Lately, we came across an issue with our Android device running on Android 11. Our device was unable to start and kept displaying a blank screen, whether it was white or black. We proceeded with some troubleshooting steps and eventually managed to resolve the problem with the blank screen. Sometimes, these types of issues can be more intricate to tackle, and in this article, we will discuss some effective methods to address blank screen problems on Android.

Blank Screen Glitch

A notable problem on an Android device that leads to the screen turning black and the device becoming unresponsive is referred to as the “black screen of death.” This can happen due to various reasons, such as power or battery issues, software glitches, hardware malfunctions, or conflicts with third-party apps. This concept of a “black screen of death” on Android is akin to the “blue screen of death” (BSoD) seen on Windows PCs, which signifies a critical system problem.

Android devices experiencing the “black screen of death” may not react to inputs from the power button, touchscreen, volume buttons, or other controls. Moreover, the device might not power on, restart, or show any signs of life. This issue can indeed be quite frustrating.

Identifying Problems and Applying Manual Fixes

Display Anomaly

The issue might not necessarily lie with the phone itself, but with the LCD or OLED screen. If your mobile screen sometimes goes black or if you can still hear system sounds despite the screen turning black, it’s plausible that the screen component is malfunctioning. The best course of action is to have it checked at a repair center.

Battery Concerns (External and Built-in)

A black screen on an Android phone typically arises from a lack of power reaching the screen or the entire device. Charging the phone is the most likely solution, as it needs power to function properly.

Although it may seem evident, some phones won’t show signs of life until they’ve been charging for a while. If the battery is significantly drained and hasn’t been charged for some time, it might take considerable time for enough voltage to accumulate and initiate the phone’s startup. Therefore, if you connect the charger and don’t see any response immediately, wait at least 30 minutes and then check if the charging indicator eventually appears.

It’s also possible that your adapter or charging cable is faulty. To eliminate this possibility, test them both with a different device or use an alternative USB cable and adapter with your phone. Confirm the condition of the phone’s charging port as well. It could be damaged or require cleaning.

In rare cases, it’s conceivable that the phone’s power management circuits or battery itself are malfunctioning. In such instances, unless the battery is replaceable, you’ll need to consult a specialist for assessment.

Trojan Scan (Security Check)

On occasion, running a virus scan on an Android smartphone experiencing the black screen of death can be helpful. Malware can cause various issues, including a black screen or unresponsiveness. Additionally, certain malware can disrupt the device’s proper boot process, leading to crashes or freezes.

Using security apps designed to detect and remove malware is one way to check for malware on an Android smartphone. You can utilize the Avast app from the Google Play Store to scan for malware and remove any detected threats.

Apply System Update

Your black screen problem might stem from the Android OS itself, whether due to recent updates or persistent issues. Check for and install the latest Android firmware. It’s important to note that the latest version of Android your phone supports might not necessarily be the most recent version available, depending on your phone’s make and model. Unlike iOS, most Android phone manufacturers don’t provide software updates for extended periods, although newer Samsung phones and some others are extending their update commitments.

Eradicate Suspicious Apps

Updating apps to their latest versions can sometimes rectify errors leading to the black screen issue. Developers frequently release updates to address bugs and enhance app performance. Updating apps can address flaws and prevent the occurrence of the black screen.

If the black screen problem begins after installing a new app, try uninstalling it to see if the issue resolves. Occasionally, a newly installed app can interfere with the phone’s operating system or other applications, triggering a black screen. In some cases, uninstalling and reinstalling the app might solve the problem by addressing any issues resulting from a problematic installation or update.

Reboot into Safe Mode

Booting your smartphone in safe mode can help identify the problematic app. In safe mode, you can use the phone without third-party applications running. If the black screen doesn’t appear in safe mode, you can be confident that a third-party app is causing the issue. To identify the specific app causing the problem, you can enable apps one by one.

“Safe mode” is a diagnostic mode available on Android devices that allows access using only the factory drivers and software that came with the device. The steps to boot into safe mode might vary, but here’s a general outline:

1. Press and hold your device’s power button until the power menu appears. Alternatively, on certain phones like Samsung Galaxy devices, swipe down the notification shade and tap the power icon.
2. Continue holding down the power button.
3. A dialogue window will appear, asking if you want to restart in safe mode.
4. Confirm by selecting “OK” to restart in safe mode.

Exclude Custom Kernels

The black screen of death, along with other glitches, can be triggered by custom ROMs and kernels because they might introduce compatibility issues with the device’s hardware or software.

Custom ROMs are modified versions of the stock software on a device. These ROMs could feature changes or additional functionalities compared to the original software. If a modified ROM doesn’t mesh well with the device’s hardware or software, it can result in a BSOD.

The kernel of an operating system, responsible for communication between hardware and software, is a central component. Incompatibility issues with the current operating system can arise from custom kernels, potentially leading to black screens or other problems. Improperly installed custom ROMs or kernels can also lead to these issues.

Clean Cache Partition Data

Clearing the cache partition is a step in the troubleshooting process for Android devices. The cache partition holds temporary files, including app data and system files. These files can become corrupted or outdated, causing device problems.

Steps to clear the cache partition on an Android device typically involve:

1. Power off the device.
2. Depending on your phone model, use the designated recovery mode shortcut. For instance, some models might require pressing and holding the Home button.
3. Wait for the Android system recovery screen to appear.
4. Use volume buttons to highlight “wipe cache partition,” then press the power button to select it.
5. Confirm by selecting “yes” and pressing the power button.
6. Once the process is complete, select “Restart System Now” and press the power button to reboot the device.

Clearing the cache partition won’t erase personal data, but it can help with issues like app freezes or crashes. The specifics might vary depending on your phone, but this is the general procedure.

That concludes our discussion for now. These are the main methods to address the blank screen issue. If the problem persists after trying the above steps, consider flashing your device with the latest firmware.