iPhone White Screen: Causes & How To Fix It [No Data Loss]

An iPhone white screen can appear visually in different ways, you can’t access apps, make calls, or use basic functions. Especially for non-tech users, a white screen causes stress and panic. In this post, we’ve shared the frequent iPhone white screen issues and their specific solutions.

What is iPhone White Screen?

A white screen on an iPhone, often called the “White Screen of Death,” usually occurs due to software system problems, hardware failure, improper operation, or unacceptable applications. You won’t be able to access any of your phone’s internal functions, but don’t worry, it doesn’t always mean your data is lost.

Common Causes of the iPhone White Screen and Recommended Solutions:

The iPhone screen shows white and can not move on, which can be caused by various software or hardware issues. Here are the 5 common reasons and 5 best solutions:

Common Reason	Causes	Solution
Software Errors	Failed updates, crashed apps, or corrupted files can trigger a white screen	1. Force restart iPhone or update via iTunes. 2. Try iOS repair guru to fix it in 5 mins
Hardware Malfunctions	Damage to the screen, battery issues, or internal faults may cause display failure.	Visit the Apple Store or a repair center to inspect the hardware.
User Misoperation	Tapping too quickly or repeatedly can freeze the system and result in a white screen.	Restart the device and avoid rapid or repeated taps.
Untrusted Apps	Installing apps from unknown sources can introduce bugs or a white screen.	Delete suspicious apps and scan via trusted software.
System Instability	Jailbreaking, failed installs, or app conflicts may lead to serious system crashes.	1. Use DFU mode to restore iOS or seek expert help. 2. Try Tenorshare ReiBoot Professional repair way to deeply fix it.

Simple iPhone White Screen Cases (Usually Easy to Fix ):

1. Partial iPhone White Screen

Symptom: White lines, blocks, or partial white areas on the screen

Common Causes: Loose display cable, minor hardware damage

2.iPhone White Spot Spreading

Symptom: A small white dot that gradually expands over time

Common Causes: Minor display issue, system display settings conflict; device is usually still usable

Complex White Screen Cases (Often Harder to Fix):

Completely White Screen

Symptom: Screen turns fully white after boot, with no icons, text, or response

Common Causes: System crash, firmware corruption, logic board failure.

2. White Screen After iOS Update Failure

Symptom: A White screen appears during or right after updating iOS

Common Causes: Update failure, data conflict, or system compatibility issue

Step-by-Step Help You Fix iPhone White Screen Issue!

1. Force Restart Your iPhone [ First Try Way ]

A hard reset is a safe first step to force reboot an iPhone to fix a full white screen—unlike restore methods, it won’t delete anything. Force Restar iPhone will clear temporary system glitches, break out of crashed states if iPhone’s white screen is caused by glitches or background apps eating resources.

Here’s how to hard reset based on your iPhone’s model:

iPhone 8 and Newer: Quickly press and release the “Volume Up” button. Then, do the same with the “Volume Down” button. Press and hold the “Side” button. Keep holding it until the Apple logo appears.

iPhone 7 Series: Press and hold the “Power” and “Volume Down” buttons together. Release them when the Apple logo shows.

iPhone 6 and earlier: Press and hold the “Power” and “Home” buttons at the same time. Let them go when the Apple logo appears.

2. Using iOS Repair Guru [ 1 Click Fix iPhone White Screen Without Data Loss]

If your iPhone still turns white and stops responding, I highly recomed you to use iOS repair guru to fix the iPhone’s white screen is a good choice. Tenorshare ReiBoot is a powerful iOS system repair that can fix a white-screened iPhone without data loss. It can repair 150+ minor to severe iOS problems, including iPhone stuck on white/blue/black screen/Apple logo/update screen, boot failure, etc. The tool also offers several other iOS management functions, such as:

Can upgrade/downgrade iOS, including Betas, without iTunes.
Fix iTunes errors and reset iOS devices without iTunes, password, or Apple ID.
Enter/exit Recovery Mode in one tap.
Erase them permanently before selling or giving them away.
Remove passcode without Apple ID or jailbreaking.

Here’s how to fix your iPhone stuck on a white screen with ReiBoot:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer. Download ReiBoot on the same computer.

Step 2: Trust your computer when asked on your iPhone. Then, tap “Start Repair.”

Step 3: Choose “Standard Repair.” Then, click “Download” to get the latest firmware.

Step 4: Once the firmware is downloaded, hit “Standard Repair” again. Your iPhone will reboot normally without a white screen. It is 100% working and easy to operate it even you are

3. Disable the Zoom Function [ A Quick Fix Way]

If your screen looks white, it might just be Zoom. Accidentally zooming in too far, especially on a blank area, can make it appear frozen. A triple-finger tap or misgesture may trigger it. Don’t worry—your device is fine. Just turn off Zoom in Settings to fix it without data loss.

To unzoom the iPhone screen:

Head to iPhone “Settings.” Then, choose “Accessibility.” Tap “Zoom.” Switch it off.

4. Use Recovery Mode to Update the System [ Backup iPhone ]

If the white screen is due to a failed update or minor system glitch, use Recovery Mode to reinstall iOS without data loss. It’s a safe next step. Choose Update (not Restore) to fix the system while keeping your data, settings, and personal files intact. A free way to enter recovery mode easily or follow the steps below.

How to enter Recovery Mode to update the iOS System:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to a computer. Execute the latest iTunes on Windows or Finder on Mac. Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode based on its model:

iPhone 8 and Later: Quickly press and release the “Volume Up” button. Then, do the same with the “Volume Down” button. Press and hold the “Side” button. Keep holding it until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the “Volume Down” and “Side” buttons together. Keep them pressed until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
iPhone 6/6s and Earlier: Press and hold the “Home” and “Side” buttons together. Keep them pressed until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

Step 2: Once iTunes recognizes your iPhone in Recovery Mode, hit “OK.” Then, select “Update” or Restore (if you have a backup).

Note: If Recovery Mode doesn’t fix the full white screen on your iPhone, or iTunes can’t detect it in Recovery Mode, you can put it into DFU Mode. This method, though more thorough, is also more complex and results in data loss. But if you have a backup, there’s no worry.

5. Try the DFU Mode [ Need to Backup Data ]

DFU mode is an advanced iPhone recovery method that bypasses iOS and skips system loading. It allows your computer to fully reinstall the firmware and system. Used for serious issues like firmware corruption or jailbreak failure, DFU offers a clean restore, but it will erase all your data.

Here are the steps to enter DFU mode according to different iPhone models:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to a computer. Then, execute iTunes. Next, put your iPhone into DFU Mode based on its version:

iPhone 8 and Newer: Press the “Volume Up” then “Volume Down” buttons. Next, press and hold the “Power” button until the screen turns black. Continue holding the “Power” button and press “Volume Down.” After 5 seconds, release the “Power” button but keep holding “Volume Down” until iTunes detects your iPhone in DFU Mode.

iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the “Power” and “Volume Down” buttons at the same time. After 7 seconds, release the “Power” button but keep holding “Volume Down” until iTunes detects your iPhone in DFU Mode.

iPhone 6 and earlier: Press and hold the “Power” and “Home” buttons at the same time. After 7 seconds, release the “Power” button but keep holding “Home” until iTunes detects your iPhone.

Step 3: Once iTunes recognizes your iPhone in DFU Mode, follow on-screen prompts to restore your iDevice.

Note: Make sure to back up your iPhone before doing it, and make sure you use the original data cable to connect to the computer; the computer has iTunes or Finder installed.

6. If None of This Works, Contact Apple [ Last Way ]

If no earlier-mentioned solution functions to fix the white screen on your iPhone because of hardware damage, you can contact Apple Support. Reach out to them on their official site. Then, you’ll have to schedule a shipment with them and send the iPhone to their Repair Center.

8 Tips to Prevent iPhone White Screen

Keep iOS Updated
Install the latest updates to fix bugs and improve stability.
Avoid Untrusted Apps
Only download apps from the App Store to reduce malware risk.
Free Up Storage
At least leave some storage space so that the phone won’t get stuck. Leave at least 10–20% storage free for system functions.
Don’t Force Jailbreaks
Although jailbreaking is cool, it is easy to have problems, even a white screen. Jailbreaking may cause system instability and white screens.
Restart Occasionally
Restart once every few days to give the phone a “rest”.A weekly restart clears memory and refreshes processes.
Use Official Cables/Chargers
Use the original charger, cheap accessories can cause power-related system errors.
Avoid Rapid Tapping/Swiping
Don’t click and slide randomly; operating too quickly can cause the system to get stuck, or even a white screen.
Back Up Regularly

Remember to back up your data; In case of an accident, you don’t have to worry about losing data if you have a backup.

Conclusion

The iPhone white screen issue can show up as a full white screen, lines, or small spots, each caused by different issues. Fortunately, many can be fixed without losing data by trying safe methods like a hard reset or turning off Zoom. For more serious issues, Recovery or DFU Mode may function, but they can erase your data if you don’t have a backup. Thus, for a safer option, try out Tenorshare ReiBoot, which can fix 150+ iOS issues, including iPhone stuck on white screen without data loss.