A black screen on your iPhone 15 can be a real scare, but it can be a temporary glitch rather than a permanent failure. The phone might be on and running with a frozen or unresponsive display, or a deep software crash could be the culprit. Try these steps to get your screen back.
Force Restart Your iPhone 15
Start with a force restart. The process is specific to your model. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Immediately after, press and hold the Side button.
Keep holding the Side button until the Apple logo appears; this can take longer than 10 seconds. A force restart can help when the screen is unresponsive. If the phone doesn't turn on, charge it for one hour and then try again.
Charge It with the Right Cable
Your iPhone 15 was the first model to switch from Lightning to USB-C. Make absolutely sure you're using a USB-C cable and a compatible power adapter. A completely drained battery can leave the screen black.
Plug it in and let it charge for one hour before trying the force restart again. If it still won't turn on, try a different USB-C cable and wall adapter. Check both for damage and don't use damaged accessories. Make sure the connections between the cable, adapter, and wall outlet are firm, or try a different outlet.
Check Your Battery Settings
If the screen comes back on but charging stops before 100%, check your charging settings. Go to Settings > Battery > Charging to check the charge limit and Optimized Battery Charging.
Your iPhone 15 lets you choose a charge limit from 80% to 100% in 5% steps. Choose 100% if you prefer a full charge. Optimized Battery Charging is available with that limit and may delay charging past 80% based on your charging routine.
Look for Signs of Life
Even with a black screen, your phone might still be on. Try calling it from another phone to see if it rings. Ask "Hey Siri" to set a timer or turn on the flashlight. If you feel a vibration for notifications or hear sounds, the phone is still on, but the black screen could have a software or hardware cause.
Inspect the screen closely for any hairline cracks, discolored spots, or visible impact damage. A damaged display usually requires a repair from Apple or an authorized service provider.
Connect to a Computer
If a force restart did nothing, grab your computer. Connect your iPhone 15 using a known-good USB-C cable. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. On a Windows PC, open the Apple Devices app or iTunes. On a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes.
If the computer recognizes your phone, select it and check for a software update. In iTunes, click Summary, then Check for Update, and choose Download and Update if available. If the computer doesn't recognize the phone or the update fails, try recovery mode below.
Put Your iPhone 15 in Recovery Mode
When the computer doesn't see the phone at all, recovery mode is the next step. Update your Mac or the Apple Devices app on your PC, then connect the iPhone to the computer with your USB-C cable. Open Finder on a Mac or the Apple Devices app on a PC. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, quickly press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button.
Don't let go when you see the Apple logo. Keep holding until the Connect to computer screen appears. In Finder or the Apple Devices app, choose Update first if you haven't tried it. Restore reinstalls iOS and erases all data. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and the phone leaves recovery mode, let the download finish, then repeat the button steps.
Check for Display Obstructions
It sounds simple, but sometimes the screen brightness gets turned all the way down, especially if Auto-Brightness is acting up. If you can activate Siri, ask it to "turn brightness to maximum."
Also, ensure nothing is blocking the front TrueDepth camera array at the top of the screen. A poorly aligned screen protector or a case with a thick lip can sometimes trick the proximity sensor, keeping the screen dark.
Consider Environmental Damage
The iPhone 15 is water-resistant, but it's not invincible. If it was recently exposed to significant moisture or submerged, liquid damage may be the cause. If the phone is on, power it down completely. If a liquid-detection alert appears when you connect a cable, unplug it, gently tap the phone against your hand with the connector facing down, and leave it in a dry area with airflow. Wait at least 30 minutes before trying to charge again.
Avoid using a hair dryer or putting it in rice, as both can cause further damage. If the phone still won't turn on after charging and a force restart, it may need service.