iPhones are a brilliant investment, sleek, powerful, and built to last. But that doesn’t make them immune to faults. If your iPhone screen goes black and stops responding, you may be facing what’s known as the Black Screen of Death. While your first instinct might be to rush to Apple, you could end up paying more than necessary, and it’s not always the best solution.
We deal with this issue all the time at Imfixed, and in many cases, it’s something we can sort quickly with the right approach. Let us walk you through the possible causes, how to fix the Black Screen of Death on iPhones, and when it’s time to get professional help from us, your local repair specialists.
What Is the Black Screen of Death?
This dreaded issue refers to when your iPhone display turns completely black and remains unresponsive, even though the phone might still be functioning in the background. You can’t swipe, tap, or turn it off in the usual way. It can be caused by both software faults and hardware issues.
Common Causes of a Black iPhone Screen
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Software glitches: These can freeze your iPhone and cause the screen to go blank
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iOS update conflicts: Sometimes, an update doesn’t go as planned and results in screen issues
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Battery or charging issues: A flat or faulty battery might trick you into thinking the phone has died
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Hardware faults: A drop or internal damage might have disconnected something important
- Jailbreaking: This can destabilise iOS and lead to a range of issues, including this one
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
1. Perform a Hard Reset
Start with the simplest fix, a hard reset. For iPhone 8 and newer, press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo. For older models with a physical Home button, hold Power and Home together for around 10 seconds.
Still nothing? Don’t worry, we’ve got more tricks to try.
2. Check for Faulty Apps
New app downloads might be causing your system to misbehave. If your screen issues began after installing something, update or uninstall that app. Then reboot your iPhone. If the issue stops, you’ve found the culprit.
3. Inspect the Battery
A flat battery can sometimes appear as a black screen fault. Plug your iPhone in and leave it for 30 to 45 minutes. Make sure you’re using the original charger or a certified alternative. Avoid hot or humid places during charging. If the battery icon appears, great, let it charge to 50% before using.
4. Restore via iTunes (or Finder on Mac)
Still stuck? Time for a deeper fix. Connect your iPhone to your computer, open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and newer), and try an Update first. If that fails, select Restore, this will wipe your data unless you’ve backed up to iCloud or your computer.
To enter Recovery Mode, follow the hard reset method but keep holding until you see the cable and computer icon. If this step confuses you, don’t worry, we can handle it for you.
5. DFU Mode (Device Firmware Update)
This is the most advanced solution and should be used with care. If you’re not confident, pop into our shop or book a repair online, we’ll take care of it.
- For iPhone 6s and earlier: Hold Power + Home for 8 seconds, then release Power but keep holding Home
- For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Same as above, but use Volume Down instead of Home
- For iPhone 8 and newer: Quick-press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold Power until the screen turns black. After 5 seconds, release Power but keep holding Volume Down until iTunes recognises the device
You’ll know it’s worked if the screen stays black but iTunes detects the iPhone.
Still No Luck? Let’s Sort It for You
If your screen remains black after all these steps, you may be dealing with hardware damage, especially if your phone has been dropped or suffered water damage. In this case, it’s time to bring it to us at Imfixed.
We’re not just your average repair shop. Our expert team offers a 12-month warranty on all iPhone screen repairs, and we’re proud of our fast turnaround. Unlike Apple, you won’t pay over the odds, and we won’t push you into unnecessary upgrades.
Why Choose Imfixed for Your iPhone Repair?
- Price match promise
- 12-month repair warranty
- Quick turnaround
- Convenient in-store and mail-in options
- We protect your data, nothing gets wiped
You can trust our professional team to fix your phone right the first time. Whether you’re in town or far away, just book your repair online and ship your device to us.
FAQs
What if I live too far from your shop?
You can still book your repair online and send your iPhone to us safely via post.
Do you repair iPads too?
Yes, we repair all kinds of devices including iPads, laptops, MacBooks, and more.
How long is the warranty?
You’ll get 12 months warranty on all repairs done by us.
Will I lose my data during repair?
No, your data is safe with us unless a full system restore is required (we'll always inform you first).
How much will it cost to fix my iPhone?
That depends on your model and the type of repair. Check our prices online or get in touch for a quick quote.
