How to Fix iPhone 7 Plus Black Screen (Won’t Turn On)
The iPhone 7 Plus is one of Apple’s most impressive releases—but like any phone, it’s not immune to problems. One of the most common (and frustrating) issues users face is the dreaded black screen, sometimes called the “Black Screen of Death,” where the iPhone won’t turn on at all.
Good news: in many cases, the problem is fixable without needing an expensive repair. Let’s walk through some easy steps to figure out if your iPhone can be revived.
What Causes an iPhone 7 Plus Black Screen?
- Software crash: Firmware can sometimes freeze or crash, especially with lots of apps running.
- Battery drained: A completely dead battery can make the phone unresponsive.
- Physical damage: Drops or impacts might damage internal components.
- Water damage: Even with an IP67 rating, the iPhone 7 Plus isn’t completely waterproof.
- Hardware failure: If none of the above, it could be something deeper inside the phone.
Step-by-Step: How to Troubleshoot iPhone 7 Plus Black Screen
Step 1: Force Restart the iPhone
Sometimes, the system just needs a hard reset to snap back to life.
How to do it:
- Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button (Sleep/Wake) together.
- Keep holding for 15–20 seconds.
- Release when you see the Apple logo.
If the logo appears, congrats! Your iPhone was just frozen and should be working now.
Step 2: Charge Your iPhone
If a force restart didn’t work, it might just be a completely drained battery.
Here’s what to do:
- Plug your iPhone into a known good charger and cable.
- Let it charge for at least 30 minutes before trying to turn it back on.
Important:
If the phone doesn’t respond to charging:
- Check the charging cable and adapter for damage.
- Inspect the iPhone’s charging port for lint or debris.
- Try a different charger if you have one handy.
Step 3: Check for Physical or Water Damage
If your iPhone still won’t turn on, look closely for signs of damage:
- Physical damage: Check for dents, cracks, or a warped frame.
- Water damage: Even minor exposure can cause major issues, especially over time.
If you know your phone took a fall or got wet, it’s likely a hardware issue—and software troubleshooting won’t fix it.
Step 4: Get Help from Apple Support
If none of these steps worked, it’s time to get professional help.
Options:
- Call Apple Support: They can guide you through additional troubleshooting and warranty checks.
- Visit an Apple Store or Authorized Repair Center: Schedule an appointment and let a technician inspect the device.
Tip: Bring any info you have about what happened before the screen went black (drops, app installations, etc.). It’ll help the technician diagnose faster.
Thanks for helping with my iphone7 plus! I couldn’t get it back on, it had a black screen and you walked me right through the process how to get it back on;) thanks again
I have had my iPhone 7 Plus since they were released. Never really had any issues other than typical apps crashing here and there. Tonight I was on the phone with my boyfriend. About 5 minutes in, the line cut out. I figured his phone died, because he rarely pays attention to charge it, but come to find out, mine did. However, before he called, I had looked at my battery percentage and vividly remember having 61% and it was also plugged into the charger. Automatically I tried turning it back on, nothing. I would consider myself fairly tech savvy (I already knew how to do a soft reset) so I did a soft reset, nothing. I had my old iphone 6 close by, so I plugged it up, and what do you know, it turned on the second I plugged it in. It has now been over 2 hours since my phone randomly decided to die. Still no signs of life. Anyone have any other solutions or has anyone else had this problem??
Had the exact same problem as you Landon. Have you fixed it yet or heard any new information?
Hi, I just had my phone software crash displaying >80% charge on the battery and once I rebooted myself the phone would not start up again… I tried the soft-reset as suggested several times and I get the apple logo on and off during the 15-20 second window and that´s about it. Screen remains black unless when the logo comes on and off… I have contacted Apple Tech and they instructed me to try to get it rebooted with Itunes but I just don´t have it in my computer, so does that mean I might have to take it to an Apple Service Center? Thanks!
Thankyou! Very helpful and you solved my issue easily. I felt sick when it wouldn’t turn on. phew! Thank god for tech is like you!
according to apple, 7 plus requires the home button (finger print sensor) and power, not the down volume. that’s the only thing that worked for me. release on apple logo appearance.