How to Fix iPhone Green Screen of Death
Your iPhone may show a full green screen covering the whole display. This is called the green screen of death. This iPhone issue can be caused by many different things, such as corrupted iOS files, faulty hardware, etc. Sometimes, you may hear notifications and feel vibrations, indicating the device is working even though the screen is green. Other times, the iPhone may appear to be not functional with the green screen. Regardless of which one you are experiencing, it is important to point out that this is a very serious problem.
You may start seeing this after an event such as:
- An iOS software update that has gone bad
- The iPhone was dropped
- The iPhone got wet
- A repair attempt that went unsuccessfully
The bad news is that fixing this green screen of death problem can be challenging, if not impossible. If it is a permanent hardware failure, the only fix could be to get it repaired. After the diagnosis, you may realize that the only option you have is to replace your iPhone. In this article, I will explain what your options are if you run into this problem.
1. Basic steps to try
- Ensure that your iPhone is dry, and your screen is clean.
- If your phone has any case or screen protector, remove it.
- Remove any connected cables like Lightning or USB-C accessories.
- Restart your iPhone.
2. Is it a temporary glitch?
Perhaps something caused this temporarily. If this is the case, you may be able to fix it yourself. Here is what you should do first:
Note: Follow these steps in this order in a quick sequence.
- Press and release the Volume Up button.
- Press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and release the Side button until you see the Apple logo. When you see the Apple logo, release the Side button.
After doing this, your device may restart. If not, your only option is to get it fixed by taking it or sending it to an Apple-certified repair place.
3. Getting a green screen iPhone repaired
I will list your repair options below. Before you continue, you may want to check your device’s warranty status. You can check this by going to Apple’s coverage site. You will need to enter your device’s serial number. Your serial number can be found by going to Settings > General > About. However, since your device is only showing a green color, you can also find your serial number in a number of other places:
- Your iPhone’s original packaging.
- If your device has a SIM card, the serial number is printed on the tray.
- Your serial number can also be found on the receipt or invoice.
- Go to http://appleid.apple.com/, sign in with your Apple ID and then navigate to the Devices section.
After locating your serial number, here is what you should do. Note that you would need to sign in using your Apple ID to finalize your appointment. If you are unable to sign in, then you can use your serial number as well.
- Open a web browser and visit Apple’s product support site (https://getsupport.apple.com/products).
- Click iPhone.
- Click Repairs & Physical Damage.
- Click Screen or display quality, then click Continue.
- Then, you will be shown possible repair options.
As you can see in the screenshot below, you have these options:
- You can mail it in for repair. Follow the onscreen instructions.
- You can schedule a repair at an Apple Store or Apple authorized service place. If you select this option, you will be shown repair places close to you. If these places are too far, or if you do not have time to take your iPhone, you can send it in for repair.
You will also note a live chat option. You can also use it to ask your questions to an Apple expert.
How much the repair will cost, if anything, will be determined when Apple or the Apple authorized repair place diagnoses the problem.
Regardless of your choice (bringing it in or sending it in), you will need to get your iPhone ready. Create a backup first. Apple explains what you should do exactly. Our article titled How to Make a Genius Bar Reservation explains more about how you can get a Genius appointment for hardware or support help.
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