Even the highest-tiered smartphones succumb into more serious troubles due to major software errors like a system crash or data corruption. Among the usual symptoms users would encounter in either scenarios would include frequent apps crashes, freezes, and stuck displays. Here in this post, I have compiled a rundown of possible solutions to a similar issue on the iPhone 7 Plus. Feel free to refer to this content when necessary.
Stuck display issues on the iPhone 7 Plus such as white screen and black screen of death can be due to a more intricate software issue if not a damaged hardware on the device. In most cases, the software is to blame. Just like what has occurred to many people after installing a new app or software update on their respective devices. The new app or software update likely contained some bugs that are inflicting serious errors on the device and eventually afflicting major system functions. While these can be tagged as major problems, software issues like theses can still be rectified by some tough workarounds including the ones I have mapped out below. If you’re here while searching for some inputs on how to deal with your iPhone 7 Plus that gets stuck on black screen of death, then the following information might be able to help you.
But before anything else, if you have other concerns with your iPhone 7 Plus, make sure you drop by our troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most commonly reported issues with this new iPhone. If you need further assistance or if you can’t find what you’re looking for in that page, fill up our iPhone issues questionnaire and hit submit. Don’t worry, it’s a free consultation service so you don’t have to worry about anything. Just give us more information about the problem and we’ll do our best to help you fix it.
Going back to the problem, here’s what I suggest you do about it…
First solution: Force restart.
The very first recommended solution the moment your device gets frozen, not responding or stuck on white or black screen is a forced restart. Doing so forces every app and system process to quit and restarts your device without affecting important data stored on the internal memory of your device. If you haven’t already, then you should give it a try first. Here’s how:
To force restart your iPhone 7 Plus, simply press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for about 10 to 20 seconds and then release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
Wait until your device power cycles and perform normally again. If that won’t work, then you will need to go for a full system reset or restore.
Second solution: Restore your iPhone 7 Plus through iTunes.
Performing an iOS reset can be a daunting process as it involves wiping of all your iPhone data and restoring it to its factory default settings. Nonetheless, this can be the key to fixing your iPhone from being stuck on a black screen of death due to more complex software errors inflicted by some bugs. Since there is no way for you to access your iPhone settings, your only option to carry out a system reset is through iTunes. In this case, you will need to secure a computer either a Windows PC or Mac computer to proceed. Also make sure to use the latest version of iTunes software to avoid system conflicts. Once you’ve got everything ready, proceed with a factory reset through iTunes with these steps:
- Connect your iPhone to the computer using the supplied USB cable.
- Open iTunes on the computer and wait for your iPhone to be recognized. If your iPhone 7 Plus is recognized in iTunes, it will sync and create a backup with iTunes.
- After the sync and backup have completed, click the Restore iPhone button.
- Follow the steps to complete the system reset and restore.
If your iPhone is not recognized, try to use another computer if you have one. Otherwise, attempt to restore your iPhone 7 Plus in recovery mode.
Third solution: Restore your iPhone 7 Plus in Recovery Mode.
Restoring your iPhone in recovery mode can likely resolve major software issues that could not be rectified by the usual factory reset. In this process, you will put your device in a recovery mode state first and then attempt to restore iOS. This could lead to data loss though so it’s up to you to decide whether to go for it or not. Should you wish to proceed, you will need to use the latest version of iTunes and then carry out a recovery mode restore. Here’s how it’s done:
- Connect your iPhone 7 Plus to your computer with the supplied USB cable then open iTunes on the computer.
- While your iPhone is connected, enter recovery mode with these steps:
- Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for a few seconds.
- Don’t release the buttons when the Apple logo appears.
- Release both buttons when you see the Connect to iTunes screen.
- When prompted with the option to Restore or Update, select Update to install the latest iOS update for your device. Otherwise, select Restore to restore from a previous iOS backup.
- Wait for iTunes to attempt to reinstall iOS without erasing your data and downloads the software for your device. If the download takes longer than 15 minutes, your device exits the Connect to iTunes screen, let the download finish then put your iPhone in recovery mode again.
After the Update or Restore is done, you may proceed with initial setup and use your iPhone as you usually do by then.
If this won’t work, move on to the next possible solution.
Fourth solution: Restore your iPhone 7 Plus in DFU Mode.
DFU mode stands for Device Firmware Update mode. It is the most in-depth type of restore you can do on your iPhone. Putting your device in DFU mode allows it to communicate with iTunes on a computer without activating the bootloader or iOS. All your iPhone data will be wiped out in the process as your device is restored to factory defaults or previous iOS version.
Precaution: Do not perform a DFU mode restore if your iPhone has liquid damage. There is a higher chance that your iPhone gets bricked as the process gets interrupted or not completed due to some hardware damage present on the phone. In this case, you better opt for a tech repair instead.
If you’re certain that your iPhone is free from any sort of hardware damage and are willing to take the risks, then you may go on and restore your iPhone in DFU mode with these steps:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Open iTunes on your computer.
- Press and hold the Power button for about 3 seconds.
- Keep pressing the Power button then press and hold the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold down both buttons for 10 seconds.
- If you see the Apple logo, it means you’ve held the buttons too long and so you’ll need to start again.
- Release the Power button but keep holding the Volume Down button for about 5 seconds.
- If you see the Plug into iTunes screen, it means you’ve held the button too long and will need to start all over again.
- If your iPhone screen stays black, it means you have successfully entered DFU mode. At this point, you should see an iTunes alert message saying that it has detected an iPhone 7 Plus and will allow it to be restored to factory defaults or from a backup.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the restore process in DFU mode.
Seek more help
Your next best option if none of the prior methods is able to fix your iPhone 7 Plus that is stuck on black screen is tech service. There is a higher chance that your iPhone has obtained some physical or liquid damage thus none of the recommended system resets and restore methods worked. That said, set a date to visit the nearest Apple service center in your place and have your iPhone diagnosed by a technician instead.
Engage with us
If you have other issues with your Apple iPhone 7 Plus, we are always willing to help. Contact us through our iPhone issues questionnaire and provide us with all necessary information about your problem so we can find a solution to your issue.