iPhone 12 stuck on VoiceOver and black screen

My daughter's iPhone 12 got stuck on VoiceOver a couple of days ago and also the screen was frozen - there were two different times shown and it wasn't responsive swipes etc. After trying a hard reset a few times it now has a black screen as well, though the VoiceOver is still on. I've tried hard reset repeatedly, as well as letting the battery run down fully and taking the SIM out. It always is exactly the same when I switch it back on. I think it needs a factory reset but I can't do that if I can't get into the phone. Help!

Posted on Apr 29, 2024 2:47 AM

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Posted on Apr 29, 2024 3:09 AM

Hello ! Try this:


  1. Force Restart: Since you've already tried a hard reset (force restart) without success, let's try it again in a slightly different way:
    • Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
    • Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
    • Press and hold the Side (or Power) button until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. This may take about 10 seconds.
  1. Connect to iTunes/Finder: If the force restart doesn't resolve the issue, you can try connecting the iPhone to a computer with iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on Mac) installed. Follow these steps:
    • Connect the iPhone to the computer using a Lightning cable.
    • Open iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on Mac).
    • If prompted to trust the computer on the iPhone, follow the on-screen instructions.
    • Once the iPhone is recognized, you should see an option to update or restore it. Try updating the iPhone first. If that doesn't work, you may need to restore it, which will erase all data on the device.
  1. Recovery Mode: If connecting to iTunes/Finder doesn't work, you can try putting the iPhone into recovery mode and then restoring it. Here's how:
    • Disconnect the iPhone from the computer if it's connected.
    • Press and release the Volume Up button.
    • Press and release the Volume Down button.
    • Press and hold the Side (or Power) button until the Recovery Mode screen appears. You should see the iTunes/Finder icon and a Lightning cable.
    • Follow the prompts in iTunes or Finder to restore the iPhone.
  1. Contact Apple Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it's possible that there's a hardware problem with the iPhone. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance. They may be able to diagnose the issue and recommend a solution.


4 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Apr 29, 2024 3:09 AM in response to JJP47E

Hello ! Try this:


  1. Force Restart: Since you've already tried a hard reset (force restart) without success, let's try it again in a slightly different way:
    • Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
    • Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
    • Press and hold the Side (or Power) button until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. This may take about 10 seconds.
  1. Connect to iTunes/Finder: If the force restart doesn't resolve the issue, you can try connecting the iPhone to a computer with iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on Mac) installed. Follow these steps:
    • Connect the iPhone to the computer using a Lightning cable.
    • Open iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on Mac).
    • If prompted to trust the computer on the iPhone, follow the on-screen instructions.
    • Once the iPhone is recognized, you should see an option to update or restore it. Try updating the iPhone first. If that doesn't work, you may need to restore it, which will erase all data on the device.
  1. Recovery Mode: If connecting to iTunes/Finder doesn't work, you can try putting the iPhone into recovery mode and then restoring it. Here's how:
    • Disconnect the iPhone from the computer if it's connected.
    • Press and release the Volume Up button.
    • Press and release the Volume Down button.
    • Press and hold the Side (or Power) button until the Recovery Mode screen appears. You should see the iTunes/Finder icon and a Lightning cable.
    • Follow the prompts in iTunes or Finder to restore the iPhone.
  1. Contact Apple Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it's possible that there's a hardware problem with the iPhone. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance. They may be able to diagnose the issue and recommend a solution.


Apr 29, 2024 2:51 AM in response to JJP47E

Sorry to hear bro!


A factory reset will erase all data on the phone. If possible, try to back up the phone to iCloud or iTunes before proceeding if there's important data you don't want to lose. However, since the phone isn't accessible in its current state, a backup might not be possible.


Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:


Recovery Mode Restore:


  • This will reinstall iOS without erasing data (if possible). However, in some cases, it might require erasing the phone if the software is corrupted.


  • Connect your iPhone 12 to your computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).


  • Force restart your iPhone 12 while connected:


  • Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.


  • Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.


  • Then, press and hold the Side button (the power button) until you see the Apple logo.


  • You might see an option to "Restore" or "Update" on your computer screen. Choose "Restore."


iTunes or Finder will download the software and restore your iPhone


let me know id it helps you, I would hate my daughter losing all her stuff.

Apr 29, 2024 2:51 AM in response to JJP47E

Here are some common solutions you can attempt:


  1. Follow the Apple article to resolve the issue --> If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won't turn on or is frozen ...
  2. If not resolved; please follow the steps in the following link for support with this issue: If your iOS device restarts or displays the Apple logo or a spinning gear unexpectedly
  3. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Turn off your iPhone, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
    1. Restart the device. That's it.
    2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
  4. Make sure you have the latest updates installed. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)
  5. You still see a black screen after charging, force restarting, following the steps in this article.
    1. You see a black screen, but you can hear alerts, sounds, and vibrations.
    2. The screen remains black, but the device chirps when you unmute it and connect it to power.
    3. Your screen is on, but it doesn't respond when you tap, slide, or try other gestures. 
    4. You can't force your device to restart because a button is broken or stuck.
    5. Your device is stuck on the Apple logo, displays a solid color, or isn't recognized in iTunes.
    6. Contact Apple Support to set up service if you have any of the above issues:
  6. Please follow the steps in the following Apple Video for support with this issue:



If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your device model and iOS version.


Apr 29, 2024 8:21 AM in response to IOSlife

That fixed it! Had to restore it though - an update meant we could see the screen but it still wasn't working. TBH she doesn't have camera, internet or anything other than v basic apps so not too much lost! She's not best pleased but the other option was going back to the Nokia so she'll come round to it


HUGE thanks for your help. Total lifesaver.

iPhone 12 stuck on VoiceOver and black screen

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