[Solved] iPhone 13 Black Screen of Death: 6 Common Causes and Fixes

Part 1: Why is Your iPhone 13/13 Pro/Pro Max Showing a Black Screen?

Quick Answer: The most common reasons an iPhone 13 screen goes black include software crashes, a fully drained battery, physical display damage, or unresponsive system processes. Identifying the exact cause is the first step to applying the right fix.

The black screen of death iPhone 13 can stem from a variety of root causes. Understanding each one helps you choose the most effective solution without wasting time on methods that don't apply to your situation.

• Software glitches: A failed iOS update, a corrupted system file, or a misbehaving app can trigger a complete display blackout. The phone may still be running in the background — you might even hear notification sounds or feel vibrations — but the screen remains unresponsive. This is why your phone is working but the screen is black on iPhone 13. Software-related black screens are the most common and are typically fixable without professional help.
• Hardware problems: Physical damage from drops or impacts can disconnect the display cable from the logic board, crack the OLED panel, or damage the display driver IC. In some cases, users searching for "iPhone 13 black screen jumper" are dealing with a severed display circuit trace that requires microsoldering repair. These hardware issues typically require Apple Authorized Service or a qualified repair technician.
• Power-related issues: An iPhone 13 with a completely discharged battery will not power on or display anything. This is one of the most straightforward causes — your iPhone 13 just went black because it ran out of battery power. Even if the device feels warm or vibrates when plugged in, it may need several minutes of charging before the screen activates.
• Unresponsive or frozen system: If iOS freezes during a process (such as a large app download, a software update, or heavy multitasking), the display may lock up and go black while the processor continues running. The iPhone 13 screen not working but phone is on scenario is a classic sign of a system freeze rather than hardware failure.
• App conflicts: Certain third-party apps — especially those with system-level permissions or those that haven't been updated for the latest iOS version — can conflict with the operating system. When such a conflict occurs during app launch or background refresh, it can cause the screen to go black and become unresponsive.
• Overheating: When the iPhone 13 processor or battery reaches a critical temperature threshold, iOS may intentionally shut off the display as a protective measure. This can happen during intensive gaming, video recording in direct sunlight, or when charging wirelessly with a case on.

If a hardware fault — such as a display cable failure or a broken jumper circuit on the logic board — is behind the black screen, attempting DIY repairs without proper tools can cause further damage. For hardware-related issues, Apple Authorized Service Centers have the diagnostic equipment needed to identify and fix the problem safely. For software causes, all the methods in the following sections can be performed at home without technical expertise.

safe & secure

Suspect that iPhone 13 black screen is caused by software issues? Try Dr.Fone to fix!

Part 2: What to Do If iPhone 13's Screen is Black but Still Works?

safe & secure

Quick Answer: If your iPhone 13 screen is black but still on — meaning it vibrates, rings, or responds to touch — the issue is almost certainly software-related. A force restart resolves the majority of these cases in under 30 seconds. If not, removing a problematic app is the next step.

When the iPhone 13 black screen but still on situation occurs, it means the phone's hardware is functional — only the display output has been disrupted. This is a strong indicator of a software freeze or app conflict rather than physical damage. The following two methods are the fastest and safest ways to restore your screen without risking any data loss.

1. Force Restart iPhone 13/iPhone 13 Pro/iPhone 13 Pro Max

A force restart is the single most effective first step when your iPhone 13 screen goes black while the phone is still running. Unlike a standard restart (which requires you to use the screen), a force restart bypasses the display entirely and clears temporary memory, closes frozen processes, and reinitializes the operating system. It is completely safe, takes less than 10 seconds to perform, and does not delete any data on your device.

This method also works for the iPhone 13 mini black screen and iPhone 13 Pro black screen of death — the button combination is identical across all iPhone 13 models.

• Step 1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button (do not hold it — a brief press-and-release is sufficient).
• Step 2. Immediately press and quickly release the Volume Down button in the same manner.
• Step 3. Now press and hold the Side button (on the right side of the device) and keep holding it — even if you briefly see the power-off slider — until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This typically takes 8–15 seconds.

Once the Apple logo appears, release the Side button and allow the phone to complete its restart. In most cases of iPhone 13 black screen but vibrates, this single action is all you need. If the screen does not respond after the force restart, proceed to the next method before attempting more complex solutions.

2. Delete Suspicious or Incompatible Applications

If the force restart did not resolve the black screen, or if you noticed the screen went black immediately after opening a specific app, that application is likely the culprit. Apps that are outdated, poorly coded, or incompatible with your current iOS version can cause system-level conflicts that freeze the display. This is a particularly common cause of the black screen iPhone 13 issue after a major iOS update, when some apps have not yet been updated by their developers to support the new OS version.

To confirm whether an app is responsible: think back to exactly what you were doing when the screen went black. If you were inside or just launched a specific app, uninstalling it is the fastest black screen iphone 13 solution.

• Step 1. Exit the application by pressing the Side button to put the phone to sleep, then force restart the iPhone 13 as described above to regain screen access.
• Step 2. Once your home screen is visible, identify the suspicious app and long-press its icon until a context menu appears.

  

• Step 3. Select "Remove App" or "Delete App" from the pop-up menu, then confirm the deletion when prompted.

  

After removing the problematic application, restart the iPhone normally and monitor for recurrence. If the black screen does not return, the deleted app was the root cause. You can later reinstall a fresh, updated version of the app from the App Store. If the issue persists even after deleting the app, proceed to Part 3 for more advanced solutions, including using Dr.Fone System Repair to perform a deeper fix without data loss.

Dr.Fone App - Smart Clean (iOS)

1-Click iPhone Storage Cleanup: Free Up Space Effortlessly

• Smart scan for albums, contacts, and calendars.
• Clean duplicate screenshots, photos/videos, contacts, and expired calendars.
• Choose items to clean freely.
• Fast & user-friendly.

3981454 people have downloaded it

Part 3: What to Do If iPhone 13 Shows a Black Screen and Won't Turn on?

Quick Answer: If your iPhone 13 shows a black screen and won't turn on at all, start by charging it for at least 15–20 minutes using an Apple-certified cable and adapter. If charging doesn't help, use Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) for a no-data-loss software fix. For persistent issues, iTunes/Finder restore or DFU mode are deeper recovery options.

When the phone is completely unresponsive — no vibration, no sound, no response to button presses — you are likely dealing with either a dead battery or a deeper system-level failure. This section covers all proven solutions for iPhone 13 black screen won't turn on, starting with the simplest and progressing to the most comprehensive. Each method targets a different root cause, so read the descriptions carefully to choose the best fit for your situation.

1. Charge Your iPhone 13

Before attempting any software repair, always rule out a dead battery first. An iPhone 13 with a fully depleted battery will display a completely black screen and show no response to button presses — this can easily be mistaken for a serious hardware failure when it's actually just an empty battery. This is one of the most overlooked iphone 13 blank screen solutions.

Use an Apple-certified Lightning cable and a genuine Apple power adapter (or a MFi-certified third-party charger). Avoid cheap or counterfeit cables, as they can deliver inconsistent power and may even prevent the iPhone from charging altogether.

• Step 1. Plug your Lightning cable into a working wall outlet (not a laptop USB port, which delivers lower current) and connect it to your iPhone 13's charging port. A wireless charger is also acceptable. Leave the device to charge for a minimum of 15–20 minutes without pressing any buttons.

• Step 2. After 15–20 minutes, attempt a force restart: press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

If the screen still does not respond, try a different Lightning cable and a different power adapter to eliminate charger failure as the cause. Check that the charging port on your iPhone is clean and free of lint or debris — compressed air can help clear any obstructions. A dirty or bent charging port is a surprisingly common reason why an iPhone 13 not turning on black screen persists even after extended charging. You can also check the charging points whether adequate power is available at that outlet. Figure out the charging ports on your iPhone and ensure the connectivity is firm. If your iPhone is stuck on the charging screen, you can also fix it by yourselves.

2. Use a Tool to Get the Black Screen iPhone 13 to Work (Without Data Loss)

If charging your iPhone and performing a force restart did not bring the screen back, the next recommended step is using a dedicated iOS system repair tool. Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) from Wondershare is specifically engineered to fix deep system-level issues that cause iPhone 13 black screen and won't turn on — without wiping your personal data. This is a critical advantage over iTunes restore or DFU mode, both of which erase all data on the device.

Dr.Fone System Repair works by downloading the correct, verified iOS firmware for your exact device model and using it to overwrite corrupted system files — the same approach Apple uses internally, but packaged into a simple interface that anyone can use. No technical knowledge is required.

The tool can resolve the following iPhone 13 black screen scenarios and more:

• iPhone 13 black screen but vibrates — screen unresponsive while phone is still on
• iPhone 13 not turning on black screen — completely unresponsive after a crash or update
• iPhone 13 Pro black screen of death — persistent black screen after drop or iOS update failure
• When your iPhone is stuck in Recovery Mode or DFU mode
• Fix the iPhone 13 black screen, white screen of death, or other screen issues like iPhone red screen of death, and blue screen.
• When iPhone is caught in a boot loop with continuous restarting issues
• Resolves iOS freezing, unresponsive touchscreen, and other system errors optimally.

Dr.Fone is available for both Windows and macOS and can be downloaded directly from the official Wondershare website. The Standard Repair mode preserves all your data; an Advanced Repair mode is also available for more severe issues (note: Advanced Repair does erase data).

Here are the specific steps to repair the iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro black screen with Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS):

• Step 1: Download the app

4,624,541 people have downloaded it

safe & secure

Download and install the correct version of Dr.Fone for your operating system (Windows or Mac). Launch the application and connect your iPhone 13 to your computer using a reliable, Apple-certified Lightning cable. Ensure your computer recognizes the connected device before proceeding.

• Step 2: Choose System Repair

On the Dr.Fone home screen, click "Toolbox" and then select "System Repair" from the available modules. This module is specifically designed for resolving iOS system failures including black screens, boot loops, and recovery mode locks.

• Step 3: Perform iOS Repair

Select "iPhone" from the device type menu, then choose "iOS Repair" from the left panel. Click "Standard Repair" — this is the data-safe option. Follow the on-screen instructions to put your iPhone into Recovery Mode. Dr.Fone will automatically detect your iPhone 13 model and display the available compatible firmware versions.

• Step 4: Download Firmware and Repair

Select the appropriate iOS firmware version from the list and click "Download". Dr.Fone will automatically fetch and verify the firmware file — this process typically takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed. Once the firmware is verified and ready, click "Repair Now". The repair process will begin automatically, flashing the verified firmware onto your device. Do not disconnect your iPhone during this process. When the repair is complete, you will see a success confirmation screen and your iPhone 13 will restart normally with the black screen issue resolved.

safe & secure

Fix black screen iPhone won't turn on!

3. Use iTunes or Finder to Fix iPhone 13 Stuck on Black Screen of Death (Free but Data Loss)

If Dr.Fone is not available, you can use Apple's own tools — iTunes (on Windows or older macOS) or Finder (on macOS Catalina 10.15 and later) — to restore your iPhone 13 to factory settings. This method is free and officially supported by Apple, but it comes with an important caveat: all data on your iPhone will be erased. Before proceeding, ensure you have a recent iCloud or iTunes backup. If you have no backup, consider using Dr.Fone first, as it can fix most iPhone 13 black screen of death cases without data loss.

Please follow the instructions below:

• Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes (Windows / macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina or later).

  

• Step 2. Put your iPhone 13 into Recovery Mode: quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen (a cable pointing to a laptop icon) appears on the device. Do not release the button when you see the Apple logo — keep holding until you see the recovery screen. iTunes or Finder will detect your device in Recovery Mode and display a prompt.

When prompted, click "Restore iPhone" (not "Update") in iTunes or Finder. This will download the latest iOS firmware and perform a clean install. The process typically takes 10–30 minutes. Once complete, your iPhone 13 will restart as a new device. You can then restore your data from a backup.

4. DFU Restore

DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is the deepest level of restore available for an iPhone. Unlike a standard Recovery Mode restore, which only reinstalls iOS, a DFU restore also re-flashes the device's bootloader and baseband firmware. This makes it the most powerful solution for severe black screen of death iPhone 13 cases — particularly those caused by a failed jailbreak, a corrupted bootloader, or a botched iOS update. However, it is also the most complex method and carries the highest risk of data loss, so it should only be used as a last resort when all other software methods have failed.

Follow the steps below to put your iPhone 13 into DFU mode and perform a full restore:

• Step 1. Connect your iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro Max, or iPhone 13 Pro to your computer via a Lightning cable and open iTunes or Finder. Ensure the app recognizes the device before continuing. Long-press the Side button for 3 seconds.
• Step 2. While still holding the Side button, simultaneously press and hold the Volume Down button. Hold both buttons together for exactly 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, release the Side button only — continue holding the Volume Down button for an additional 5 seconds. The screen should remain completely black (no Apple logo, no recovery screen). If you see the Apple logo or the recovery screen, you have missed the DFU window — start the process again from the beginning.

  

• Step 3. iTunes or Finder will display a message indicating it has detected an iPhone in recovery mode. This confirms DFU mode was entered successfully. Click "Restore" to proceed with the firmware re-flash and full system restore.

  

• Step 4. Do not disconnect or interact with the device during the restore process. iTunes or Finder will download the necessary firmware, erase the device, and reinstall iOS automatically. Wait until the process completes and your iPhone 13 restarts on its own. Disconnecting during this process can cause a bricked device, so be patient.

Part 4: Tips to Prevent iPhone 13/13 Pro/13 Pro Max Screen from Going Black Screen Again

Quick Answer: The most effective ways to prevent iPhone 13 black screen recurrence are keeping iOS and all apps updated, maintaining battery health above 20%, avoiding extreme temperatures, and only downloading apps from the official App Store.

Once you've resolved the black screen issue, taking a few preventive steps will significantly reduce the risk of it happening again. The tips below are based on the most common root causes identified across iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and iPhone 13 mini users.

• - 1. Only use App Store apps and keep them updated. Third-party apps installed outside the App Store bypass Apple's security review and are a leading cause of iOS system conflicts. Always download apps from the official App Store and enable automatic updates under Settings > App Store to ensure you always have the latest, most stable versions. Delete any app you no longer use, as dormant apps with background refresh permissions can still cause instability.
• - 2. Do not use your iPhone 13 while it is charging. Using data-intensive apps (gaming, video streaming, camera) while the device is charging generates significant heat from both the processor and the battery simultaneously. Sustained high temperatures can trigger iOS's automatic display shutdown as a thermal protection measure — this is exactly the kind of unexpected black screen that confuses users. If you must use the phone while charging, remove any protective case to allow better heat dissipation.
• - 3. Maintain your battery between 20% and 99%. Regularly draining your iPhone 13 battery to 0% degrades battery capacity over time. A weakened battery with poor voltage delivery is more likely to cause unexpected shutdowns and black screen events during high-demand tasks. Charge your device before it drops below 20% and avoid leaving it plugged in at 100% overnight. Use optimized charging (Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging) to reduce battery stress.
• - 4. Update iOS regularly. Apple regularly releases iOS updates that patch system bugs and stability issues. Many reported cases of "iPhone 13 just went black" have been resolved by a subsequent iOS update. Enable automatic iOS updates under Settings > General > Software Update to ensure your device always has the latest security and stability patches.
• - 5. Restart your iPhone weekly. A regular restart clears accumulated background processes, flushes RAM, and refreshes system services. This simple habit reduces the likelihood of system freezes and unresponsive display issues. Unlike force restarts, a regular restart is a gentle and non-disruptive maintenance practice.
• - 6. Protect your device from physical damage. Hardware-related black screen issues — including display cable disconnection and circuit board damage — are almost always caused by drops, impact, or water exposure. A quality protective case and tempered glass screen protector significantly reduce the risk of display hardware damage. Avoid exposing your iPhone 13 to direct sunlight for extended periods, as OLED displays can be degraded by prolonged UV and heat exposure.

Part 5: FAQs about iPhone 13 Black Screen

Q1. What is the fastest iPhone 13 black screen solution when the phone is still on?

The fastest iPhone 13 black screen solution when the phone is still on — meaning you can hear notifications or feel vibrations — is a force restart. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This process takes less than 15 seconds and resolves most cases of iPhone 13 black screen but still on immediately, without deleting any data. If the force restart does not work, remove any recently installed apps that may be conflicting with iOS, or use Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) for a deeper, data-safe software fix.

Q2. What causes the black screen of death on iPhone 13 — is it hardware or software?

The black screen of death on iPhone 13 can be caused by both software and hardware issues. Software causes — including iOS crashes, failed updates, and app conflicts — account for the majority of cases and are fully recoverable using a force restart, Dr.Fone System Repair, iTunes restore, or DFU mode. Hardware causes include a disconnected or damaged display cable, a cracked OLED panel, or in rare cases a broken display circuit that requires microsoldering (sometimes referred to as "iPhone 13 black screen jumper"). If the screen is black but the phone still vibrates and rings, it is almost certainly a software issue. If the screen stays black even after a full restore and the phone does not respond at all, a hardware diagnosis by an Apple Authorized Service Provider is recommended.

Q3. What is the best iPhone 13 blank screen solution that won't erase my data?

The best iPhone 13 blank screen solution that preserves your data is Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) in Standard Repair mode. Unlike an iTunes or Finder restore (which erases all data) or DFU mode (which re-flashes the entire firmware), Dr.Fone downloads the correct iOS firmware for your specific device and repairs corrupted system files without touching your personal data — photos, messages, apps, and settings remain intact. The repair process takes approximately 10–15 minutes and requires only a computer (Windows or Mac) and a Lightning cable. It is the recommended first choice for any persistent iPhone 13 blank screen issue that a force restart cannot resolve.

Q4. My iPhone 13 just went black and won't turn on — what should I do first?

If your iPhone 13 just went black and won't respond, follow these steps in order: (1) Charge the device for at least 15–20 minutes using an Apple-certified cable and a wall adapter — a completely drained battery is the most common cause of iPhone 13 not turning on black screen. (2) After charging, perform a force restart (Volume Up → Volume Down → hold Side button until Apple logo appears). (3) If the screen remains black, connect your iPhone to a computer and use Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) in Standard Repair mode for a data-safe system fix. (4) If Dr.Fone does not resolve it, use iTunes or Finder to restore your iPhone in Recovery Mode (note: data will be erased). (5) If none of the above works, the issue is likely hardware-related — contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Center for a physical diagnosis.

Q5. Why won't my iPhone 13 screen turn on?

There are several possible reasons why your iPhone 13 screen won't turn on. The most common cause is a completely drained battery — even if the phone receives calls or vibrates, a critically low battery can prevent the display from powering on. Other causes include a software freeze or iOS crash (the system is running but the display output is disrupted), a failed iOS update, or physical display damage. Start by charging your iPhone for 15–20 minutes using a certified cable and a wall adapter, then perform a force restart. If the screen remains off, check for physical damage and consider using Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) for a deeper software fix.

Q6. What should I do if my iPhone screen is black but the phone is turned on?

If your iPhone screen is black but the device is turned on, try performing a force restart by pressing and quickly releasing Volume Up, pressing and quickly releasing Volume Down, then pressing and holding the Side button until the Apple logo appears. If that doesn't work, ensure the battery is charged and try connecting your iPhone to a computer to update or restore the software using iTunes or Finder. For a data-safe fix, use Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) before attempting a full restore.

Q7. Why is my iPhone 13 screen black but still vibrates?

When your iPhone 13 screen is black but still vibrates, it means the phone's hardware (processor, battery, haptic engine) is functioning, but the display is not receiving output from iOS. This points to a software-level display failure rather than a broken screen. Common triggers include a system freeze after a heavy app crash, a failed iOS update that corrupted display-related system files, or a memory overflow. A force restart resolves this in most cases. If the problem persists, Dr.Fone - System Repair can fix the underlying iOS issue without data loss. If the vibration-but-no-display symptom follows a drop or impact, it may indicate a physical display cable issue requiring professional repair.

Q8. Why is my iPhone screen black but it's not dead?

If your iPhone screen is black but it's not dead, it could be due to a software or hardware issue. A software problem might have caused the screen to become unresponsive while the device itself is still functioning. Try performing a force restart, charging the iPhone, and connecting it to a computer to update or restore the software using iTunes or Finder. If these steps don't resolve the issue, there might be a hardware problem with the display or its connection. In such cases, contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Authorized Service Center is recommended for further assistance.

Q9. Why does my Apple iPhone screen keep going black?

If your Apple iPhone screen keeps going black, it could be due to various reasons. It might be related to the device's power settings, such as auto-lock or screen timeout settings — check and adjust these in Settings > Display & Brightness. Another possibility is a software glitch or a specific app causing the issue; try updating your iOS software and closing any problematic apps. If the screen repeatedly goes black during use, also check Battery Health (Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging) — a significantly degraded battery can cause unexpected shutdowns and display failures.

Conclusion

An iPhone 13 black screen — whether the phone is still on and vibrating or completely unresponsive — is a stressful but highly fixable problem. In the vast majority of cases, the root cause is software-related and can be resolved without any data loss or professional help. Start with a force restart (the fastest fix for iPhone 13 black screen but vibrates), move to Dr.Fone - System Repair for deeper system issues without data loss, and use iTunes/Finder restore or DFU mode only as last-resort options. For hardware failures — such as a display cable disconnection or a damaged circuit (iphone 13 black screen jumper issue) — contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Apply the six prevention tips outlined in Part 4 to keep your iPhone 13 healthy and avoid screen issues in the future. Choose Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) as your first-choice repair tool — trusted by millions of iPhone users worldwide for safe, effective, and data-preserving iOS system recovery.

4,624,541 people have downloaded it

safe & secure