iPhone Tips

My iPhone Screen Is Black but the Phone Is On? Here to Fix!

by Sophie Green   Updated on 2023-06-21 / Update for  Fix iPhone

Is your iPhone screen blacked out? iPhone screen black but still works is one of the common issues faced by iPhone users of multiple iPhone models. It's actually recognized as the black screen of death (BSoD) issue. Believe it’s one of the most frustrating issues to be faced. If you are stuck with the same, i.e., "My iPhone screen is black but the phone is on, "no need to worry, as we have got you covered in the guide below. Just dive into it to discover multiple fixes for iPhone works but screen is black.

iphone black screen

Part 1: Why My iPhone Screen Is Black but the Phone Is On

The black Screen of Death issue can be caused due to certain reasons, including the ones described below:

1. Software Glitches.

Screen blackout might indicate that the iPhone is freezing or crashing. If that’s the cause, rebooting your device can help. Failed iOS restore, and iOS incompatibility with the iPhone are other software glitches you can face.

2. Hardware Issues.

Blackouts can also be caused by physical damage, breaking any internal LED screen component. Sometimes blackout is caused, as over usage of the iPhone heats the processor, damaging its link with the LCD.

3. Error-Causing App.

A heavy app or one with malware or incompatibility issues can slow down your iPhone, causing the problem "my iPhone screen is black but the phone is on."

4. Drained Battery.

Is your iPhone battery life low? Check your batter life on the settings. If so, your screen will automatically blackout.

Part 2: Basic Fixes for iPhone Screen Black But Still Works

If you face a black screen-of-death issue, replacing the screen must not be your first option. There are multiple other less costly or free fixes that you can try out to get an answer to "why my iPhone is on but the screen is black?” Hop on below to discover them!

Way 1: Force Restart Your iPhone

The very first thing to do is to force restart your iPhone. Keep in mind you have to follow the guide depending on your iPhone model.

For iPhone 6S, SE, or Older Version:

  • Press the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons until the Apple logo pops up on your iPhone screen.
  • Release pressure and let your iPhone restart.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus:

  • Press and hold the Power/Lock and Volume Down buttons until you witness the Apple logo on the screen.
  • Wait till your iPhone restart.

For iPhone 8 or Later:

  • Press and immediately release the Volume Up button and do the same with the Volume Down button.
  • Hold the Power button and wait for the Apple logo to appear on the screen.
force restart iphone

Way 2: Remove Unsafe Apps

Sometimes the issue is caused by unsafe apps. Most probably, when they face weak connection issues when loading something from the internet. If that's the case, you can fix my iPhone screen is black but the phone is on in a matter of minutes by following the guide below.

  • Press and hold the app icon on your home screen until it starts jiggling.
  • Tap the "x" icon on the app you want to remove. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
  • Press the home button or swipe up to exit deletion mode.
  • The unsafe app has now been successfully removed from your iPhone. It's important to note that this process only removes the app from your device and does not necessarily remove any associated data or accounts. If you have concerns about any lingering data or accounts, it's advisable to review the app's documentation or contact the app developer for further instructions.

Way 3: Put iPhone in Recovery Mode

Another free fix you can try is putting your iPhone in the recovery mode using third-party software. We suggest going with Tenorshare ReiBoot, as it's the most reliable, and its success rate is also 100%. To put your iPhone in recovery mode, you will have to follow the following steps:

  • Download and install the Tenorshare ReiBoot software on your Mac. Once you are done with the installation, open it, and connect your iPhone to the computer.

    launch reiboot
  • Once Tenorshare recognizes your iPhone, hit Enter to put the iPhone on Recovery Mode.

    entering recovery mode
  • Wait for less than a minute. Your iPhone screen will display the “connect to iTunes or Computer” logo that indicates the successful entry of your iPhone into the Recovery Mode.

    exit recovery mode

Way 4: Put iPhone in DFU Mode

Putting your iPhone in the DFU Mode can also help in this regard. After connecting your iPhone to the computer and launching iTunes or Finder, here is what you need to do.

For iPhone 6S or Earlier

  • Hold the Sleep button; meanwhile, press the Home button for 8 straight seconds, and release the Sleep button, not the Home button.
  • Hold the Home button until the computer recognizes your iPhone.

For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus:

  • Press and hold the Side button when pressing the volume button for 8 seconds.
  • Release the Side button but keep holding the Home one until the computer recognizes your iPhone.

For iPhone 8 or Newer:

  • Hit and release the Volume Up button and repeat the same with the Volume Down button.
  • Press and hold the Side button. When a black screen appears, press and hold the Volume Down button.
  • Keep pressing these buttons but release the Side one after 5 seconds; hold the Volume Down button.
  • Stick to the on-screen instructions to put the iPhone in DFU Mode, showing a black screen.
  • Hit OK > Restore in iTunes to complete the process.

Still need help? Read about how to enter DFU mode with video guide.

Way 5: Update iOS System

Updating the iOS system on your iPhone can potentially fix various software-related issues, including a black screen problem. Software updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and stability enhancements that can address such issues. Here's how you can update your iOS system:

  • Grab a lightning cable to connect your iPhone to the computer.
  • Open iTunes and wait until it recognizes your iPhone.
  • Once recognized, navigate to the Summary tab and hit Back Up Now. This will create a backup for your iPhone.
  • Select Check for Update to update your iPhone to the most recent iOS version, i.e., iOS 16, without any data loss.

    software update via itunes
  • Then a pop out message will tell you that a new software update is available, click "Download and Update" to install the latest iOS 12/11 software on iPhone.

    software update via itunes

Way 6: Reset All Settings

Resetting all settings on your iPhone can sometimes help resolve software-related issues, but it may not specifically fix the problem of a black screen while the device is still turned on. However, it's worth trying as a potential troubleshooting step before seeking further assistance or considering other options. Here's how you can reset all settings on your iPhone:

  • Navigate to the Home screen and then to Settings.
  • Choose General and then select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  • Hit Reset > Reset All Settings.
  • You will be prompted to enter the passcode, enter it.
  • Again hit Reset All Settings to confirm.
reset all settings

Part 3: [100% Success] How to Fix iPhone Screen Black But Still Works

If you want to skip wasting time trying out the above solutions individually, we suggest fixing your iPhone screen black but still works issue with Tenorshare ReiBoot! Its Standard Repair mode helps fix the problem in a few minutes, saving you from loads of hassle and time wastage. You just have to follow the guide of how to fix iOS system.

launch reiboot

Final Thought

In this article, we have listed multiple solutions to fix the "my iPhone is on but the screen is black" issue. Though all of them have the potential to fix the iPhone screen blacked out issues, we suggest going with Tenorshare ReiBoot, as it promises 100% success without any waste of time. Hope you find this info helpful!