iPhone Won't Turn On: Black Screen Checks
A black screen doesn't always mean a dead phone. These checks tell you what is wrong before you spend money.
1Charge it for an hour
Use a known-good cable and charger. A deeply discharged battery can take several minutes to show anything.
2Force restart
Press volume up, volume down, then hold the side button for about ten seconds until the Apple logo appears.
3Listen and feel
If the phone vibrates or makes sounds but the screen stays black, the screen or its cable is likely at fault.
4Check for impact or liquid damage
A recent drop or liquid exposure points to the screen, battery or board.
5Try a replacement screen
If the phone is working but the screen is black, a replacement screen often fixes it.
6Battery and board
If there is no sign of life even after charging, the battery or the board needs diagnosis.
Common questions
Why is my iPhone screen black but still ringing?
The phone is on but the screen isn't showing. Replacing the screen assembly is the usual fix.
Can a dead battery cause a black screen?
Yes. A flat or failed battery can leave a phone unresponsive until it charges.
Need to repair it?
Step-by-step guides for the fix, with the parts at trade prices.