You dropped your phone, there is no visible crack – or just a small one – but the screen stays black. Yet it still rings, vibrates and plays notification sounds. That means the phone itself is working. In most cases, only the display is damaged.
Step 1: force a restart
Sometimes the phone has frozen with the screen off. A forced restart rules that out:
- iPhone 8 and newer: press and release volume up, press and release volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears (this can take 15 seconds).
- Samsung Galaxy: hold the side button and volume down together for about 10 seconds.
- Google Pixel: hold the power button for about 30 seconds.
If the logo appears and the screen works again, you are done. If it stays black, read on.
Step 2: what is probably broken
- Damaged display: the most common cause. The glass can look almost perfect while the display layer underneath is broken. Sometimes you see coloured lines, a green glow or ink-like black spots.
- Loose display connector: a hard fall can shift the cable between screen and motherboard.
- Touch still works: on some phones you can still answer a call by swiping in the dark – a sign that only the image part is broken.
Step 3: protect your data
The data on the phone is not lost when only the screen is broken. If backups were on, the latest photos are likely already in iCloud or Google Photos. If you are not sure, keep the phone charged and on Wi-Fi, so it can finish a backup by itself overnight. Do not reset the phone.
Step 4: repair
A new screen usually brings everything back, with your apps and photos untouched. We first check in a free diagnosis whether it is the screen, so you only pay for what is needed, and you get a fixed price before we start. Many screen replacements are done while you wait.
No ringing, no vibration, nothing at all? Then the battery or phone may be the issue. See battery problems while travelling, or just bring it in for a free check.
PhonePlus, Binnen Bantammerstraat 4, Amsterdam – near the Nieuwmarkt and about ten minutes' walk from Centraal Station. Walk in without an appointment.
- Monday: 10:00–19:00
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00–21:00
- Sunday: 12:00–21:00
