Key Points:
- What is Android Black Screen of Death: This occurs when an Android device displays a blank screen but remains powered on, rendering it unusable.
- Impact on Device Functionality: Users can’t access the home screen, apps, or perform essential functions like messaging, calling, or emailing—even if the device vibrates or rings.
- Common Causes: Software glitches, corrupted app caches, battery or charger issues, physical damage, overheating, and malware infections are common causes of the black screen of death on Android devices.
- Fixing the Black Screen of Death: This can be fixed by performing a hard reboot, inspecting the device’s physical buttons, entering Recovery Mode, wiping the cache partition, charging the device, applying gentle pressure to it, or using a factory reset.
- Preventative Measures: To prevent the occurrence of an Android black screen of death, avoid sideloading unverified apps, use Android MDM software, protect the device’s hardware, monitor its battery health, and automate software updates.
The Android black screen of death occurs when an Android device becomes unresponsive and only displays a black screen. While the device might still be powered on, the screen remains blank, preventing users from accessing the device.
What happens when a device is hit by the Android black screen of death?
If the screen of an Android device, such as a smartphone or a tablet, turns black, its users will be unable to access the home screen or any applications. This can happen even when:
- the device responds to button presses via sounds or vibrations,
- it rings from message notifications or calls, or
- external lights, such as the flashlight or charging light, still work.
Because of this, the user can’t use any functions on their device, such as messaging and sending emails. Should the device remain in this state, they may lose the data on it.
Manage your Android endpoints with an all-in-one MDM solution.
What are the common causes of the Android black screen of death?
Here are some of the most common reasons why this issue might occur:
Software issues
Temporary software glitches or bugs can cause the screen to go black. These can result from the installation of a new app or an operating system update. Installing incompatible software can also cause problems that result in a black screen of death.
Application caches
In some cases, too many application caches, in combination with deeper software issues such as system corruption or faulty updates, can slow down a device’s performance and cause complications such as a boot loop, leading to a black screen of death.
Charging and battery issues
A faulty battery or an incompatible charger can lead to power issues in the device, resulting in it having a black screen.
Hardware damage
Physical damage caused by the device being dropped can destroy its display or loosen internal connections. Water exposure can also damage internal hardware.
Overheating
Prolonged usage causing the device to overheat can lead to temporary shutdowns and black a screen.
Lastly, while this is a rarer cause than the others, malicious software can interfere with system processes, causing the device’s screen to become unresponsive.
Can you fix the Android black screen of death?
Yes, a black screen of death can still be fixed, and doing so begins with troubleshooting. However, if the cause of the black screen of death is hardware damage, you may need to contact a professional to fix the issue.
How to fix an Android black screen of death
Restart the device
Press and hold the power button for about 10-15 seconds. This action performs a hard reboot, which can clear temporary glitches.
Test the buttons
Make sure that the buttons on your Android device aren’t jammed and, when pressed, depress appropriately and not loosely. A dysfunctional Power button may be the main culprit behind your device’s black screen.
Boot the device in Recovery Mode
Restart your device in Recovery Mode to determine if a third-party app is causing the issue. Start by holding the Power button for several seconds until your Android device turns off. Then, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time to enter Recovery Mode.
Clear app caches
Wiping your cache partition is one of the most common methods to fix an Android black screen of death. Start by entering Recovery Mode, then select “Wipe cache partition” from the list on the screen. Next, press the Power button again to confirm the wiping.
Charge your device
Connect your device to a charger and leave it for at least 30 minutes. Ensure the charging port and cable are functioning correctly. Steps to do this include cleaning the port to remove debris that may prevent it from charging properly.
Gently squeeze your device
It’s possible that your Android device has a black screen because of issues with the LED display, such as loose components between the screen and the motherboard. In this case, try applying pressure to the front and back of the device and see if the display reappears.
Do a factory reset
A factory reset returns an Android device to its default state and setting, which may help remove corrupted files or software. Remember that this also erases your device’s files, applications, and system settings. Backup your data first to avoid data loss before doing a factory reset
Typically, you would need to go into the settings of the Android device to do this, but with a black screen of death, most devices allow factory reset through either:
- booting into Recovery Mode or
- selecting Wipe data/factory reset using the volume and power buttons.
Another way to do a factory reset (at least for specific Android brands such as Samsung DeX or Pixel) is by connecting your Android device to another device. Connecting it to a monitor requires a micro- USB or a USB-C to HDMI cable, while connecting it to a desktop or laptop requires a third-party application. When you’re ready to do the factory reset, navigate to Settings > System > Reset. Then sSelect “Factory data reset.”
How do you avoid the Android black screen of death?
To minimize the risk of an Android black screen death, take proactive measures to ensure that your device continues to perform optimally.
Avoid installing unverified apps.
Bugs, glitches, and incompatibilities can impact your device’s performance which can then result in a black screen of death. Avoid sideloading applications that are not from official app stores. For IT departments or managed service providers (MSPs) who need to manage installed applications on Android devices at scale, consider using Android mobile device management (MDM) software for comprehensive application management.
NinjaOne’s Android MDM simplifies device management in a single pane of glass.
Protect your hardware
Avoid physically damaging the hardware as much as possible. Careful use of your Android device can help prevent damage to internal parts or the device’s display. Consider using a sturdy case and screen protector to reduce or even fully prevent physical damage.
Monitor battery health
Overcharging or using incompatible chargers increases the chances of a black screen of death impacting your Android device. Keep track of your device’s battery life and performance on a regular basis.
Regularly update your device’s software.
Corrupted applications are another common cause of the Android black screen which is why ensuring that your device receives the latest patches and updates is essential. IT teams and MSPs should utilize patch management software to ensure that their mobile fleet receives consistent updates. Automation tools allow users to schedule updates to occur at hours that would be least disruptive for end-users and eliminate missed updates due to human error.
Conclusion
While the Android black screen of death is alarming for most end-users, it is not irreversible, and understanding what causes this issue can help you determine ways to fix it. For organizations, consider using Android MDM software to keep your Android mobile devices updated and secure as well as ensure high performance. With granular control and full visibility of your entire mobile fleet, you can avoid data loss and downtime caused by the Android black screen of death.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Android black screen of death and why does it happen?
The Android black screen of death is when your phone or tablet is powered on but the screen stays black and unresponsive. It can be caused by software glitches, app cache issues, battery or charging problems, physical damage, overheating, or rare malware infections.
How do I fix the black screen of death on my Android phone?
You can try fixing it by performing a hard reboot, checking for jammed buttons, booting into Recovery Mode, wiping the cache partition, charging the device properly, gently pressing on the screen to reconnect loose display components, or doing a factory reset if needed.
Can a black screen on Android mean the phone is permanently damaged?
Not always. A black screen can result from temporary software issues or minor hardware problems. However, if the display or internal components are damaged, professional repair may be necessary.
How do I reset my Android if the screen is black?
If your screen is black, boot into Recovery Mode using the Power and Volume Down buttons. From there, select Wipe data/factory reset using the volume keys and confirm with the Power button. You can also connect the device to a monitor or PC for some brands.
What are the signs that my Android device has a black screen of death?
Signs include the following: the screen is black even though the phone vibrates or rings, notification sounds play, or lights like the flashlight and charging LED still work, indicating the device is on but the display isn’t functioning.
How can I prevent my Android from getting the black screen of death?
Avoid installing unverified apps, use compatible chargers, monitor battery health, and keep your Android software updated. Use an MDM solution if you’re managing multiple devices in an organization to automate app and patch management.
Is it safe to force restart an Android phone with a black screen?
Yes, performing a hard reboot by holding the Power button for 10–15 seconds is a safe and common first step to resolve temporary glitches causing a black screen.
