iPhone XS Max Screen Not Working After iOS Update? Here’s How to Fix It

If your iPhone XS Max screen is unresponsive, stuck on a black screen, or freezing after updating to iOS 13.2 (or a newer version), you’re not alone. Many users run into display issues right after installing system updates, and while it can be frustrating, you can often fix these problems yourself without heading to the Apple Store.

Below are all the possible fixes you can try to get your iPhone XS Max screen working again.

Force Restart Your iPhone

A force restart can resolve minor firmware glitches that cause screen issues like black screen or freezing.

Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

If your screen was black or frozen, it should now reboot normally.

Use Recovery Mode via a Computer

If the phone is stuck on the Apple logo or won’t respond at all, putting it into recovery mode might help.

Connect your iPhone XS Max to your Mac or PC.
Launch Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on Windows/macOS Mojave and earlier).
Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.
Press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
Choose Update when prompted — this reinstalls iOS without erasing your data.

If that doesn’t work, repeat the process and choose Restore (note: this erases your device).

Check for Screen Responsiveness in Safe Mode (via Third-Party Tools)

Sometimes third-party apps conflict with iOS after an update. You can use tools like ReiBoot, AnyFix, or iMyFone Fixppo to enter a system recovery or safe mode and test basic functions.

This doesn’t require tech skills and can often resolve boot loops, stuck logos, or blank screens caused by software bugs.

Free Up Storage Space

Not enough storage after an update can cause system instability, including display lags or freezes.

Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
Check available space and remove large, unused apps or files.
Restart your device afterward.

Disable Background Processes

Heavy background activity may slow down your phone after an update.

Go to Settings > Background App Refresh and turn it off.
Also disable auto-downloads under Settings > App Store.

This helps reduce the load on the processor, which can sometimes cause display hiccups.

Reset All Settings

If display problems persist, try resetting system settings. This won’t erase your data.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
Enter your passcode and confirm.

This resets display settings, keyboard layout, Wi-Fi, etc. — all of which could be clashing with the new iOS version.

Check for Physical Damage

If none of these steps help and you’ve recently dropped your iPhone or exposed it to water, a hardware issue could be at play — especially with the screen or internal connectors. In this case:

Inspect the screen for visible cracks or discoloration.
Visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider to have it checked.

Tip: If there’s no physical or water damage, these DIY methods are safe to try and won’t void your warranty.