Fix iPhone Black Screen of Death in 2024: Revive Your iPhone Screen

Smartphones are vital for work and connecting with your friends, so a malfunction can leave you stranded. 

One of the worst issues is the "iPhone black screen of death," where the device's display becomes completely unresponsive. If you experience the iPhone black screen problem, don't panic; there might be an easy fix. 

Your iPhone's battery might just be dead, or you could have a temporary software issue that force restarting will solve. Try our quick fixes below, and if they don't work, consider selling your broken iPhone to ecoATM. 

We'll save your iPhone data and help you buy a new one; just follow our guide on how to prepare your phone first. 

What Causes an iPhone Screen Malfunction?

Understanding the root of the problem is the first step towards resolution. The most common causes behind an iPhone's black screen can generally be categorized into three main areas: hardware issues, software problems, and battery problems. 

Each of these categories can be difficult to deal with, but in many cases there's a quick fix. 

A Hardware Problem

A hardware issue may be the reason a device's screen goes black. 

These can range from a simple loose connection between the screen and the motherboard to more severe damage such as a broken LCD.  

In some cases, the problem might be with the screen itself, which may fail due to manufacturing defects or wear and tear over time. Physical impacts can dislodge or damage parts, and water damage can prevent your iPhone from functioning properly as well.

In general, hardware problems are are among the most serious causes of an iPhone black screen, and the most difficult to fix. In many cases, you won't be able to repair the phone without paying for a professional to troubleshoot and repair the problem.

Software Glitches

Software-related issues are a common source of the iPhone's black screen of death. 

There are numerous types of software issues that can cause an iPhone black screen; an interrupted iOS update can corrupt critical files and prevent your iPhone from working properly. 

Another potential issue is a buggy update, and malware programs that can infect Apple devices occasionally circulate in the ecosystem. 

Thankfully, software issues with iPhones are usually easy to fix. In some cases, you can fix iPhone software issues and restore your phone's functionality by forcing it off and on again with a hard reset. In other cases, you can connect to your iPhone through iTunes and reset it to factory settings .

Drained Battery

A seemingly simple yet often overlooked cause of the iPhone black screen is a completely drained battery. It might sound obvious, but a dead battery can sometimes be mistaken for a more serious issue, especially if the device shows no signs of charging when plugged in. 

This could be due to using an incompatible or broken charger, a faulty charging port, or the battery itself reaching the end of its lifespan. If you're going to troubleshoot your iPhone black screen issues, this is the best place to start. 

Try switching out your charger and cleaning the charger port, and see if you make any progress that way. If not, consider the following steps to fix the iPhone black screen of death.

How to Fix the Black Screen Issue

No one wants to lose their iPhone data or have to spend money on a new phone. However, there tried-and-true methods that might bring your device back to life and fix iPhone black screen issues. 

These solutions range from simple fixes, such as performing a force restart, to more complex procedures like a factory reset through iTunes. For hardware-related issues, you might have to contact Apple support for professional repair. 

Force Restart

After troubleshooting battery issues, a hard reset is your next way to fix iPhone black screen issues. This method can resolve minor glitches by forcibly shutting down and restarting the device, potentially bypassing software issues that cause the screen to remain black. 

Unlocked phones have more flexibility and thus command a higher estimated trade-in value. If you plan to trade in your old phone and have an eligible device, unlock it first. 

How to Hard Reset Your iPhone

1. For iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release the volume up button, then the volume down button. Finally, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

2. For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold both the volume down button and the sleep/wake button at the same time. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

3. For iPhone 6s and earlier (this includes the iPhone SE): Press and hold both the home button and the top (or side) button simultaneously. Release when you see the Apple logo.

This method does not erase the data on your device but can effectively restart the system, resolving temporary software glitches.

Factory Reset Through the iTunes App

If a force restart does not resolve the issue, a factory reset through iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) may be necessary. 

This process will erase all data on your iPhone and reinstall the iOS software, potentially fixing more severe software issues. 

Before proceeding, ensure you have a recent backup of your device to restore your data afterward. Here’s how to perform a factory reset:

How to Reset Your iPhone

1. Get your iPhone; connect to a computer and open iTunes (or Finder on newer macOS versions).

2. If your device is recognized, select your iPhone from the list and choose the “Restore iPhone” option. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

3. If your device isn’t recognized or you can’t access the screen, put your iPhone into recovery mode:

Once in recovery mode, select your device in iTunes or Finder and choose to restore it. This will download the software and completely reset your iPhone.

Professional Repair

If neither a force restart nor a factory reset resolves the black screen issue, the problem may be hardware-related. 

In such cases, professional repair may be the only way to fix your phone. Authorized service providers have the tools and expertise to diagnose and repair issues ranging from simple component replacements to more complex motherboard repairs. 

However, you'll have to pay for their labor and the cost of replacement parts, as well as shipping the iPhone. In the end, it's a lot of trouble to go through just to end up keeping your old phone. However, there's another way you can solve the problem; sell your broken device and buy a new one. 

Sell Your Device

Selling a broken iPhone might seem difficult, but it's never been easier. 

Resellers will buy broken phones and work in the cost of repair so that they can resell it to someone else. Not only do you get a brand new phone, but you save time and money while keeping your old phone out of a landfill. You can get started by finding an ecoATM kiosk near you. 

Need Further Assistance? Turn to ecoATM and Get Cash for Your Broken iPhone

EcoATM streamlines the process of selling any old phone, even if it's broken. All that you have to do is factory reset your phone and turn it in, and we'll give you cash based on the model and condition of the phone. 

Price your device now to find out how much money you can get for your old iPhone.