iPhone Screen Black and White? Fixes That Work

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

If your iPhone screen suddenly turns black and white (grayscale), the most common cause is an accidental accessibility setting, and the fix is usually quick: go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and turn off Color Filters, or check the Accessibility Shortcut. This article explains every likely cause and the step-by-step fix for each, so you can restore color in minutes.

Why Does the Screen Turn Black and White?

iOS includes a full grayscale mode designed for people with color vision deficiencies or visual sensitivities. It is not a hardware failure; it is a software filter that removes all color from the display. The setting can be turned on accidentally by pressing the side button three times (if you set the Accessibility Shortcut to Color Filters) or by toggling it in the Settings app. Less commonly, a black-and-white screen can appear after an iOS update, a restore from backup, or when Low Power Mode is combined with a display calibration glitch. In rare cases, it can indicate a hardware issue, but that is far less likely than a simple setting.

Quick Fix: Turn Off Color Filters

The most direct fix is to disable Color Filters in the Settings app:

Open Settings.
Tap Accessibility.
Tap Display & Text Size.
Tap Color Filters.
Toggle the switch to Off (green is on, gray is off).

If the toggle is already off, check the Accessibility Shortcut (Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut). If Color Filters is listed there, you may have accidentally triggered it by pressing the side button three times. Tap the entry to remove it, or press the side button three times again to cycle back to color.

Check the Accessibility Shortcut

The Accessibility Shortcut is a convenient way to toggle features like Color Filters, Smart Invert, and Zoom. If you set it to Color Filters, a triple-click of the side button (or home button on older models) turns grayscale on and off. Many users do this without realizing it. To check or change it:

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut.
Look for a checkmark next to Color Filters. If it is checked, tap it to uncheck it.
If you want to keep the shortcut but avoid accidental toggles, choose a different feature like VoiceOver or Magnifier instead.

Other Settings That Can Cause Grayscale

Besides Color Filters, a few other settings can make the screen appear monochrome or washed out:

Smart Invert (Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Smart Invert) – This reverses colors but keeps images natural. It can make the screen look odd but not fully grayscale.
Reduce White Point – This dims bright colors and can make the screen look dull, but it does not remove all color.
Increase Contrast – This can make colors less vibrant but does not make the screen black and white.
Low Power Mode – This does not turn the screen grayscale, but a bug in some iOS versions caused a temporary grayscale effect when combined with other settings.

If none of these are on, try restarting your iPhone. A simple reboot clears temporary software glitches that can affect display rendering.

What to Do If the Fixes Don’t Work

If you have turned off Color Filters, checked the Accessibility Shortcut, and restarted your iPhone, but the screen is still black and white, try these steps in order:

Update iOS – Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Install any available update, as Apple frequently fixes display-related bugs.
Reset All Settings – Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This does not erase your data, but it resets display, accessibility, and other system settings to defaults. You will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and re-configure some preferences.
Restore from Backup – If the problem persists, back up your iPhone and restore it using a computer (Finder on Mac, iTunes on Windows). Choose “Restore” to reinstall iOS. If the screen is still grayscale after a fresh restore, it is likely a hardware issue.

Hardware Issues and When to Seek Service

If none of the software fixes work, the display or the logic board may be damaged. Common causes include physical drops, liquid exposure, or a faulty display connector. Symptoms of a hardware problem often include the screen flickering, showing lines, or being unresponsive. In such cases, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider. If your iPhone is under warranty or AppleCare+, the repair may be covered. Do not attempt to open the phone yourself, as this can void warranty and cause further damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my iPhone screen turn black and white after an update?

Sometimes an iOS update can change accessibility settings or cause a glitch that enables Color Filters. Check Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Color Filters and turn it off. If it is off, restart your iPhone and check the Accessibility Shortcut.

Can a black-and-white screen be a sign of a broken screen?

Yes, but it is rare. A hardware failure can cause the display to show only grayscale, but usually it is accompanied by other symptoms like flickering, lines, or unresponsiveness. If you have ruled out all software settings and a restart, a hardware issue is possible.

How do I turn off grayscale on iPhone without going to Settings?

If you have the Accessibility Shortcut set to Color Filters, press the side button (or home button on older models) three times quickly. This toggles the filter on and off. If that does not work, you must use the Settings app.

Does Low Power Mode cause the screen to be black and white?

No, Low Power Mode does not change the display to grayscale. It only reduces background activity and performance. However, some users have reported a temporary grayscale effect after enabling Low Power Mode, which is usually fixed by restarting the iPhone.

Will resetting all settings erase my photos and apps?

No, Reset All Settings does not delete your personal data, photos, or apps. It only resets system settings like Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, and accessibility options. Your data remains intact, but you will need to reconfigure some preferences.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.