Fix Wallpaper Showing as Black Screen on iPhone

By Seth Published March 23, 2023

Inside This Article

• Why Is My Wallpaper Showing a Black Screen on iPhone?
  • Software Issue
  • Compatibility Issues
  • Low Memory
  • Corrupted Wallpaper File
• How to Fix iPhone Black Screen
  • Solution 1: Re-Apply Wallpaper
  • Solution 2: Delete the Corrupted Wallpaper and Set up a New Wallpaper
  • Solution 3: Add New Wallpaper
  • Solution 4: Update Your iPhone's Software
  • Solution 5: Force Restart Your iPhone
  • Solution 6: Restore Your iPhone
  • Solution 7: Factory Reset Your iPhone

Is your iPhone screen looking a bit dim? You're in good company! From the newest iPhone models to years past, this problem has become increasingly common. But don't despair - help is here! In this article, we will take you through what causes black screens on iPhones and give easy-to-follow instructions on how to brighten up that display once more.

One of our many steps involves updating your iPhone wallpaper. Search for a brand new home or lock screen wallpaper to use for that solution by checking out our collection of stunning iPhone wallpapers! Don't forget to take another important step to prevent any black screens in the future. Check out our helpful guide on How to Delete Wallpaper on iPhone article to ensure your device stays in tip-top shape.

Why Is My Wallpaper Showing a Black Screen on iPhone?

Before we get into the solutions, let's take a quick look at why your iPhone wallpaper may appear as a black screen. There are a few different reasons why this issue can happen, but don't worry - we'll cover them all and help you get your wallpaper back to its normal self!

Software Issue

Sometimes, there's this pesky little bug that hides deep within your iPhone's system, causing it to show a black screen instead of your wallpaper. This can happen after a software update or after performing a system restore.

Compatibility Issues

Wallpapers can be a great way to customize your iPhone. But if you're not careful, they may appear as nothing more than black screens due to incompatibility with the phone's size or resolution. Select wallpapers wisely for optimal results!

Low Memory

If your iPhone's memory is running low, it may struggle to properly display any wallpapers you've set. Instead of a colorful backdrop, all that could be left on the screen might be an uninviting black screen!

Corrupted Wallpaper File

A damaged wallpaper file can wreak havoc on your device, leading to a digital situation of an unwanted black screen.

Now that we know the potential reasons why, let's look at some solutions for your iPhone's black screen.

How to Fix iPhone Black Screen

Solution 1: Re-Apply Wallpaper

A simple solution to your iPhone's black screen and one that shouldn't take more than a few minutes. Here's how to re-apply your wallpaper:

1. Go to "Settings" on your iPhone.
2. Tap "Wallpaper."
3. Choose the wallpaper that's showing as black.
4. Tap "Set" and choose Home Screen, Lock Screen, or both.

Solution 2: Delete the Corrupted Wallpaper and Set up a New Wallpaper

If your iPhone's screen is black, the culprit could be a corrupted wallpaper file. To get things back to normal, try deleting the damaged file and replacing it with something new! Follow these steps to make sure you have an eye-catching display once again:

1. Go to "Settings" app on your iPhone.
2. Tap "Wallpaper."
3. Choose the wallpaper that's showing as black.
4. Tap "Delete Wallpaper."
5. Go to your Photos app and select a new image.
6. Tap the "Share" button and select "Use as Wallpaper."
7. Choose either Home Screen, Lock Screen, or both.

Solution 3: Add New Wallpaper Image

Sometimes, it's really just the image itself that's truly not as compatible with some iOS versions. In this case, finding a new image would be best.

1. Go to your Photos app and select a new image.
2. Tap the "Share" button and select "Use as Wallpaper."
3. Tap "Set" and choose Home Screen, Lock Screen, or both.

Solution 4: Update Your iPhone's Software

Keep your iPhone running optimally by ensuring its software is up-to-date! Unresolved bugs can cause issues such as a black screen, but tackling the problem couldn't be easier. To get started, just follow these simple steps to update your device and keep it humming along smoothly.

1. Go to "Settings" app on your iPhone.
2. Tap "General."
3. Tap "Software Update."
4. If an update is available, tap "Download and Install."
5. Wait for your iPhone to download and install the update.
6. Restart your iPhone to apply the update.

Solution 5: Force Restart Your iPhone

A force restart on your iPhone is often the fastest solution to fix many software-related issues, including the black wallpaper problem. To restart your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold both the home button (located on the front of the phone) and the power button (located on the right side of the phone) at the same time.
2. Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This may take about 10 seconds.
3. Release both buttons once the Apple logo appears.
4. Wait for your iPhone to finish starting up. This may take a few minutes.

Solution 6: Restore Your iPhone

If none of the above solutions work, restoring your iPhone may be one of the few fixes left for your wallpaper issue. Before you do the steps, make sure to back up your data to avoid losing any important information.

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Launch iTunes and select your iPhone from the list of devices.
3. Click "Restore iPhone" and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. After your iPhone is restored, set up your iPhone as new or restore it from your backup.

Solution 7: Factory Reset Your iPhone

If you're still having the same problem, it may be time to consider that a hardware issue is causing the problems on your iPhone screen. If the problem persists, try doing a hard reset on your iPhone.

1. Back up your iPhone data to iCloud or iTunes to avoid losing important data.
2. Go to "Settings" on your iPhone.
3. Tap "General."
4. Scroll down and tap "Reset."
5. Tap "Erase All Content and Settings."
6. If prompted, enter your passcode or Apple ID password.
7. Tap "Erase iPhone" to confirm.
8. Wait for your iPhone to erase all data and settings and restart.

Fixing Your iPhone Black Screen

Having trouble setting a wallpaper on your iPhone? Don't worry, you're not alone! So many of us have experienced the dreaded black screen. Fortunately, there are several simple solutions to try – such as reapplying or replacing your wallpaper image; restarting, resetting, or updating your phone's software, and so on. With any luck (and maybe some technical know-how), this irritating problem should be resolved in no time!

If you're dealing with an iPhone black screen, be sure to make a backup of all your important data; this way, if any unexpected issues arise during the process, at least you know your information is secure. For more help resolving this issue and getting back up and running on iOS again quickly, contact Apple Support for further assistance from their experts. We hope these tips have helped get your device back in optimal condition!