LG G5 Screen Not Turning On? Fix It Now
If your LG G5 screen stays black or won’t turn on, the fix usually involves a forced restart, checking for a drained battery, or addressing a known hardware fault with the display ribbon cable. This guide walks you through the most common causes and the step-by-step solutions that work for most users, from simple software resets to identifying when you need a professional repair.
Why the LG G5 Screen Fails
The LG G5, released in 2016, is known for its modular design and replaceable battery. A black screen can stem from several distinct issues, each with a different fix. Understanding the root cause is the first step to solving it. The most frequent culprits are:
- Software crash or freeze: A temporary glitch in the operating system can leave the screen unresponsive even though the phone is powered on.
- Drained or defective battery: The G5’s removable battery can lose its charge completely, or the battery contacts may be corroded or loose, preventing power from reaching the screen.
- Loose display ribbon cable: The G5’s display connects to the motherboard via a delicate ribbon cable. If the phone has been dropped or opened, this cable can work loose, cutting off the screen signal.
- Hardware failure: The screen itself, the digitizer, or the motherboard can fail due to age, physical damage, or water exposure.
- Boot loop or corrupted system: A failed software update or a corrupted system file can cause the phone to boot repeatedly without ever fully starting the display.
Quick Fixes to Try First
Before you consider any disassembly or repair, try these simple steps. They take less than a minute and solve a surprising number of black-screen problems.
- Force restart: Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously for 10–15 seconds. The phone should vibrate and restart. This is the most effective fix for a software crash.
- Charge the battery: Plug the phone into a wall charger (not a computer USB port) and wait at least 15 minutes. The G5’s battery can drain completely, and the phone may not show any charging indicator until it has a minimal charge. If you have a spare battery, swap it in.
- Check the battery contacts: Remove the back cover and the battery. Inspect the gold contacts on the battery and the phone for dirt or corrosion. Gently clean them with a dry cloth or a pencil eraser, then reinsert the battery firmly.
- Try Safe Mode: If the phone turns on but the screen stays black after the restart, you might be in a boot loop. To enter Safe Mode, turn the phone off, then press and hold the Power button until the LG logo appears, then release and immediately press and hold the Volume Down button until the phone finishes booting. Safe Mode disables third-party apps, which can help you diagnose if an app is causing the problem.
Software and System Issues
If the quick fixes don’t work, the problem is likely software-related. A corrupted system partition or a failed update can leave the phone stuck in a state where the screen never turns on. Here’s what to do:
- Factory reset (via hardware keys): If you can’t access the settings menu, you can reset the phone using the hardware buttons. Turn the phone off, then press and hold Power + Volume Down until the LG logo appears. Release the buttons, then immediately press and hold Power + Volume Down again until the Factory data reset screen appears. Use the volume keys to select Yes and the power button to confirm. This will erase all data, so only do this if you have a backup or are willing to lose everything.
- Reinstall the firmware: For more advanced users, using LG’s PC software (like LG Bridge) or a tool like LGUP can reflash the stock firmware. This is a more involved process but can fix deep system corruption. Search for your specific model number (e.g., H850, H830) to find the correct firmware.
Hardware Problems and the Display Cable
If software resets don’t help, the issue is likely physical. The LG G5 is known for a specific hardware weakness: the display ribbon cable can become loose or damaged. This is especially common if the phone has been dropped or opened for battery replacement.
How to check the display cable:
- Turn the phone off and remove the back cover and battery.
- Use a plastic pry tool or a guitar pick to carefully separate the screen assembly from the metal body. The screen is held in by clips. Work your way around the edges slowly.
- Once the screen is lifted, you’ll see the ribbon cable connecting it to the motherboard. It’s a flat, flexible cable near the top of the phone.
- Gently unclip the cable from its socket, then press it back in firmly until you hear a click. Make sure it’s seated properly.
- Reassemble the phone and test the screen.
If the cable looks damaged (torn, creased, or bent), it will need to be replaced. This is a delicate operation, and if you’re not comfortable with it, a repair shop can do it for a reasonable cost.
When to Seek Professional Repair
If you’ve tried the forced restart, battery checks, and cable reseating, and the screen still won’t turn on, the problem is likely a failed component. This could be the screen itself, the digitizer, or the motherboard. In these cases, professional repair is usually the safest and most effective option.
- Screen replacement: If the LCD is cracked or has dead pixels, it needs replacing. A new screen assembly typically includes the digitizer and frame.
- Motherboard repair: If the phone doesn’t respond to any button presses, vibrate, or show a charging LED, the motherboard may be faulty. This is a complex and often expensive repair.
- Water damage: If the phone has been exposed to moisture, internal corrosion can cause a black screen. Professional cleaning may save it, but it’s not guaranteed.
Before paying for a repair, get a quote from a reputable shop. Compare the cost to the value of the phone—the G5 is an older model, so a major repair might not be worth it.
Preventing Future Screen Issues
Once your screen is working again, take steps to avoid a repeat. The G5’s modular design is both a blessing and a curse—it’s easy to swap parts, but it also means the connections are more exposed.
- Use a protective case: A sturdy case can absorb shock from drops, which is the primary cause of loose cables and screen damage.
- Handle battery swaps carefully: When removing or inserting the battery, do it gently and make sure the back cover is properly aligned before pressing it back on.
- Keep the phone dry: Avoid using the phone in heavy rain or near water. Moisture can corrode the delicate connectors.
- Update software regularly: While rare, software updates can fix bugs that cause boot loops or screen freezes. Keep your OS up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my LG G5 screen black but the phone is still on?
This usually indicates a software crash or a loose display cable. The phone is running, but the screen isn’t receiving the signal. A forced restart (Power + Volume Down) often fixes it. If not, you may need to open the phone and reseat the display ribbon cable.
How do I force restart my LG G5?
Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time for about 10–15 seconds. The phone will vibrate and restart. This is the first step to try for any unresponsive screen.
Can a dead battery cause the screen to not turn on?
Yes, absolutely. If the battery is completely drained, the phone may not have enough power to even show a charging indicator. Plug it into a wall charger and wait at least 15 minutes. If you have a spare battery, swap it in—the G5’s battery is removable.
Is the LG G5 screen problem a known issue?
Yes, many G5 users have reported screen issues, particularly with the display ribbon cable becoming loose over time. This is a common failure point for the device, and reseating the cable is a well-known DIY fix.
Will a factory reset fix a black screen on my LG G5?
It can, if the problem is caused by a software glitch or a corrupted app. However, a factory reset will erase all your data, so back up first if possible. If the problem is hardware-related, a reset won’t help.
How much does it cost to repair an LG G5 screen?
The cost varies depending on the repair shop and whether you need just the glass or the entire LCD assembly. On average, you might expect to pay between $50 and $100 for parts and labor, but it can be more. It’s often cheaper to buy a used G5 or upgrade to a newer phone.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.