- Reset settings – Erase and reset all content and settings.
- Factory reset – Wipe iPhone and reinstall OS through iTunes.
- Hardware repair – Take to Apple or repair shop for diagnosis.
When to Take Your iPhone In for Repair
If your iPhone is still having a black screen issue after trying the troubleshooting steps, it likely requires hardware repair or replacement.
Consider taking your iPhone to an Apple Store or repair shop if:
- Screen stays black after resetting iPhone
- You notice physical damage like cracks or dents
- Phone got exposed to liquid
- Phone was recently dropped
- You notice flickering, distortion, or no image at all
- iOS restore fails to resolve issue
iPhone repair experts will be able to diagnose the specific problem and offer fixes like display cable replacement or screen replacement. Costs will vary depending on the exact issue and repair required.
Preventing Black Screen Issues
To help prevent iPhone black screen problems from occurring:
- Always keep iOS updated
- Use a protective case and screen protector
- Be careful not to drop your phone
- Keep phone away from moisture and liquids
- Avoid exposing phone to extreme hot or cold temperatures
- Don’t attempt repairs on your own
Back Up Your Data
No matter what the cause, iPhone screen failure can result in data loss if the issue is severe. To prepare for this:
- Back up your iPhone data regularly via iCloud or iTunes.
- Know your Apple ID and password to access your backups.
- Make sure backups are current before doing any repairs.
- Use encrypted backups for optimal security.
Doing regular backups ensures you won’t lose your valuable data like photos, messages, notes, etc if you ever have to restore your phone due to screen issues or other failures. Keep backups current and include important mobile data in the backup.
Conclusion
An iPhone with a black, blank, or unresponsive screen can be very frustrating. But in many cases it is a software glitch or cable issue that can be fixed with some basic troubleshooting steps.
Try a hard reset and update your iOS software to see if that resolves a black screen problem. If you still have issues, have your iPhone inspected for damage or hardware failures that require professional repair. Keep backup copies of your data so nothing gets lost if you end up needing to restore your iPhone.
With proper care and maintenance, you can minimize problems like an iPhone black screen occurring. But if it does happen, identify the cause and take appropriate measures to get your display functioning again.
