There are a few potential reasons why your iPhone 5c screen may have suddenly turned black and be unresponsive:
Software Issue
A software glitch is one of the most common causes of an iPhone screen going black. This can happen after an iOS update, if certain apps crash, or sometimes for no obvious reason. The good news is a software issue can often be fixed by hard rebooting your iPhone 5c:
- Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and Home button together for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo.
- This will force your iPhone to power cycle and restart the operating system, which may resolve the issue.
If that doesn’t work, you can try force quitting any apps that may be causing trouble. To do this:
- Press the Home button twice quickly to bring up your recent apps.
- Swipe up on any apps to force quit them.
- Then try hard rebooting your iPhone again.
Restoring your iPhone through iTunes is another option if a normal reboot doesn’t help. This will completely reinstall the operating system and software.
Display Issue
An issue with the iPhone’s display itself could also cause the screen to go black. For example:
- Bad backlight: The backlight provides the illumination for the display panel. If it fails or a connection comes loose, this would cause a black screen.
- Faulty display cable: A loose or damaged display cable that connects the actual screen to the iPhone’s logic board can cause black screen issues.
- Cracked display: Any physical cracks or damage to the display can disrupt the panel and cause it to malfunction.
If the problem stems from the iPhone’s display hardware, you will most likely need to get the phone repaired or the display replaced. Apple or an authorized service provider can swap out the display if needed.
Power or Battery Issue
Lack of power going to your iPhone will also result in a blank, non-responsive screen. Potential power-related causes include:
- Drained battery: Make sure your iPhone isn’t simply out of power. Connect it to a charger for at least 10-15 minutes to give the battery time to partially recharge.
- Battery needs replacement: Older iPhone batteries can lose capacity. A worn out lithium-ion battery may no longer provide enough charge and voltage to power on the device.
- Faulty power button: If the power button is damaged or stuck, it could be preventing your device from turning on and the screen remaining black.
For battery-related black screen issues, charging the iPhone for an extended time is the first step. If the battery is several years old, replacement may be required. The power button can also be repaired if faulty.
Logic Board Failure
The logic board contains the CPU and many other vital system components of an iPhone. If it sustains damage or fails in some way, one symptom can be a black screen on startup.
Potential logic board issues include:
- Short circuits from liquid damage or overheating
- Failed power management chip
- Corrosion
- Failed graphics or CPU chipset
A logic board failure requires service from Apple or an electronics repair shop. The logic board often needs to be replaced, though sometimes individual chips can be repaired or re-flowed.
Other Potential Causes
Some other possible reasons for an iPhone 5c showing a black screen include:
- Stuck in Recovery or DFU mode
- Extreme cold temperatures
- Jailbreak or other OS modification issue
- Faulty proximate/ambient light sensor
- Ribbon cable disconnection
Troubleshooting Steps
Here is a summary of initial troubleshooting steps to determine why your iPhone 5c screen is black and unresponsive:
- Hard reset the iPhone – Press and hold Power + Home buttons for 10+ seconds until Apple logo appears.
- Force quit any problem apps – Double tap Home button, swipe up to close apps, then hard reset again.
- Recharge the battery – Try charging for at least 10-15 minutes before hard reset.
- Check for physical damage – Examine iPhone for cracked screen, dents, water damage, etc.
- Try recovery mode – Connect iPhone to computer, enter recovery mode to reinstall iOS.
- Try DFU mode – As last resort, attempt to enter DFU mode and restore firmware.
This covers many of the basic steps to resuscitate a blacked out iPhone screen. If the issue still persists, you’ll likely need to consult with an iPhone repair specialist for hardware-related failures.
Preventing iPhone Black Screen Issues
While you can’t always prevent iPhone black screen problems, here are some tips to help avoid them:
- Always keep your iPhone up to date with the latest OS version.
- Avoid exposing iPhone to excess heat or cold temperatures.
- Don’t jailbreak or otherwise tamper with the iPhone software.
- Use a protective case and avoid drops/impacts.
- Replace old batteries before they completely lose capacity.
Performing regular device restarts can also help clear out minor software glitches before they snowball into bigger issues. And of course, immediately troubleshoot any new instances of black screening to identify and resolve the cause.
When to Seek Professional iPhone Repair
If you’ve exhausted all standard troubleshooting tips and your iPhone 5c still has a black screen, it’s probably time to seek professional help. Some instances when you’ll want to consult a repair shop include:
- Physical damage like a cracked display
- Water or liquid damage inside the phone
- Old, worn out battery needing replacement
- Unresponsive power or volume buttons
- Phone won’t power on even after extended charging
Shops like Apple and authorized service providers have the knowledge and resources to accurately diagnose your black screen issue. They also have access to official replacement parts should your display, battery, or other components need to be swapped out.
While costs vary, third party and independent repair shops often offer competitive pricing compared to Apple. Be sure to research and find a reputable shop with experience servicing iPhones.
Cost to Fix an iPhone 5c Black Screen
How much you’ll pay to fix an iPhone 5c with black screen depends on the determined cause:
- Software issue: Free if you can resolve the software glitch yourself through resets, restores, etc.
- Battery replacement: $20 and up for parts, $40-$80 for full service.
- Display replacement: Around $40-$60 for OEM display, up to $130+ for full repair.
- Logic board repair: Anywhere from $75 to over $200+, depending on specific issue.
Apple charges flat rates depending on the repair type. For example, $129 for a battery or screen replacement, up to $399 for an out of warranty device replacement.
Third party and DIY options can reduce costs, but may sacrifice quality or your phone’s water resistance depending on parts/adhesives used.
Conclusion
An unresponsive black iPhone screen can certainly be frustrating. But with some systematic troubleshooting and awareness of the most common underlying causes, many instances can in fact be resolved or at least properly diagnosed. Software glitches are easiest to fix on your own, while hardware failures will likely require professional repair assistance. But with the right approach, your beloved iPhone 5c should be up and running again in no time.