Intro
A red screen on an iPhone, often called the “red screen of death”, is an issue where the phone’s display suddenly turns completely red, preventing normal use of the device. This can be a concerning problem for iPhone owners, rendering the phone unusable until the issue is fixed.
In this article, we will explore some of the most common causes behind an iPhone screen mysteriously turning red. By understanding what factors lead to this problem, you can better diagnose and troubleshoot an iPhone with a red display.
Faulty Hardware
One potential cause of an iPhone screen turning red is faulty hardware components inside the phone. The delicate internal components like the display cables, logic board, GPU, etc. can fail over time and lead to display issues (Sources: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251255156, https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253627250).
The display cables connect the screen to the logic board and GPU. If these cables get damaged or come loose, it can interrupt the connection and cause discoloration or distortion on the screen. Similarly, failures on the logic board or GPU chips can also manifest as display artifacts and color issues.
These hardware problems tend to get worse over time and may initially show up under certain conditions like low brightness settings. If internal iPhone components are failing, the screen can start turning red or exhibiting other discoloration problems. In these cases, the phone likely needs professional repair to fix any damaged cables, replace faulty components, or solder loose connections.
Dropped Phone
One of the most common causes of an iPhone screen turning red is physical damage from dropping the phone. The impact of a drop, especially onto a hard surface, can damage internal components like the display panel and connector cables. These components are fragile and built tightly into the iPhone’s enclosure.
According to this source, dropping an iPhone can loosen display connectors or even crack the screen panel itself. This disruption in physical connectivity between components can cause all sorts of display issues, ranging from discoloration to lines and dead pixels.
Specifically, a red tinted screen or lines after a drop indicate damage to the OLED display panel or damage to the display connector cables. The impact shock can fracture components or detach cables, resulting in incorrect signals being sent to the screen and causing the abnormal red tinting. This type of physical internal damage requires professional repair to correct.
Overheating
Overheating is a common cause of an iPhone screen turning red. iPhones are designed to function in normal temperature ranges, but excessive heat exposure can damage internal components like the display and battery.
As this ZDNet article explains, high temperatures cause the molecules and circuits inside an iPhone to vibrate intensely, which can disrupt connections and cause component fatigue over time. If an iPhone overheats significantly, it may display a warning message and dim or turn off the screen. Prolonged overheating can degrade display connectors, warp screen layers, or cause permanent discoloration.
According to Apple’s support page, the lithium-ion battery inside iPhones is also vulnerable to heat damage. Excessive heat accelerates battery aging and could lead to swelling or rupturing. An expanding battery often puts pressure on the display, which can cause visual artifacts like a red tint.
To prevent overheating damage, avoid leaving iPhones in hot cars or direct sunlight. Don’t operate or charge them in high ambient temperatures. If the iPhone feels abnormally hot, turn it off and let it cool down before resuming use.
Jailbreaking
Jailbreaking an iPhone gives root access to the operating system, allowing users to install unauthorized apps and modifications. However, it can also lead to various issues that may affect the screen. One common problem is that jailbreaking can sometimes cause the screen to display incorrect or off-color hues.
For example, some users on Reddit and MacRumors forums report their iPhone screens turning yellowish or having brightness problems after jailbreaking their devices [1][2]. This is likely due to the jailbreak improperly modifying system files that control the screen’s color profile and brightness settings.
Additionally, jailbreaking voids the device’s warranty, so any issues that arise cannot be fixed by Apple. Users may need to restore their device to factory settings to regain proper screen functionality after jailbreaking.
iOS Update Issues
Sometimes an iOS software update can cause problems with the iPhone screen (Apple Forums). The latest iOS versions like 17.1.1 and 17.2 have caused touchscreen responsiveness problems and screen discoloration for some users after updating (Apple Forums). An iOS update may introduce bugs or be incompatible with certain hardware combinations, leading to issues like an unresponsive or glitchy touchscreen.
Try restarting the iPhone after the update to see if the issue resolves itself. If the screen still exhibits problems, you may need to connect the iPhone to a computer and restore to a previous iOS version that did not cause problems. As a last resort, take the iPhone to an Apple store for inspection and replacement if a hardware issue is detected.
To avoid potential screen problems from iOS updates in the future, some users wait to update until any major bugs are addressed in a follow-up .x.1 version. Checking Apple Support forums can provide advance notice of possible issues with a particular iOS release.
Magnet Exposure
Magnets placed in close proximity to an iPhone can disrupt the colors on the screen and cause discoloration. This is because the iPhone screen uses advanced technology like OLED displays, which are sensitive to magnetic interference.
As explained on Reddit (source), the magnets in accessories like cases can leave behind micro particles on the screen that cause black spots or color distortions. The magnets interfere with the electrical currents that control the pixel colors.
Similarly, a Quora discussion (source) notes that placing a strong magnet too close to the iPhone’s touchscreen can disrupt the colors and cause problems with the display.
While the issue is most noticeable with iPhone models using OLED technology, even older iPhone LCD screens are still vulnerable. Overall, it’s best to keep magnets away from the iPhone as much as possible.
Liquid Damage
One common cause of an iPhone screen turning red is liquid damage. Liquids can easily get inside an iPhone through cracks or openings like the charging port, headphone jack, or SIM card slot. Once moisture gets inside the phone, it can cause corrosion and short circuit the delicate electronics behind the screen.
The screen itself has layers that sandwich the LCD display, like the digitizer on top and logic board underneath. Liquids can seep into these layers and cause the connectors to fail or corrode. When water damage occurs, it may not immediately affect the screen. Over time, corrosion can spread and cause discoloration or screen failure.[1]
Dropping an iPhone in water is an obvious way liquid can damage the screen. However, moisture can still get in through simple splashes, condensation, or high humidity. Using an iPhone in the bathroom while showering is a common way liquid sneaks in over time.
When an iPhone screen turns red due to water damage, it means the color filters or backlight LEDs have been affected. Trying to dry out the phone may stop further damage but will not reverse the corrosion. The screen will likely need to be replaced by a professional to fix the issue.
Software Glitch
An iPhone software glitch can sometimes cause screen discoloration or other display issues. According to discussions on the Apple Support Communities forum, some users have experienced random screen discoloration when waking their iPhone 11 Pro (source). The discoloration lasts for a few seconds before the screen returns to normal.
In another Apple Support thread, a user reports intermittent screen discoloration with a white background on their iPhone (source). A software glitch seems to be causing the display to randomly show incorrect colors.
Although rare, iOS bugs can cause the iPhone display drivers to incorrectly render colors. A software glitch may also impact the screen calibration settings. Restarting the iPhone will often resolve a temporary software glitch. But if the discoloration persists, it likely indicates a hardware issue instead.
When to Get Repaired
If you are experiencing minor screen issues like discoloration in a small area or flickering, try resetting your iPhone first. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings to restart your device and clear out any software glitches. This will reset your settings while keeping all your data intact.
However, if the issues persist or are more serious like cracked glass, unresponsive touchscreen, or large areas of discoloration, it’s time to get your iPhone repaired. Cracked screens can worsen and cut fingers over time, and extensive discoloration or flashing can make your phone unusable. If a reset doesn’t fix the issues, take your iPhone to an Apple store or authorized service provider for inspection and repair.
According to this source, replacing an iPhone screen costs on average between $129 to $279 depending on your model. While this may seem expensive, a new screen will make your iPhone look and function like new again. Delaying necessary repairs can lead to more extensive damage over time.
In conclusion, minor software glitches may be fixable on your own, but physical screen damage or malfunctions require professional repair. Don’t wait too long as screen issues tend to worsen. Get an inspection and cost estimate as soon as possible.