How to Fix a Phone with a Black Screen

Edited 6 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Black ScreenSmartphoneTroubleshootingAndroidiPhoneDevice ManagementPerformanceMobile OSHardwareUser Guide

Having your phone screen go black can be a very frustrating experience. This can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from software glitches to hardware failures. This guide will walk you through different methods you can try to fix a phone with a black screen.

Step 1: Charge your phone

The most common reason why your phone's screen may be black is a drained battery. Before trying more complex solutions, make sure your phone is charged.

• Plug your phone into the charger.
• Wait for a few minutes.
• Check if the charging indicator appears on the screen.

If a battery icon appears on the screen, let it charge for at least 30 minutes before turning it on. If nothing appears on the screen, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Restart your phone

Sometimes a simple restart can fix a black screen. Here's how to restart different types of phones:

iPhone:

• Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously.
• Keep these pressed for about 10-15 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

Android:

• Press and hold the Power button (and also press the Volume Down button if necessary).
• Hold these down for 10-15 seconds until the manufacturer's logo appears.

If the phone restarts successfully, the black screen problem may be a temporary glitch. If not, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Perform a soft or hard reset

If restarting doesn’t help, performing a soft or hard reset may fix the problem.

Soft reset

A soft reset usually does not erase your data. Here's how to perform a soft reset:

• iPhone: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then do the same for the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
• Android: Most Android phones can be soft reset by pressing the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously for 10-15 seconds.

Hard reset

A hard reset will erase all data and return the phone to its factory settings.

• iPhone: Connect the iPhone to your computer and open iTunes. Press and release the Volume Up button, do the same for the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears. Select "Restore" in iTunes.
• Android: This method varies for different models. Usually, you hold down the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously until the recovery menu appears. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to the "Wipe data/factory reset" option and use the Power button to select it.

If a hard reset doesn't resolve the issue or you want to avoid losing data, proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Try safe mode (Android)

Booting your phone in safe mode can help diagnose if a third-party app is causing the black screen issue.

• Press and hold the Power button until the Power off option appears.
• Press and hold the "Power Off" option until the safe mode prompt appears.
• Tap "OK" to restart in safe mode.

In safe mode, only default apps will run. If the screen turns on in safe mode, a third-party app may be causing the problem. Uninstall recently installed or suspicious apps, then restart your phone.

Step 5: Remove the battery (if possible)

If your phone has a removable battery, removing and reinserting it may help.

• Turn off your phone (if it's on).
• Remove the back cover and remove the battery.
• Wait for about 10-15 seconds.
• Reinsert the battery and turn on your phone.

Checking the battery for swelling or damage can also help diagnose the problem.

Step 6: Check for external damage

Check your phone for any external damage, such as cracks, dents, or water exposure. Sometimes, damage can cause internal components to malfunction, causing the screen to turn black.

• If you discover physical damage to the phone such as a cracked screen, etc., take it to a professional technician for repair.
• If water exposure is suspected, place your phone in a pack of rice or silica gel for at least 24 hours to absorb moisture before turning it on.

Step 7: Connect to computer

Connecting your phone to a computer can help you diagnose the problem.

• Connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable.
• See if the computer recognizes the phone.
• If detected, backup your data immediately.

If your phone is recognized by the computer but still displays a black screen, consider using device management software such as iTunes, Samsung Kies or other tools to troubleshoot and restore the phone.

Step 8: Seek professional help

If none of the above steps resolve the black screen issue, it's time to seek professional help.

• Contact your phone manufacturer support.
• Take your phone to an authorized repair center.
• Consider third-party professional repair services if your warranty has expired.

A technician can perform detailed diagnostics and fix any complex hardware or software problem that might be causing the black screen.

Conclusion

A black screen on your phone doesn't mean it's permanently broken. By following these steps, you can diagnose the problem and potentially fix it. Always start with the simplest solutions, like charging and restarting, before moving on to more advanced methods like resets and professional repairs. Additionally, regularly backing up your phone's data can help you avoid losing important information if you encounter any issues.

Remember, if you’re not comfortable doing any of these steps especially those related to hard reset or hardware check, it’s best to seek professional help to avoid further damage.

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