Charge the iPhone for at least 30 minutes, then force restart it. If that fails, connect it to a computer and use recovery mode. If you can hear sounds or feel vibrations but the screen is black, the display may be faulty.
A black screen can be a flat battery, a software crash or a failed display. These steps go from simplest to most involved.
Fix it step by step
- Plug into a known-good cable and wall adapter and leave it for at least 30 minutes.
- Force restart: press volume up, volume down, then hold the side button for around 10 seconds.
- Try another cable, adapter and outlet to rule out charging accessories.
- Connect to a computer, open Finder or the Apple Devices app, and enter recovery mode if the logo does not appear.
- Choose Update first. Only choose Restore if Update fails, because it erases data.
Screen black but phone seems alive?
If the phone vibrates, rings, shows up on a computer or responds to Siri, the software is running and the display or its connector has failed. Back up through the computer if it is recognised, then arrange a display repair.
When it won't charge at all
Clean the Lightning or USB-C port gently with a wooden or plastic pick, because lint is a common cause. If the phone gets very hot, shows a liquid warning, or has not powered on after a long charge, it needs a technician — it may be a battery or logic board fault.
Frequently asked questions
Will recovery mode erase my data?
Choose Update first, which keeps your data. Restore erases everything.
How long should I charge a dead iPhone?
Give it at least 30 minutes with a reliable cable and adapter before judging.
Sources
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