How to Fix iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max Black Screen of Death Problem

The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are Apple’s latest additions to the iPhone lineup. They bring some notable changes and improvements over their predecessors. Many users have already bought their iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max and love it. However, things don’t seem to be going pretty well for everyone.

Many users have been noticing a black screen that appears on their iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max out of nowhere. This, often referred to as the Black Screen of Death, is an alarming issue as one can’t even use their iPhone anymore.

You are in the right place if you also have an iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max Black Screen of Death issue. In this guide, we will show you exactly how you can fix this issue and get back to using your daily driver iPhone again.

Reasons Behind iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max Black Screen of Death Problem

The Black Screen of Death is a very daunting problem on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. If you want to fix the problem and get your iPhone working normally again, you need to pinpoint its origin. There could be several reasons behind this problem, though.

While we can’t cover each one of those reasons, we sure can list out the most common ones, so you have an idea of what’s happening. Here are the reasons why your iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max has a Black Screen of Death issue:

1. Software Glitches: Errors in the software are a common cause of the dreaded Black Screen of Death, and common culprits include an outdated OS, faulty applications, and system-wide software conflicts. Because of these problems, the display may go dark and become unresponsive.
2. Hardware Problems: The Black Screen of Death can be the result of a defective or broken hardware component, such as the screen, the power button, or one of the internal connections. Problems with hardware usually call for the attention of a professional.
3. Battery Drainage: If the battery in your iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max dies completely or malfunctions, the device may turn off unexpectedly and show a black screen. When the battery is old or malfunctioning, this is a common symptom.
4. Malware or Virus: Viruses and other malicious software can disrupt the iPhone’s normal operation and cause a dark screen. Screen blanking is only one of several strange symptoms that might result from malware interfering with system activities.
5. Display Issue: Problematic or broken screen displays are a common cause of the dreaded Black Screen of Death. A complete loss of display could be the result of a hardware failure or screen damage.

10 Ways to Fix iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max Black Screen of Death Problem

Now that we have a basic understanding of what’s actually happening, we can proceed with fixing this issue and get back to using our iPhones normally. We have compiled a list of solutions that will help you fix the issue promptly. We will start with the basics and then step up to advanced troubleshooting. Make sure that you try all the solutions, and you should be good to go.

Fix 1: Turn Up the Brightness

Sometimes, a simple adjustment can make a big difference. By increasing the brightness of your iPhone screen, you might reveal any display-related issues.

A voice command like “Hey Siri, make the screen brighter” can easily help you check if this is the root of the black screen problem. If the brightness has been increased and you start seeing your display, congratulations! If not, move on to the next solution.

Fix 2: Check for Overheating

Overheating can cause your iPhone to act up, including displaying a black screen. Checking for signs of overheating and letting your device cool down can often resolve this issue. Sometimes, it’s the heat that’s causing the issue, and a little cooldown time can do wonders.

Place your iPhone in a well-ventilated room to enable heat to dissipate. Avoid enclosing the gadget or covering it while charging. Remove the back case, too.

If the iPhone seems warm or hot, turn it off and wait for it to cool before using it again. To avoid excessive heating in the future, avoid using resource-intensive apps for extended periods of time.

Avoid using your iPhone in hot outdoor conditions, especially during peak daytime temperatures. Keep the iPhone away from direct sunlight since excessive heat can cause it to overheat.

Hold the iPhone in a position that does not restrict the heat dissipation areas (such as the rear) to aid in natural cooling. Consider using cooling pads or smartphone stands to efficiently dissipate heat.

Take regular breaks between heavy tasks (such as gaming) that heavily use the iPhone’s resources to avoid overheating. Be mindful of how long and aggressively you use your iPhone, especially for demanding tasks.

Using these methods to combat overheating should reduce your chances of experiencing a black screen due to high heat. Always prioritize your device’s health to maintain optimal performance and lifetime.

Fix 3: Charge your iPhone

In some cases, a depleted battery might be the cause of the black screen. Plugging in your iPhone to charge can potentially reboot the system and bring your screen back to life. A simple step of powering up can sometimes kickstart a device that seemed unresponsive.

This is just one of the many problems that can arise from a dead battery. Your iPhone’s screen will not show anything when the battery is dead or nearly dead. Maintaining a healthy iPhone battery requires charging it using a proper charger and wire on a regular basis.

Nonetheless, if your iPhone’s battery is completely dead, it may take a while before it has enough juice to turn on and show you anything. Wait a few minutes while the iPhone charges before trying to switch it on in such a situation.

If you want your iPhone to work at its best and avoid the black screen that occurs when the battery is critically low, you should charge it often and monitor its battery level.

Fix 4: Force Restart your iPhone

When all else fails, the good old force restart can come to the rescue. This method can interrupt any glitches or processes causing the black screen. It’s like giving your iPhone a fresh start, often rectifying issues that led to the dreaded black screen. Follow the steps below:

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Now, press and hold the Side key until the Apple logo appears. If the Apple logo appears and your iPhone boots up, then voila! You have fixed the issue.

Fix 5: Check your Charger For Faults

Sometimes, it’s not the iPhone but the charger that causes the problem. Your iPhone’s charging is only as effective as the charger you use with it. If the smartphone won’t turn on or display anything, a faulty charger could be the blame.

A faulty charger can deliver inconsistent power, leading to a range of issues, including the black screen. Not only will a faulty charger prevent your device from charging, but it also runs the danger of shorting out the battery and other internal components, which might lead to symptoms like a black screen or other problems.

Swapping the charger might just be the trick to getting your device working normally again. Verify that the charger has sufficient power to completely charge your iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max, and then use it.

Fix 6: Use a Compatible Charger And Cable

Not all chargers are created equal. Using a compatible charger and cable ensures a steady and proper flow of power to your iPhone. Compatibility matters, and sometimes, a mismatched charger can cause unforeseen issues like the black screen.

For safe and rapid charging, always use the charger and cable designed specifically for your iPhone model. Apple’s USB-C cables (included in the box) and chargers can be purchased separately. When experiencing charging problems, such as a black screen, it may be as simple as trying a different charger or cable.

Fix 7: Clean the USB-C Port

The USB-C port on your iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max is vital in charging, data transfer, and overall device functionality. Over time, this port could become clogged with dust, lint, or other debris, preventing a secure connection and perhaps causing problems like a blank screen.

You can clean the USB-C port by blowing compressed air or using a small, clean brush. Be careful not to damage the port in the process. Make sure nothing is stuck in the port, like a piece of paper or plastic. Remove the troublesome item by carefully prying it with a thin, nonmetallic instrument.

Make sure to keep the port dry. Carefully soak up the moisture with a dry cotton swab. Checking and cleaning the USB-C port regularly can keep it free of debris and prolong its service life. Once the port is all clean, plug in your iPhone and see if it turns on.

Fix 8: Update your iPhone Using iTunes or Finder

Software updates are essential for your iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max to function properly. An outdated or corrupt software update can sometimes lead to the Black Screen of Death issue. To fix this issue, you need to update your iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max to the latest version.

Since we cannot access the phone, we need to use iTunes or Finder to do this. Updating may resolve the underlying problem that is causing the black screen. You can use iTunes on both a Mac and a Windows machine. Follow the steps below.

1. Make sure you have a backup of all your files, apps, photos, and other data before proceeding.
2. Connect your iPhone using a USB-C to USB-C cable to your Mac or PC.
3. Open the Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (macOS Mojave and earlier or Windows) on your Mac or PC.
4. Click on your iPhone in the sidebar.
5. Go to the General tab and click on Update.
6. Click on Update once again to confirm.
7. Once the update is installed, restart your iPhone using the steps in Fix 4.

Fix 9: Restore your iPhone Using Finder or iTunes (Optional)

Restoring your iPhone to its factory settings through Finder or iTunes is a more serious fix. It wipes clean any software-related issues, essentially giving your iPhone a fresh start. However, this should be a last resort, as it erases all data.

Note: You must have disabled Find My when your iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max was functioning properly for this to work.

1. Make sure you have a backup of all your files, apps, photos, and other data before proceeding.
2. Connect your iPhone using a USB-C to USB-C cable to your Mac or PC.
3. Open the Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (macOS Mojave and earlier or Windows) on your Mac or PC.
4. Click on your iPhone in the sidebar.
5. Go to the General tab and click on Restore iPhone.
6. Click on Back Up if you want to back up. If you already have a backup, click on Don’t Back Up.
7. Click on Restore once again to confirm. Your iPhone will now be erased, and the latest iOS version will be installed on it.
8. Once the update is installed, you will have to set up your iPhone. Hopefully, this has resolved the Black Screen of Death issue.

Fix 10: Contact Apple Support

If you suspect a malware or virus issue or if there’s a persistent hardware problem causing the black screen, reaching out to Apple Support is a wise move. Their expertise and guidance can help diagnose the issue accurately and guide you to the best solution. You can even ask for a replacement if there is a hardware issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is My iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max’s Black Screen of Death?

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max Black Screen of Death is an issue where the display goes completely blank, and nothing is displayed on the screen. Even touching the screen and pressing any buttons does nothing. This is an extremely serious issue that needs immediate attention.

Why is my iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max’s screen black?

Your iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max’s screen could be black due to a number of reasons. Some of the most common reasons are software glitches, outdated software, drained-out or faulty battery, and more. You can discover more reasons in this guide.

My iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max’s screen is black, but I can still hear sound from it. What to do?

If your iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max’s screen is black, but you can still hear sound from it, then it is likely that the brightness is too low for any visibility. Ask Siri to turn up the brightness. If that’s not the case, then the display might be damaged or faulty. Contact Apple Support for further assistance or a replacement.

How do I turn up my iPhone’s brightness outdoors?

If the ambient light is too much, your iPhone may look like it has a Black Screen of Death when it really does not. Ask Siri to turn up the brightness. You can say, “Hey, Siri! Turn up the brightness,” or something similar.

Final Words

This is how you can fix the “Black Screen of Death” problem on your iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max. Even the top-of-the-line Apple devices aren’t immune to glitches and issues, though.

If you’re experiencing the dreaded Black Screen of Death on your iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max, we hope this extensive guide has provided you with the information and confidence to resolve the issue.

Make sure to try all the solutions that we have mentioned, and do not lose hope. If the problem persists after contacting Apple Support, ask for a replacement.

Which solutions from this guide did the trick? Do you have any other tried and true methods up your sleeve? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. If you know of anyone else having trouble with something similar, help them out by sharing this article.