Last night I updated my iPhone to the latest version of iOS 17. After a few minutes, I wanted to use my phone some more. But I noticed that my device’s screen was black and unresponsive even though the phone looked like it was on and working. It was ringing when I received calls.
This article explains how to troubleshoot iPhone black screen after iOS 17 update issue.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- To fix black screen on iOS 17, first charge and force restart your iPhone.
- You can also fix iPhone black screen issue by updating or restoring your device in recovery mode.
- If force restart and recovery mode don’t fix your black screen of death issue, you might need to contact Apple support.
Like any high-tech device, the iPhone is designed to be as trouble-free as possible, and most people will own one for years without ever experiencing a serious issue.
But sometimes things can go wrong, and your iPhone may experience black screen of death.
The black screen of death on an iPhone is a common issue characterized by a complete loss of display. This is unlike when your iPhone won’t turn on because you can tell from the vibrations and sounds coming from your device that it’s still on.
The most common cause of the black screen of death on an iPhone is physical damage to the screen. However, in some cases, the problem can also occur due to a malfunctioning app, system glitches, or a failed iOS update. Therefore, it’s worth trying the fixes below before seeking professional help.
How to fix iPhone Black Screen after iOS 17 update
Make sure that your iPhone battery is not dead
As stated above, my issue was not this because my phone was still working indicating my battery was not completely drained. If your phone looks completely dead, the first thing you should do is to charge your device by plugging in your device and wait a few minutes. If nothing happens and if you do not see the charging screen, here’s what to do:
- It is possible that your iPhone may not charge. When you want to charge your device, it is important to note that your cable or adapter could be the culprit.
- Use the charging cable that came with your iPhone. If this is not possible, make sure that your charging cable is MFi certified.
- Check your cable and adapter. Is any of them damaged? If it is, throw it away and get a new one.
- Is the charging port dirty? Check the charging port on the bottom of your device. Try to clean it if you see any dust, debris, or lint.
- Inspect where your phone is plugged in. If you are charging your iPhone from a computer’s USB port, try plugging it directly into a wall outlet. If this does not work, try a different wall outlet.
Force Restart iPhone to fix black screen issue
Often the best step to fix any iPhone problem is to restart the iPhone. In this case, you need a slightly more powerful restart called a force restart. This is like a restart but it doesn’t require you to be able to see or touch anything on your screen—which is key if you’ve got a black screen. It also clears more of the iPhone’s memory (don’t worry, you won’t lose your data). Here’s how to force restart your iPhone:
Press and quickly release the volume up button, and immediately press and quickly release the volume down button. Then press and hold the side button and only release it after the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Keep in mind that you have to go through the above sequence rather quickly, and you might have to start over if the timing isn’t correct.
Use Recovery Mode to fix iPhone black screen issue
If the above steps don’t fix the iPhone black screen problem, then you’ll need to use the Recovery Mode method.
Recovery mode is a troubleshooting tool that connects your iPhone to a computer and lets you use Finder or iTunes to diagnose and fix the problem.
The process of putting iPhone into recovery mode is exactly the same as force restart, the main difference is that you’ll need to plug your iPhone into the computer you have using the Lightening-to-USB-C cable supplied with your iPhone. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC with a USB-C charging cable.
Step 2: If you own a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, launch Finder and select your iPhone from the left-hand column. If you own a Mac running macOS Mojave (or earlier) or a Windows PC, launch iTunes and select the iPhone from the left-hand column.
Step 3: You’ll need to put the iPhone into Recovery Mode. To do this, press and quickly release the volume up button, and immediately press and quickly release the volume down button. Then press and hold the side button and only release it when you see an image of a computer icon with a cable underneath on the screen.
Step 4: On your computer you should now see two options appear: Update or Restore. Click Update. Your phone will be updated while leaving your data intact.
Step 5: If Update doesn’t work, then you’ll need to try Restore, this option will wipe the data on your phone and re-install the latest version of the operating system. You’ll then be able to restore from the most recent iCloud backup. Just follow the onscreen instructions.
If Your iPhone is Still showing black screen
If your iPhone is still showing black screen after all of these steps, the problem is probably too serious to fix on your own. It’s probably a hardware issue — for example, the wires that power your iPhone’s screen might be faulty. We recommend booking an appointment at your nearest Apple Store, as they may be able to use more advanced tools to salvage the situation.
If it’s easier, you can also try going to a third-party repair store. Just note that this might void your official warranty.
Fix a black screen on iOS 17 with these tips
Although the black screen of death on an iPhone after iOS update can be an immediate cause for concern, it’s worth trying a few software fixes before seeking professional help, especially if you haven’t physically damaged your iPhone.
However, in case of hardware issues, the only option is to contact Apple or a third-party service provider authorized by Apple for expert assistance.
