How to Fix iPhone Red Screen of Death? [Step-by-Step Guide]

"Have the red screen of death on my iPhone 6 tried everything.... Tried to book Genius Bar appointment and tried to talk to support online but keep getting errors. Help anyone."

- from Apple Community

When your iPhone suddenly displays a completely red screen and keeps restarting or freezing, it is commonly referred to as the "iPhone Red Screen of Death". While this issue is less common than black or white screens, it typically indicates a system or hardware malfunction. If not addressed promptly, it can lead to data loss or make the device unusable.

This article will walk you through the common causes of the iPhone red screen of death and provide various effective solutions to help you quickly restore your device to normal operation.

Part 1. Why Did My iPhone Screen Go Red?

The causes of the iPhone red screen can vary, but here are the most common types:

• System Software Failure: Issues such as failed iOS updates, file corruption, or jailbreaking can prevent the system from starting properly, leading to the red screen.
• Battery or Motherboard Problems: If the battery is damaged, the power management IC is aging, or there is a short circuit on the motherboard, it can cause the iPhone to display the red screen.
• Baseband Chip Abnormalities: Damage to the baseband hardware or poor solder joints can affect the iPhone's boot process, potentially causing the red screen, freeze on the logo, or endless restarting.
• Drops or Water Damage: Physical damage can affect internal circuitry, leading to abnormal booting and ultimately causing the red screen.

Part 2. How to Fix iPhone Red Screen of Death?

The following methods range from simple to advanced. You can try them in order until the issue is resolved.

Fix 1. Force Restart iPhone

A force restart can quickly clear temporary system errors and help your device get rid of the red screen freeze or inability to power on. This method will not delete your data.

Here are the steps:

iPhone 8 and newer models:

• Quickly press and release the "Volume Up" button.
• Quickly press and release the "Volume Down" button.
• Press and hold the "Power" button until the Apple logo appears.

iPhone 7/7 Plus:

• Press and hold the "Volume Down" button + "Power" button simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

iPhone 6s and earlier models:

• Press and hold the "Home" button + "Power" button simultaneously until the screen lights up.

Fix 2. Update iOS Using iTunes

Sometimes, the iPhone red screen issue is caused by an outdated iOS version, and an updated iOS version can fix the bugs that an old iOS software has. Since your iPhone cannot operate properly now, you can make full use of iTunes to update your iPhone to the latest iOS software. Below are the instructions to upgrade an iPhone with iTunes.

Here is how to do it:

Step 1. Open the latest version of iTunes on your computer.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to the system.

Step 3. Once iTunes detects your device, select your iPhone from the list of connected devices.

Step 4. In the left panel, go to the "Summary" section.

Step 5. On the right, click "Check for Updates". If an iOS update is available, you will be notified.

Step 6. Next, click "Update".

Step 7. Confirm your choice to update your iPhone to a stable iOS version using iTunes.

Fix 3. Restore iPhone from Recovery Mode

If the update cannot be completed normally, you can put the device into Recovery Mode for repair. However, please note that this will erase all data and settings on your iPhone. Make sure to back up your iPhone throughout the process.

Here is how to do it:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the computer.

Step 2. Enter Recovery Mode according to your model:

• iPhone 8 and later: Press "Volume Up" → "Volume Down" → Press and hold the "Power" button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
• iPhone 7 series: Press and hold both the "Volume Down" button and the "Power" button simultaneously.
• iPhone 6s and earlier models: Press and hold both the "Home" button and the "Power" button simultaneously.

Step 3. Now, you are in Recovery Mode. And you will receive a notification from iTunes, asking you to "Restore" or "Update" your iPhone. Simply click "Restore".

Step 4. After restoration, all contents and settings of your iPhone will be erased. And you can restore iPhone data from a backup.

Fix 4. Put the iPhone into DFU Mode

DFU mode can deeply repair firmware issues and is the most effective software solution for fixing the red screen. However, it will erase all data, so be sure to back up your device in advance.

Here is how to fix iPhone red screen of death using DFU mode:

Step 1. Connect the device to the computer and open iTunes/Finder.

Step 2. Quickly press the "Volume Up" button, then press the "Volume Down" button.

Step 3. Press and hold the "Power" button for 10 seconds.

Step 4. While holding the "Power" button, press and hold the "Volume Down" button for 5 seconds.

Step 5. Release the "Power" button, but continue holding the "Volume Down" button for about 10 seconds.

Step 6. If the screen is completely black and the computer detects the device, you have successfully entered DFU mode.

Step 7. Select "Restore iPhone" to complete the repair.

Fix 5. Using iOS System Recovery Without Data Loss

If you're looking for a safe and simple solution to fix the iPhone red screen of death issue, the professional iPhone repair software — iOS System Recovery (Windows/Mac) — is definitely worth checking out. With just one click, it allows you to easily fix iPhone red/blue/white/black screen issues and restore your iPhone to normal, all without losing any data.

Additionally, this recovery tool can fix other iPhone errors and iTunes issues, such as iPhone stuck in a restart loop, iPhone freezing during update verification, and iPhone/iPad white screen crashes, among others. The best part is that it's fully compatible with all iOS devices, so you don't have to worry about compatibility issues.

Key features of OS System Recovery:

• Fix iPhone red screen of death without losing data.
• Restore your iOS devices to normal on both Windows and Mac.
• Fix a wide range of iOS system issues, including iPhone stuck on the Apple logo, stuck in headphone mode, water damage, screen issues (black, red, blue, or white screens of death), freezing, or being disabled after multiple failed unlock attempts.
• Choose between Standard Mode (no data loss) and Advanced Mode for more thorough repairs.
• Easily upgrade or downgrade your iOS to a supported version.
• Enjoy a high success rate with no data loss.
• Fully compatible with the latest iPhone 17 series and iOS 26.

Below are free trials for both Windows and Mac versions. Download the correct version for your computer and easily start fixing the iPhone red screen issue.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

Here is how to fix iPhone red screen of death using iOS System Recovery:

Fix 6. Check the Hardware at the Apple Store

If the iPhone red screen issue persists, it is likely a hardware problem. The solutions mentioned above are designed to address software-related issues, so we recommend visiting an Apple Store for a hardware check. The experts there can provide professional advice and fix the red screen issue.

Words in the End

The iPhone red screen of death issue can be caused by anything from system failures to hardware damage. We recommend starting with simple methods, such as force restarting or updating the system. If you want to fix the red screen issue in a safer and more reliable way, iOS System Recovery is a highly recommended tool. It can fix a variety of system errors without data loss, making it suitable for most users. If the issue still isn't resolved, a visit to the Apple Store for a hardware check is the next step.

If you encounter any issues, please let us know, and we'd be happy to assist you.

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