How to fix an Apple iPhone XS that’s stuck on black or blank screen [Troubleshooting Guide]

Major system errors and data corruption are often the main causes of stuck problems in smartphones. Data corruption and system errors are usually attributed to malware and bugs from downloaded files, apps, and even software updates. Memory issues like insufficient storage are also among the causing factors. This is often the case with earlier devices that show similar symptoms. For memory-related stuck issues, freeing up some space of the internal memory should fix them.

But the ones attributed to major data corruption or malicious software often requires more advanced fixes. Outlined below are applicable workarounds and potential solutions to a similar issue on the new iPhone XS that suddenly gets stuck on black or blank screen. Any of these methods should help you fix the problem for as long as hardware damage does not exist. Read on for more detailed solutions.

If you have other problems however, visit our troubleshooting page as we’ve already addressed some of the most common issues with this device. Browse through the page to find issues that are similar with yours and feel free to use the solutions we suggested. If you still need our help, fill up our questionnaire and hit submit to contact us.

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First solution: Force restart your iPhone XS.

The first recommended solution to software-related issues and errors in mobile devices is a soft reset. However, this process won’t be applicable to unresponsive devices. And the alternative solution would be a force restart. A force restart works the same as a soft reset when it comes to eradicating minor software errors and glitches but carried out in a different way. To force restart your iPhone XS that’s stuck on black or blank screen, just follow these steps:

  1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
  2. Then press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
  3. Finally, press and hold the Side/Power button until the Apple logo appears.

Wait for your iPhone to reboot then check and see if the problem is gone.

Second solution: Force restart while your phone is charging.

Another possible reason as to why your phone gets stuck on blank or black screen is because it ran out of power and couldn’t charge as the charging system goes rogue. A potential solution to this would be to perform a force restart while your iPhone XS is plugged into the charger. Just refer to the above steps to carry out a force restart on your iPhone XS.

If your iPhone XS is able to charge, allow it to finish charging. As soon as it’s finished charging, check for and install pending updates for your apps and iOS. This should help if rogue apps or errant system data are the root cause of the problem.

  1. To get this done, your iPhone must have access to the Internet preferably through Wi-Fi. Once connected, check for pending app updates by heading to the App Store-> Updates section, then update apps individually or simultaneously.
  2. To check for new iOS update, head to your iPhone Settings-> General-> Software update menu and then tap the option to Download and Install the update.

After updating, reset all settings to erase all customized settings and to restore the default options and original settings values. This will help rule out invalid settings among the possible causes.

  • To reset all settings on your iPhone XS, go to Settings-> General-> Reset menu, then select the option to Reset all settings. Enter your device passcode when asked to proceed, and then tap the option to confirm settings reset. The phone will reboot once the reset is finished.

Unlike a master reset, this reset does not affect internal iPhone data, so you won’t lose any personal information from doing so.

Third solution: Factory reset your iPhone XS using iTunes.

The next option and possible solution to try on if the previous methods failed to fix your iPhone would be a factory reset. This reset wipes everything from your iPhone system including customized settings, downloads, saved contacts, and other personal information. Malware and files containing bugs are likewise obliterated. A factory reset can be done through your iPhone settings or through iTunes. But since your iPhone XS is stuck and unresponsive, the first method wouldn’t be an option. That being said, you will need to go for the latter. To get this done, you need a computer that runs on a later or latest operating system either Windows or Mac and has the latest iTunes version installed. Once you’ve got all that ready, follow these steps to factory reset your stuck iPhone XS through iTunes:

  1. Open iTunes on your computer.
  2. Connect your iPhone to your computer using the supplied USB cable or Lightning cable. Your iPhone will then appear in iTunes.
  3. Select your iPhone XS then navigate to the Summary panel on the left.
  4. Click the button to Restore [iPhone name].
  5. If prompted, click Restore again to confirm.
  6. Wait for iTunes to finish erasing your device and then installs the latest iOS version available.

Your iPhone restarts after it restores to factory settings. After it boots up, you can set it up as new.

Fourth solution: Restore iPhone XS in iTunes via Recovery Mode.

Performing a recovery mode restore is often the next recommended solution to major software issues on an iPhone that could not be remedied by a factory reset. This process puts your iPhone in a recovery state, repairs the software and restores the operating system (iOS) using iTunes. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Plug your iPhone XS  in to your computer using the original Lightning cable to USB port.
  2. While it’s connected, press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
  3. Then quick press and release the Volume Down button.
  4. Next, press and hold the Side/Power button and continue to hold as it restarts. Don’t release the Side/Power button when the Apple logo appears as you need to put the device in a recovery state.
  5. Release the Side/Power button when you see the Connect to iTunes logo on the screen.
  6. Go to iTunes then you should see a message saying that your connected iOS device is in recovery mode and prompts options to update or restore.
  7. Select the Restore option to wipe everything from the phone system and then restore iOS through iTunes.

Fifth solution: Restore iPhone XS in iTunes via DFU Mode.

The last-ditch solution to complex system issues on an iPhone is a DFU mode restore. DFU stands for Device Firmware Update, the deepest type of system restore done on an iPhone. It puts your device in a state where it still can communicate with iTunes on a computer without activating the boot loader or iOS. But there’s a catch. While a DFU mode restore offers a higher chance of fixing complex system errors, it can also risk your iPhone to become bricked. To prevent that from happening, make sure your iPhone doesn’t have any sort of physical or liquid damage beforehand. A liquid damage on the iPhone could interrupt the entire process. If you wish to give it a go, then refer to these steps:

  1. Connect your iPhone into the computer using the Apple-supplied Lightning cable or USB cable.
  2. While your device is connected, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
  3. Then press and hold the Side/Power button until the screen becomes black.
  4. As soon as your iPhone screen turns black, press and hold the Volume Down button while continuing to hold the Side/Power button.
  5. After 5 seconds, let go of the Side/Power button but keep holding down the Volume Down button until your iPhone shows up in iTunes.
  6. Release the Volume Down button as soon as it appears in iTunes.
  7. Your iPhone should now enter DFU mode. At this point, follow the onscreen instructions to restore your iPhone XS in iTunes.

Major system issues on the iPhone are usually resolved after performing a DFU mode restore. If not, your iPhone needs service.

Repair/Service options

There’s a higher chance that your iPhone XR or any of its hardware components has obtained some damage and therefore needs physical repair. This is most likely the case if the phone remains stuck on black or blank screen after exhausting prior methods to rule out major system errors from the underlying causes. If you’ve already done all the aforementioned procedures, then you should take your device to the nearest Apple-authorized service center in your area. There you can ask an iPhone technician to run some thorough hardware assessment. And if service is needed, be sure to avail for warranty.

For other options and official suggestions, you can also report the problem to your device carrier or Apple Support. Apparently, there’s nothing much can be done on your end to fix it.

I hope that this how-to post has helped you one way or another. Please help us spread the word by sharing this post to your friends or people who may also have similar problems. Thanks for reading!

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