A black iPhone screen does not always mean the phone is broken. It may be frozen, out of battery, or powered on with a display that is not responding. Start with a force restart. This does not erase your photos, apps, or other data.
Video Tutorial
Force restart your iPhone
A normal restart is not possible when the display is black or touch controls are frozen. A force restart makes the iPhone shut down and start again. Use the button sequence for your model, then keep holding the final button until the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 8 and later
This includes iPhone 17, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, and other newer iPhones with Face ID, as well as iPhone SE models from the second generation onward.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding the Side button when the screen stays black. Release it only after the Apple logo appears.
The first two presses need to be quick. If the phone does not restart, repeat the sequence and hold the Side button longer. It can take several seconds before the logo shows.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
- Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button together.
- Keep holding both buttons until you see the Apple logo.
iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st generation), and earlier
- Press and hold the Home button and the Side button together. On some older models, use the top button instead.
- Keep holding until the Apple logo appears.
Charge the iPhone before trying again
If the force restart does not bring the screen back, connect the iPhone to a working charger and leave it there for at least 30 minutes. A fully drained battery can leave the screen blank before the charging symbol appears.
- Plug the charging cable firmly into the iPhone.
- Connect the other end to a power source you know works.
- Check that the cable and charging port are free of obvious damage or debris.
- Leave the phone connected for 30 minutes.
- While it is still connected, try the force restart sequence for your iPhone model again.
If possible, test another compatible cable, adapter, or power outlet. A failed charger can look exactly like a dead iPhone.
Check whether the phone is on but the display is not
Look for signs that the iPhone still has power. It may vibrate, make notification sounds, ring when called, or respond when connected to power. These signs can help separate a frozen or damaged display from a phone that is completely powered off.
Remove any case or screen accessory that presses against the Side button or covers part of the screen. Then try the force restart once more. Do not keep pressing buttons at random, since the correct sequence is more likely to restart a frozen iPhone.
When the black screen needs more help
If the iPhone remains black after charging and a correctly performed force restart, the issue may be related to the battery, charging hardware, display, or internal components. This is more likely if the problem started after a drop, liquid exposure, or other physical damage.
Also get help if the phone powers on but the screen stays black, especially when you can hear sounds or receive calls. Avoid opening the phone yourself or continuing to charge it if it is unusually hot, swollen, or visibly damaged.
Before arranging service, try to remember what happened just before the screen went black. Note whether the iPhone was charging, low on battery, dropped, exposed to liquid, or installing an update. Those details can help identify the cause.
Quick checklist
- Use the correct force restart sequence for your iPhone model.
- Hold the final button until the Apple logo appears.
- Charge the iPhone for at least 30 minutes.
- Test a different compatible cable, adapter, or outlet if available.
- Check for signs that the phone is on even though its display is black.
- Seek repair help if it stays unresponsive or has physical damage.
In many cases, a force restart is enough to fix an iPhone black screen caused by a temporary freeze. If it does not work after a proper charge, treat the issue as a possible hardware problem rather than repeatedly trying the same steps.
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