Having your iPhone 6 screen suddenly go black can be frustrating and concerning. A black screen could indicate a minor software glitch or a more serious hardware issue. Here are some quick tips on what to try when your iPhone 6 display goes black and won’t turn on.
First Steps
If your iPhone 6 screen goes black, stay calm. There are a few easy things to try first before panicking or taking it to a repair shop.
- Press and hold the sleep/wake button for at least 10 seconds to force restart the device. This will reboot the phone and most of the time resolve any minor software glitches causing the black screen.
- Check if the device needs charging. Connect your iPhone 6 to a charger and let it charge for at least 5-10 minutes. Sometimes a black screen is just caused by a drained battery.
- Perform a hard reset by pressing and holding the sleep/wake button and home button together for at least 10 seconds until you see the Apple logo. This will force a full reboot and reset all software issues.
These basic steps will fix the iPhone 6 black screen problem the majority of the time. If the issue persists, then it’s likely a hardware problem and further troubleshooting is needed.
Check Display Connections
If a hard reset and charging doesn’t work, the next step is to check whether there is a hardware issue with the display connections. Here is what you can try:
- Make sure the screen cable is properly connected at both ends. Gently press along the cable to verify there is no damage.
- Check if the screen connector brackets are bent or broken. Proper connections are essential for the display to function.
- Examine the Lightning port and dock connector for any debris, damage, or bent pins.
- Clean the Lightning port with compressed air to clear out any dust or debris that may be interrupting connections.
Carefully inspecting the physical connections can reveal loose, damaged, or dirty cables and ports that could make the screen go black. Reconnecting all display connectors and cleaning ports are easy fixes that can get your iPhone 6 screen working again.
Test with External Display
One way to confirm if the problem is specifically related to the iPhone 6’s LCD display is to connect it to an external monitor or TV. Here’s how to test with an external display:
- Get an appropriate Lightning to HDMI or VGA adapter cable compatible with your iPhone model.
- Connect your iPhone 6 to an external monitor or TV via the adapter cable.
- Press and hold the sleep/wake button until you see the Apple logo, then release.
- Your iPhone screen should mirror to the external display if internal hardware like the logic board, connectors, and backlight are working properly.
If you do see the display output on the external monitor, that indicates the iPhone’s LCD panel or backlight is faulty and needs to be repaired or replaced. No image showing points to a general internal hardware issue.
Check for Backlight Issues
Many black screen problems can be traced back to the LCD backlight malfunctioning. Here are some ways to test for backlight issues:
- In a dark room, shine a bright flashlight directly on the iPhone 6 screen and look for any faint image. If you see the Apple logo or interface, the backlight is broken.
- Boot the device while connected to an external display to see if the image appears there but not the iPhone’s screen.
- Download a flashlight app and see if the LED works. If it turns on, that means the backlight circuit is faulty.
A defective backlight is repairable via replacement of the LCD panel. See if anything displays on the screen under bright direct light to determine if it is a backlight issue.
Check the Ambient Light Sensor
The ambient light sensor regulates screen brightness based on current lighting conditions. It’s located near the top speaker. Here is how to test for ambient light sensor issues:
- Download an app like Sensor Kinetics to check if the light sensor is working properly.
- Boot into recovery mode and observe if the backlight turns on at full brightness, indicating the sensor has failed.
- Cover the sensor with your finger when using the phone. If the display doesn’t dim, the sensor is likely faulty.
If testing shows the ambient light sensor has failed, it will need to be repaired or replaced. This specific problem will cause a black screen as well as other display issues.
Update Software
A black screen can sometimes be the result of a minor software glitch. Here is how to troubleshoot using software updates:
- Connect the iPhone 6 to iTunes and update to the latest iOS version that is compatible with the device.
- Check for and install any pending iOS software updates.
- Perform either a hard reset or factory reset afterwards to clear out any corrupted files.
- If jailbroken, uninstall recent tweaks or perform a full system restore.
Updating iOS and resetting settings will often fix black screen errors caused by software bugs. This is a worthwhile step before seeking hardware repairs.
Locate Nearest Repair Shop
If you have tried all troubleshooting steps but the iPhone 6 screen remains black, hardware repair or replacement is likely needed. Here is how to find a qualified repair shop:
- Search online for highly reviewed iPhone repair specialists in your area.
- Check repair shop reviews and ratings on Google, Yelp, etc.
- Confirm the shop has qualified technicians specifically trained in iPhone repairs.
- Contact the shop in advance to ask about their iPhone 6 screen replacement process and costs.
- Verify they use high quality OEM Apple parts, not cheap aftermarket components.
Doing some research enables you to find a trustworthy iPhone repair shop that has the parts, tools, and skill to properly fix your black screen issue. They can diagnose the specific hardware fault and either repair or swap the LCD and other components to get your iPhone 6 working again.
DIY Screen Replacement
While not recommended for non-technical users, it is possible to replace an iPhone 6 screen yourself using readily available parts and repair kits. Here are the basics if you want to attempt this:
- Purchase a quality iPhone 6 LCD and digitizer replacement kit with all tools included.
- Follow a visual step-by-step repair guide carefully during the process.
- Take time to properly disassemble the phone and disconnect each connector and cable.
- Reconnect and reassemble the new screen, confirming everything is attached.
- Get help from a repair shop if you get stuck or damage components.
With concentration and by following instructional phone repair videos, you can potentially replace an iPhone 6 screen on your own. This is an advanced process with risks of damaging connectors, but costs less than professional repair.
Cost to Repair iPhone 6 Screen
The cost to get an iPhone 6 screen fixed can range between $100 to $300 depending on:
- Screen only – Just replacing cracked glass costs $100-150 on average.
- Screen and digitizer – Full LCD with integrated touchscreen is $140-$250.
- Shop rates – Prices vary between independent repair techs vs. official Apple stores.
- Water damage – Liquid damage requires additional work and parts replacement.
- Other damage – If other components are faulty, costs increase.
Calling around to a few reputable local repair shops will give you an accurate quote. While do-it-yourself screen swap is cheaper, professional installation gives the best results.
Summary of Main Solutions
In summary, here are the top solutions to try when your iPhone 6 screen goes black:
- Force restart the iPhone and charge it
- Check display cables for proper connection
- Test with external display for video output
- Inspect for LCD backlight failure
- Confirm ambient light sensor is working
- Update iOS software and reset settings
- Professional repair at qualified iPhone shop
- DIY screen replacement if technically skilled
Following structured troubleshooting steps can help accurately pinpoint what is causing the black screen on your iPhone 6. In most cases, the problem can be fixed by DIY methods or professional repair services restoring normal function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my iPhone 6 screen go black suddenly?
There are several possible reasons an iPhone 6 screen may suddenly go black, including an unresponsive display or logic board, faulty connectors causing video signal loss, LCD backlight failure, corrupted software, low power state, or physical damage from drops.
How can I restart my iPhone 6 if screen is black?
To force restart an iPhone 6 with black screen, press and hold both the Sleep/Wake and Home button down simultaneously for at least 10 seconds until you see the Apple logo power on.
Is there a setting to fix iPhone black screen?
No iPhone setting will directly fix a black screen. However, you can boot into Recovery Mode and perform a factory reset to eliminate any corrupted software causing issues. Connect to iTunes on a computer to reset.
Why does my iPhone screen keep going black?
An iPhone screen intermittently going black is often caused by a loose display connector cable. Press along the cable and reseat connections to troubleshoot. Older iPhone models may have failing backlights causing a black screen.
How much does iPhone 6 screen replacement cost?
The cost for professional iPhone 6 screen repair ranges between $140 – $250 on average depending on the shop. DIY screen replacement kits including tools and new LCD assembly can lower costs to around $100.
Preventing Future Black Screen Problems
Once you’ve resolved the black screen issue on your iPhone 6, here are some tips to help prevent it happening again in the future:
- Always apply a protective case and screen protector to prevent physical cracks and drops.
- Don’t keep your iPhone in very hot or cold conditions which can damage internals.
- Be gentle when plugging and unplugging cables to avoid port/connector damage.
- Avoid exposing your device to moisture or liquids which can short circuit.
- Update to the latest stable iOS version and perform regular resets.
- Don’t overload device storage which can cause software freezes.
- Use manufacturer chargers and cables to prevent power surge issues.
Practicing careful usage and maintenance goes a long way in keeping your iPhone 6 display and internal hardware functioning reliably for years before needing repair.
Conclusion
An unresponsive black screen can be frustrating, but is usually repairable. For an iPhone 6 with black display, methodically verifying connections, testing hardware, updating software, and resetting settings can isolate the fault. While professional repair is recommended for permanent fixes, DIY screen replacement is possible with the right tools and care. With persistence and by utilizing a systematic troubleshooting approach, you can get your iPhone 6 back up and running smoothly.
