Are you struggling with a phone that has a non-responsive screen? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. A faulty screen can be frustrating, especially when you need to access important information or make urgent calls. Fortunately, there are ways to reset your phone even when the screen isn’t working. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to reset your phone, explore the possible causes of a non-responsive screen, and provide tips on how to prevent it from happening in the future.
Understanding the Causes of a Non-Responsive Screen
Before we dive into the reset process, it’s essential to understand the possible causes of a non-responsive screen. Here are some common reasons:
Physical Damage
- Dropping your phone on a hard surface can cause damage to the screen, making it unresponsive.
- Water damage can also affect the screen’s functionality.
- Cracks or scratches on the screen can prevent it from working correctly.
Software Issues
- A software glitch or bug can cause the screen to freeze or become unresponsive.
- Outdated software can also lead to screen problems.
- Malware or viruses can infect your phone and cause screen issues.
Hardware Problems
- A faulty screen digitizer can prevent the screen from responding to touch inputs.
- A malfunctioning charging port can cause the screen to become unresponsive.
- A dying battery or a faulty power button can also affect the screen’s functionality.
Resetting Your Phone When the Screen Isn’t Working
Now that we’ve explored the possible causes of a non-responsive screen, let’s move on to the reset process. Here are the steps to follow:
Method 1: Force Restart
A force restart can often resolve screen issues. Here’s how to do it:
- Press and hold the Power button and the Volume down button simultaneously for 10-15 seconds.
- Release the buttons when the phone vibrates or the screen turns off.
- Wait for 30 seconds and then press the Power button to turn the phone back on.
Method 2: Boot in Safe Mode
Booting your phone in safe mode can help you identify if a third-party app is causing the screen issue. Here’s how to do it:
- Press and hold the Power button until the phone turns on.
- As soon as the phone starts booting up, release the Power button and immediately hold the Volume down button.
- Keep holding the Volume down button until the phone boots up in safe mode.
Method 3: Use the Recovery Mode
The recovery mode allows you to perform a factory reset or wipe the cache partition. Here’s how to access the recovery mode:
- Press and hold the Power button and the Volume down button simultaneously for 10-15 seconds.
- Release the buttons when the phone vibrates or the screen turns off.
- Immediately press and hold the Power button and the Volume up button simultaneously for 10-15 seconds.
- Release the buttons when the recovery mode menu appears.
Method 4: Use a Computer to Reset Your Phone
If the above methods don’t work, you can try using a computer to reset your phone. Here’s how to do it:
- Connect your phone to a computer using a USB cable.
- Open the device manager on your computer and locate your phone.
- Right-click on your phone and select “Update driver.”
- Follow the prompts to update the driver.
- Once the driver is updated, try to reset your phone using the device manager.
Factory Resetting Your Phone
If none of the above methods work, you may need to perform a factory reset. A factory reset will erase all data on your phone, so make sure to back up your data before doing so. Here’s how to perform a factory reset:
Method 1: Factory Reset Using the Settings App
- Go to the Settings app on your phone.
- Scroll down and select “Backup & reset.”
- Select “Factory data reset.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the factory reset process.
Method 2: Factory Reset Using the Recovery Mode
- Access the recovery mode menu by following the steps outlined in Method 3 above.
- Select “Wipe data/factory reset” using the Volume down button.
- Press the Power button to confirm.
- Follow the prompts to complete the factory reset process.
Preventing Screen Issues in the Future
To prevent screen issues from happening in the future, here are some tips:
Use a Screen Protector
- A screen protector can help prevent scratches and cracks on your screen.
- Look for a screen protector that is made of high-quality materials and has a good reputation.
Handle Your Phone with Care
- Avoid dropping your phone on hard surfaces.
- Use a phone case or cover to protect your phone from physical damage.
- Avoid exposing your phone to water or moisture.
Keep Your Software Up to Date
- Regularly update your phone’s software to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
- Use a reputable antivirus app to protect your phone from malware and viruses.
Avoid Overcharging Your Phone
- Avoid overcharging your phone, as this can cause damage to the battery and affect the screen’s functionality.
- Try to keep your phone’s battery level between 20% and 80% if possible.
Conclusion
Resetting your phone when the screen isn’t working can be a challenging task, but it’s not impossible. By following the methods outlined in this article, you should be able to reset your phone and get it working again. Remember to always handle your phone with care, keep your software up to date, and avoid overcharging your phone to prevent screen issues from happening in the future.
What are the common reasons for a phone screen to stop working?
There are several reasons why your phone screen may stop working. One of the most common reasons is physical damage, such as dropping your phone or cracking the screen. This can cause the screen to malfunction or become unresponsive. Another reason is water damage, which can occur if your phone is exposed to water or moisture. Additionally, software issues or glitches can also cause the screen to stop working.
Other reasons may include a faulty screen or display, a loose connection between the screen and the phone’s motherboard, or a problem with the phone’s operating system. In some cases, a screen protector or a phone case may be interfering with the screen’s functionality. It’s essential to identify the root cause of the problem to determine the best course of action to take.
How do I know if I need to reset my phone when the screen isn’t working?
If your phone screen is not working, and you’ve tried basic troubleshooting steps such as restarting your phone or adjusting the screen brightness, it may be necessary to reset your phone. A reset can help resolve software-related issues that may be causing the screen to malfunction. However, if the problem is hardware-related, a reset may not fix the issue.
Before attempting a reset, try to determine if the problem is software-related by checking if your phone is responding to external inputs, such as the power button or volume controls. If your phone is responding to these inputs, a reset may be a viable solution. However, if the problem is hardware-related, you may need to seek professional repair or replace your phone.
What are the different types of resets I can perform on my phone?
There are several types of resets you can perform on your phone, depending on the severity of the issue. A soft reset, also known as a restart, is the simplest type of reset and involves turning your phone off and on again. A factory reset, on the other hand, restores your phone to its original settings and erases all data and apps. A hard reset, also known as a force restart, involves pressing and holding the power button and volume down button simultaneously.
A master reset, also known as a master clear, is a more advanced type of reset that erases all data, apps, and settings, including the phone’s operating system. This type of reset should only be performed as a last resort, as it will completely wipe your phone’s data. It’s essential to choose the right type of reset for your specific issue to avoid losing important data or settings.
How do I reset my phone when the screen isn’t working?
If your phone screen is not working, you can try performing a reset using the phone’s external buttons. For most phones, you can perform a hard reset by pressing and holding the power button and volume down button simultaneously for 10-15 seconds. This will force your phone to restart and may resolve any software-related issues.
If the hard reset doesn’t work, you can try performing a factory reset using the phone’s recovery mode. To do this, press and hold the power button and volume down button simultaneously while powering on your phone. This will boot your phone into recovery mode, where you can select the option to perform a factory reset. Be sure to follow the on-screen instructions carefully to avoid losing important data or settings.
Will resetting my phone erase all my data and apps?
Depending on the type of reset you perform, you may lose some or all of your data and apps. A soft reset, for example, will not erase any data or apps, while a factory reset will erase all data, apps, and settings. A hard reset may also erase some data, depending on the phone’s settings.
It’s essential to back up your data regularly to avoid losing important information. If you need to perform a factory reset, be sure to back up your data first using a cloud backup service or a computer. You can also use a phone’s built-in backup feature to save your data and settings. This will ensure that you can restore your data and apps after the reset.
Can I reset my phone remotely if the screen isn’t working?
Yes, you can reset your phone remotely if the screen isn’t working. If you have a Google account or an Apple ID, you can use the Find My Device or Find My iPhone feature to remotely reset your phone. This feature allows you to locate your phone, lock it, or erase all data remotely.
To use this feature, go to the Google or Apple website and sign in to your account. Select the option to erase your device, and follow the on-screen instructions. This will remotely reset your phone and erase all data. Be sure to use this feature carefully, as it will completely wipe your phone’s data.
What should I do if resetting my phone doesn’t fix the screen issue?
If resetting your phone doesn’t fix the screen issue, it’s likely that the problem is hardware-related. In this case, you may need to seek professional repair or replace your phone. You can contact the phone’s manufacturer or a authorized repair center for assistance.
Before seeking repair, try to troubleshoot the issue further by checking for any physical damage or loose connections. You can also try using a different screen or display to see if the issue is specific to the current screen. If the problem persists, it’s likely that the issue is with the phone’s hardware, and you may need to consider replacing your phone.