We’ve all seen videos from the VHS time frame, when scan lines dominated video content and even high quality displays were fuzzy at best. But no one wants to play games on their iPhone when the screen looks like its in prison stripes. Here’s some steps to get your display back to normal.
First Steps
Before undertaking any of the more time consuming solutions below, these are a few fundamentals to give a go.
- Perform a force restart.
- For iPhone 8 and newer: Press and release the volume up button, then volume down, then press and hold the power button until the screen goes black and the Apple logo reappears.
- For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the volume down and power buttons until the display goes black and the Apple logo reappears.
- For iPhone 6S and older: Press and hold the home and power buttons until the display goes black and the Apple logo reappears.
- If you have a new screen protector, see if there are any irregularities in the screen with the display off. There could be debris trapped under the protector, or the screen protector itself could be responsible.
Software Bug
It is rare for an iPhone to develop issues producing an image because of a software issue. But it is certainly possible. Bugs in apps, or the operating system could cause this sort of problem.
- Check to see if the issue is present in other applications. If it is not, close that app and try to reproduce the issue. If it occurs again, update the offending application.
- Update your phone if it seems to occur in multiple applications. If you want to be extra thorough, you can reset your device as well. Backup your data and process the reset through iTunes so a brand new, and up to date, copy of the software is pulled straight from Apple.
Screen Disconnect
Especially after a hefty drop, or after repair, the connection between the board and the display may not be solid. Break out the tool set, open up your phone and reseat any display related connectors. Make sure to remove any dust or other debris from within the connector. Compressed air is a great way to get run of this.
Faulty Display
Although most display failures seem obvious, even without visible damage, this is not always the case. Display failures can occur as a result of manufacturing fault, or imperceptible damage.
- Look closely at your display for signs of break. Changing your viewing angle may help catch small hairline cracks.
- Lines tend to originate from the site of the damage so pay close attention to these areas.
- Use a paperclip to eject the SIM tray. Shine a light into the slot to check the liquid contact indicator-it will be pink or red if it has touched liquid! This sticker is on the underside of the display, so liquid damage to the screen is likely if it has been triggered.
- Green lines on the display is common on newer iPhone displays and is indicative of an electrical issue within the screen. This is still almost exclusively a result of damage and would require a new screen to correct.
- Check internal cables for signs of tears or other damage. Have a look at the iFixit Display Replacement Guide for your iPhone to determine which cables are related to screen function.
- If you have replaced the display recently be extra mildly of this. Also inspect any of the components on the back of the display. Damage to these chips case also impact image quality.
- If you find damage, or software fixes have not made a difference, replace the display. Parts and tools to do this can be found at the iFixit Store.
Logic Board
The logic board is the hub for the vast majority of an iPhone's functionality. Any number of the small components on the board may have failed or become damaged, and is a safe assumption of cause if nothing else on this page has worked.
- Check for obvious signs of a board issue - burned or cracked components, liquid residue, corrosion or bend. If there are signs of liquid the iPhone Liquid Damage Guide might help.
- Replacing the logic board is often the most practical solution for a DIYer in this position.
- If you’re feeling especially curious, the tiny bits and chips on the board can be repaired with microsoldering. It is an art unto itself, but a worthy endeavor for those who are adventurous. Interested? Check out this intro! Jessa’s YouTube channel is also fantastic and has loads of real time repairs. If you can't do this sort of repair yourself, you may be able to find a local shop who can!
2 Comments
I need the easiest way of opening 13 pro max
asanteyeboah198 - Reply
I'm not sure I would consider any method of opening the 13 Pro Max Easy, especially without the right tools, but the iFixit Guide has a good step by step breakdown. You will absolutely need some level of heat to get these open because the adhesive is very strong, you just have to be cautious about how much heat. Something like the iOpener if this is a one time thing, or a dedicated heatplate specifically for opening devices (if you expect to repair these often) is best since it is designed for this sort of job.
Alisha C -