Read the screen state before choosing a fix
A completely black phone with no sound, vibration, or computer detection can point to an empty battery, power path, or hardware problem. A black display with sounds or vibration can instead indicate a display failure. A low-battery icon calls for charging checks; a frozen Apple logo, boot loop, or connect-to-computer screen belongs to the startup or recovery path.
If the phone was dropped, exposed to liquid, swollen, deformed, smoking, or dangerously hot, stop charging and button testing. Physical safety comes before data recovery; disconnect power and seek professional service.
| State | First action | Escalate when |
|---|---|---|
| Black and unresponsive | Force restart, then charge for one hour | It still will not start |
| Low-battery icon | Check charging hardware and charge at least 30 minutes | The icon never changes or power disconnects |
| Frozen Apple logo or progress bar | Check whether an update is still moving, then use a computer when appropriate | Enter recovery mode and try Update |
| Connect-to-computer screen | Open Finder or Apple Devices | Update fails and Restore must be evaluated |
Force restart the correct way for your iPhone
A force restart does not intentionally erase data, but the sequence must match the model. Do not release too early; on Face ID models, holding the side button until the Apple logo appears can take longer than 10 seconds.
- iPhone 8 or later and iPhone SE (2nd generation or later): quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: hold the side button and Volume Down together until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st generation), or earlier: hold Home and the side or top button together until the Apple logo appears.
If it still will not start, give charging enough time
Connect a known-good wall outlet, adapter, and cable. Apple says to charge for one hour and try again if the phone does not turn on. If a low-charge battery appears, check the charging hardware and charge for 30 minutes or until the phone starts.
Watch for repeated connection, a loose port, damaged equipment, or a liquid alert. If the power path is uncertain, work through the companion charging guide before assuming that iOS or the battery is the only cause.
At a frozen Apple logo or recovery screen, update before restore
A progress bar after an update, restore, or migration can move very slowly. In Apple's stuck-logo workflow, wait until the progress bar has not moved for at least one hour before using recovery mode. Connect the phone to Finder on Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows, then use the model-specific buttons to reach the recovery screen.
When the computer offers Update or Restore, try Update first so iOS can be reinstalled while preserving personal data. Use Restore only after Update cannot solve the problem and you understand the consequence: Restore erases the device, so recovery afterward depends on an available backup and synchronized cloud data.
When the phone needs service
Contact Apple or an authorized provider if the phone remains unresponsive after one hour of charging and a correct force restart, damaged buttons prevent recovery mode, every computer fails to recognize it, Update repeatedly fails, or there are signs of impact, liquid, or display damage.
If a computer recognizes the phone while the display stays black and sounds or vibration continue, avoid repeated restores; the display or its connection may need inspection. Before service, note the serial number, proof of purchase, and last successful backup time. Never give anyone your Apple Account password or device passcode.