How to Fix iPhone Pink Screen of Death [Updated]

Updated by Brian Davis on Nov 26, 2025 • Category: Fix iPhone Issues
5 mins read

Enjoying high popularity, Apple's iPhone has always focused on design, performance, and reliability. Every year, there are new iPhones released, which are highly anticipated. However, iPhones are not immune to issues. One such problem that has left users confused and frustrated is iPhone pink screen of death.

This issue has gained attention in recent years, typically first reported by iPhone 13 users, and keeps happening to other device models, leaving users wondering what is causing it and how to fix it. In this article, we will delve into this issue and provide you with possible solutions.

iphone pink screen

Part 1. Why Does iPhone Pink Screen Appear?

If your iPhone screen turned pink and influence your device usage, you might as well see what cause it. Here are some common reasons.

  • Software glitches: The most common cause is a bug in iOS that crashes the system and locks the screen.
  • Wallpaper conflicts: Some stock wallpapers, especially on newer iPhones, have been linked to pink flickers when the screen dims or auto‑locks.
  • iOS version issues: Early releases of iOS 18 have shown higher reports of pink screen errors on iPhone 13, 15, and 16.
  • App or storage conflicts: Corrupted apps, low storage, or background processes can trigger instability.
  • Hardware defects (rare): Persistent pink screens may point to faulty display components or internal hardware problems.

Part 2. 6 Ways to Fix iPhone Pink Screen Issue

You can try both basic and advanced solutions to get rid of your iPhone's pink screen. The operations are easy to follow and you can make it on your own at home.

Method 1: Force Restart iPhone

The first thing you can try looking at to tackle the pink screen is to force a restart of the iOS device. Doing so enables your iOS device to start fresh.

iPhone 8 or later versions: Press and release the Volume Up button. Next, press and leave the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Side button and leave it when the Apple logo appears.

iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold iPhone's Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously. You can release them when the Apple logo emerges on the screen.

iPhone 6s or earlier: Simultaneously press and hold the iPhone's Home and Power buttons. Upon seeing the Apple logo on the screen, you can leave them to turn on your iPhone.

force restart iphone

Method 2: Check and Change Wallpaper

Sometimes the pink screen is triggered by Apple’s stock wallpapers, especially when the phone dims before auto‑lock or while charging. This is a known software bug, not a hardware failure. Switching to a different wallpaper often stops the flicker.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Wallpaper > Choose a New Wallpaper.

Step 2: Select a photo from your library instead of Apple’s default options.

Step 3: Restart your phone after changing to ensure the new wallpaper loads correctly.

choose a new wallpaper

Method 3: Free Up iPhone Storage

If your iOS device doesn't have enough storage, you might be faced with pink screen of death on iPhone. Thus, you'll need to check the iPhone storage and clear some space if necessary.

Step 1: After you launch the iPhone Settings app, tap General.

Step 2: Go for iPhone Storage option.

Step 3: Carefully check the available space on your iPhone. Then you can delete unwanted and irrelevant data from the iOS device.

free up iphone storage

Method 4: Update iOS to the Latest Version

You may struggle with multiple software bugs provided you don't Install the new iOS update. Hence, check whether there is a new iOS update and complete installation without wasting any time.

To quickly do this, click on the iPhone Settings > General option > Software Update. If prompted that an update is available, tap on the "Download and Install" button.

update ios 26

Method 5: Update Apps or Remove the Suspicious App

Potential viruses or malware might give rise to iPhone pink screen glitch. The issue may occur while installing the apps on the phone. you can update your apps to the newest version. Additionally, you can remove the suspect program that may be the issue's root.

Step 1: On your iPhone, open the App Store app.

Step 2: The next step is to pick a profile.

Step 3: To view the list of pending changes, you'll have to scroll down. "Update All" is also an option if you prefer not to update one by one.

update apps on iphone

Method 6: Use the Advanced iOS Repair Tool — TunesKit iOS System Recovery [No Data Loss]

The best way to cure the pink screen problem on iOS without sacrificing your data is to use a professional iOS repair tool such as TunesKit iOS System Recovery.

This all-in-one tool is designed to solve as many as 150+ issues with iOS devices safely and quickly. If you encounter an iPhone red screen, are stuck in recovery mode, or have any other problems and errors, TunesKit iOS System Recovery is a good helper, causing no data loss. The program can resolve these issues without the necessity to possess a high level of technical or software expertise.

Why Choose TunesKit iOS System Recovery?

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Now, you'll learn how to fix pink screen on iPhone using TunesKit iOS System Recovery step by step.

Step 1Download TunesKit iOS System Recovery

Download and install TunesKit iOS System Recovery on your computer. Then, connect your iPhone to the computer and launch TunesKit iOS System Recovery. Choose the iOS System Repair option and then click the Start button.

connect iphone

Step 2Choose the Repair Mode

Then select the Standard Repair mode to fix your iPhone pink screen of death issue. This mode will not cause any data loss on your device.

select standard mode

Step 3Download and Verify the Firmware

After this, click the Downlod button and TunesKit will download the appropriate iOS firmware file for your device. Before downloading, please confirm that all the given information is corresponding to your iPhone. Please be patient during the process.

download correct firmware package

Step 4Start Fixing iPhone Pink Screen Issue

When you've completed the downloading procedure, you can click the Repair button and TunesKit will start to fix your pink screen issue. Wait a while until the process ends, and your problem should have been solved.

start fixing iphone pink screen

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Method 7: Restore iPhone in Recovery Mode

Another solution to fix pink screen iPhone issue is to restore your device in recovery mode. However, using this approach will wipe out all your previously saved data and preferences. You can then restore it from a backup if available. To fix pink screen via recovery mode, follow these instructions.

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to a Windows computer with iTunes installed or a Mac computer running Finder.

Step 2: Manually put your iPhone into recovery mode.

Step 3: When iTunes/Finder recognizes iPhone in recovery mode, it will pop up a window. Click on the Restore option to restore your iPhone to factory status and fix the pink screen issue.

restore iphone in recovery mode

Method 8: Visit Apple Service Center

If the pink screen of death persists after attempting the fixes above, you'll need to get in touch with Apple support. The Service is available online or at an Apple retail location near you. Make an appointment at your local Apple Store if you want to talk to their technical staff about a problem you're having.

contact apple support

Part 3. FAQs Related to iPhone Pink Screen

  • 1. Why does my screen turn pink only when charging?

    This often points to overheating. If you are using a cheap third-party charger or charging while gaming, the heat generated can cause the GPU to become unstable. Try using an official Apple charger and remove the case while charging to see if the issue stops.

  • 2. Does the pink screen mean my iPhone is exploding?

    No. Unlike a smoking or swelling battery, a pink screen is strictly a display or GPU communication error. It is frustrating, but it is not dangerous. Your phone is not going to blow up.

  • 3. Does the iPhone 17 have the pink screen issue?

    Yes, though it is less common than it was on the iPhone 13. Reports indicate that early versions of iOS 26 have caused pink screen glitches on some iPhone 17 Pro models. Try to update your software to solve it immediately.

Part 4. Conclusion

The iPhone pink screen of death is a common issue. While it can be caused by different problems, there are measures you can take to diagnose and probably resolve the issue. Whether it's a simple force restart, a software update, or a professional TunesKit iOS System Recovery, resolving the issue in a timely manner is the key to getting your iPhone back to its normal state. Don't forget to back up your important data before use solutions like restore iPhone. When in doubt, draw support from Apple's customer support.

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