iPhone Screen Is Black but Phone Is On – How to Fix It

If your iPhone screen is black but the phone is still on, you’re not alone. This frustrating issue, sometimes called the iPhone black screen of death, happens when the device appears to be working—rings, vibrates, or plays sounds—but the screen won’t turn on.

The cause of this black screen issue can vary from a simple software glitch to more serious hardware problems like a loose display connector or battery failure.

In this guide, you’ll know how to quickly troubleshoot and fix your iPhone’s black screen without losing data or expensive repairs. Understanding why your iPhone screen won’t turn on but phone works is the first step toward fixing it.

Quick Fix for iPhone Black Screen But Phone Is Still On

The fastest way to solve the iPhone black screen but phone still on problem is by performing a force restart. This clears temporary system glitches that cause the screen to freeze or go dark.

• iPhone 8 and later (X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15): Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 7 / 7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Side button together until the Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold Home + Power buttons until the Apple logo appears.

If this quick fix doesn’t work, keep reading for more detailed steps.

Why Does My iPhone Screen Go Black But Phone Is On?

Understanding why your iPhone screen won’t turn on but the phone works helps you choose the right fix. Here are the main causes:

• Software Crash or Glitch: iOS can crash unexpectedly, leaving the screen black while other functions run in the background. This is often the culprit behind the iPhone black screen of death.
• Battery or Power Issues: A failing battery might cause your phone to power on partially without lighting up the display.
• Loose or Damaged Display Connector: Physical impact or drops can disconnect the screen from the logic board, causing a black screen even if the phone is active.
• Water Damage: Liquid exposure may damage the display components or internal circuits, resulting in a black screen.
• Problematic Apps or Updates: Recently installed apps or iOS updates can sometimes cause the screen to freeze or not respond.

Knowing these reasons lets you apply the right fix to get your iPhone back to normal.

How to Fix iPhone Black Screen But Phone Is On

Fix 1: Force Restart Your iPhone

This is the most effective way to fix temporary software crashes that cause the screen to go black.

Step-by-step:

• iPhone 8 or newer:
  1. Press and release Volume Up.
  2. Press and release Volume Down.
  3. Hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 7 / 7 Plus:
  1. Hold Volume Down and Side buttons together.
  2. Release when Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 6s or older:
  1. Hold Home and Power buttons.
  2. Release when Apple logo appears.

Fix 2: Charge Your iPhone for at Least 30 Minutes

Sometimes the battery may be too low to power the screen, even if the phone appears on.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your iPhone to a genuine charger and cable.
2. Charge it for 30 minutes or more.
3. After charging, try turning it on or force restarting it.

Fix 3: Check for Physical or Water Damage

Physical damage or moisture can cause the display to stop working.

Step-by-step:

1. Inspect your iPhone for cracks or screen discoloration.
2. Check the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) inside the SIM tray. If it’s red, your phone has water damage.
3. If damaged, visit Apple Support or a certified repair shop.

Fix 4: Use Recovery Mode to Update or Restore iPhone

Recovery mode allows you to reinstall iOS and fix system errors causing the black screen.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect iPhone to a computer running iTunes or Finder.
2. Enter Recovery Mode:
   • iPhone 8 or later: Force restart but keep holding the Side button until the recovery screen appears.
   • iPhone 7 / 7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Side button until recovery screen shows.
   • iPhone 6s or older: Hold Home + Power buttons until recovery screen appears.
3. When prompted, choose Update to reinstall iOS without erasing data.
4. If Update fails, repeat and select Restore (this erases data, so back up first).

Fix 5: Contact Apple Support for Hardware Issues

If none of the above work, the black screen likely results from hardware failure.

Step-by-step:

1. Visit Apple Support.
2. Schedule a repair or visit an Apple Store.
3. Explain your troubleshooting efforts to speed up the service.

Conclusion

A black screen on your iPhone while the phone is still on usually signals a software crash or hardware problem.

The best quick fix to try first is a force restart, which solves the majority of software-related issues without data loss. Charging your iPhone, checking for damage, or using recovery mode are additional effective steps.

If the screen remains black after these fixes, professional hardware repair may be necessary. By following this guide, you can fix the iPhone black screen but phone is still on problem yourself and avoid costly trips to the store.