When faced with the daunting ‘Black Screen of Death’ on an iPhone, it can be difficult to know where to start. This often strikes us, and there is no way back. If you are facing the same issue, this guide will help you understand what this black screen of death on an iPhone is, its causes, and how to fix it.
What Is the ‘Black Screen of Death’ on the iPhone?
Often encountered by iPhone users, the ‘Black Screen of Death’ presents as a blank, unresponsive screen, despite the device still functioning. The screen might fail to display icons, notifications, or even the device’s wallpaper.
Importantly, despite the screen’s lack of visual response, you might notice that your iPhone rings when someone calls or makes a sound when receiving notifications.
The problem might seem grave, but with the right approach and some patience, you can understand and resolve the ‘Black Screen of Death.’
What Are Causes of the ‘Black Screen of Death
The first step towards resolving this issue is understanding the root causes. Here are the two major categories that most reasons fall under:
Hardware-related Damage
Physical harm to the iPhone, such as dropping the device or prolonged exposure to water, can damage the internal components of the device, leading to the ‘Black Screen of Death.’ This might also include damage due to extreme temperatures or high pressure.
Damage to the display, or its connecting cables within the iPhone, can result in a blank, unresponsive screen. However, it’s crucial to note that not all drops, bumps, or spills result in hardware damage, as the device’s design includes certain protections to mitigate such events.
Check here: How To Delete Text Messages on iPhone for Both Sides
Software-related Issues
Software problems are another common cause of the ‘Black Screen of Death.’ The software issues might stem from complications in the operating system or the applications installed on the device.
This might include issues arising from an unsuccessful iOS upgrade or downgrade, an attempt to jailbreak the device gone awry, or a software update installation that somehow remained unfinished. Certain applications might also contribute to the issue if they crash or freeze frequently.
How to Fix the ‘Black Screen of Death
Once you have a sense of what might be causing the ‘Black Screen of Death,’ you can attempt the following solutions:
Force Restart your iPhone
A force restart is a simple yet effective solution, particularly for minor software glitches. For this, you’ll need to perform a sequence of button presses which vary based on the iPhone model you have. Once the force restart is initiated, the iPhone should reboot, potentially resolving the issue.
Check for Hardware Problems
If the force restart doesn’t resolve the issue, the problem could be due to a hardware malfunction. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult a professional or take your iPhone to an authorized repair center. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix potential hardware issues accurately.
Check Apps
Sometimes, the ‘Black Screen of Death’ can be caused by malfunctioning apps. If you suspect an app might be causing the issue, consider uninstalling it and see if the problem persists. You can also try updating the app, as developers often release updates to fix known bugs.
Charge your iPhone
A completely drained battery can sometimes cause the screen to go black. Ensure that your iPhone has sufficient charge by plugging it into a power source. Wait for a while before trying to turn it on, as it might take some time for the iPhone to gather enough charge to start.
Hard Reset your iPhone
If the problem persists, a hard reset is another potential solution. A hard reset is similar to a force restart, but it clears more of the device’s memory (though not your data), which can resolve more significant issues.
Use Third-party Software
Several software solutions are designed to help resolve the ‘Black Screen of Death.’ However, it’s crucial to be cautious with such tools, as they could potentially cause data loss or other complications.
How to Back Up Data on an iPhone With a Black Screen
Regardless of the issue your iPhone might be experiencing, it’s always important to maintain a backup of your data. Here are some methods to back up your data from an iPhone with a ‘Black Screen of Death:
Use Third-party Software
Data recovery programs like Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone or FoneDog iOS Data Recovery and Ultfone iOS Data Manager can help recover your data when your iPhone’s screen is unresponsive. They generally provide step-by-step guidance, making the process easier.
Connect To a Computer with a Working Screen
If your iPhone screen is black, the traditional way of backing up data through iTunes on the device won’t be possible. Instead, connect your iPhone to a computer with a working screen. The computer should recognize your iPhone, allowing you to copy your files to a safe location on the computer.
Backup via iTunes
If iTunes on your Mac or PC recognizes your iPhone, you can use this to create a backup. This might not always be possible if your iPhone is experiencing the ‘Black Screen of Death,’ but it’s worth trying.
In the end, remember that seeking professional help from an authorized repair center or Apple Support is always an option if you’re uncomfortable with troubleshooting the issue yourself. They are equipped to handle such problems and can provide expert assistance.
