If your iPhone 7 screen is randomly going black, freezing up, or the touch just isn’t responding — you’re not alone. These are some of the most common problems iPhone 7 users report, especially after a drop, repair, or iOS update. Here’s how to troubleshoot each type of screen issue and what to do if you need a repair.
iPhone 7 Black Screen But Buttons Still Work
Symptoms:
- Screen goes black randomly
- You can hear sounds or feel vibrations when pressing buttons
- Force restart doesn’t consistently work
- Display sometimes comes back temporarily
What’s happening:
This is likely a hardware issue with the display or LCD — especially if it started suddenly and happens repeatedly. It could be a loose screen connector or a failing display panel.
What to do:
You’ve got two options:
- Let Apple fix it – Yes, it costs more, but you’ll get a reliable repair with genuine parts.
- Try a DIY screen replacement – If you’re confident and willing to risk it, sites like iFixit offer guides and tools. But be warned: using third-party parts or damaging the device during repair means Apple won’t touch it afterward.
If the screen started acting up after restoring a backup, try erasing your iPhone and setting it up as new before jumping into hardware fixes. A corrupted backup can sometimes bring bugs back.
iPhone 7 Screen Freezes After Repair
Symptoms:
- You replaced the screen, and now it freezes randomly
- Hard reset doesn’t help
- It works briefly, then locks up again
What’s happening:
Two likely reasons:
- A bad app was reinstalled after the reset
- There’s a logic board (motherboard) issue affecting screen responsiveness
Try this:
- Factory reset your iPhone (no backups, no apps added yet):
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings
- Use the iPhone with just the default apps for a day or two.
If it keeps freezing with no third-party apps installed, it’s likely a deeper hardware issue. Bring it back to Apple or the repair shop for another look.
iPhone 7 Touchscreen Unresponsive After a Drop
Symptoms:
- Bottom of the screen doesn’t respond to touch
- Works for some apps but not others
- Enlarging icons helps temporarily
What’s happening:
Dropping your phone may have damaged part of the digitizer — the touch-sensitive layer over the display — or loosened the flex cable that connects it.
What to do:
Unfortunately, this isn’t a software issue. You’ll need to bring it in for physical inspection and repair — ideally by Apple or a certified tech. The screen assembly likely needs replacing.
iPhone 7 Home Button Not Working After Drop
Symptoms:
- iPhone resets itself after a drop
- Home button stops working
- Touch ID says “unable to activate”
- You’re stuck using AssistiveTouch
What’s happening:
You’ve got a damaged Home button assembly, and possibly a damaged Touch ID sensor too. These are extremely sensitive and tightly paired to the iPhone’s logic board.
What to do:
Apple is your only reliable repair option here. Replacing the button yourself will disable Touch ID permanently. If it’s out of warranty, ask Apple if they offer a reduced-cost repair for accidental damage.