If Your Samsung Z Flip 3 Screen Goes Black When Open, Try These Fixes

Recently, many Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 users have reported an issue where the screen goes black upon opening their device. 

According to them, despite hearing the familiar “click” sound that indicates the screen is unlocked, the display remains dark for a noticeable period.

This problem occurs due to both software and hardware issues, with certain hardware components potentially being the culprits.

However, there’s no need to panic. We have included the best working solutions in this guide so you can understand the issue better and apply the correct fix to resolve the black screen issue.

Fix 01: Restart the Device

Restarting your phone can clear out any temporary software glitches that may be causing the screen to go black when you open your device.

Here’s how you can restart your Galaxy Z Flip 3:

1. Press and hold the Volume Down key and the Power key.
2. When the Samsung logo appears, release both keys.

If your screen lights up normally after the restart, then a temporary software glitch was likely the cause of your problem.

Fix 02: Clean the Hinge of The Device

Some users have reported that the screen blackout issue was resolved after they cleaned the hinge, suggesting that the hinge can indeed be responsible for this problem.

The hinge of your Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the component that allows your device to fold and unfold. This mechanical part can accumulate dust, dirt, and other particles over time, and makes it interfere with the proper functioning of your device’s screen.

To clean the hinge of your device, follow these steps:

1. Power off your device.
2. Use a soft, lint-free cloth and gently wipe the hinge. Avoid using any liquid that can damage the internal components of your device.
3. Open and close the device a few times to dislodge any particles that might be stuck in the hinge.
4. Once you’ve cleaned the hinge, power on your Z Flip 3 and check if the screen blackout issue has been resolved.

Fix 03: Boot the Device Into Safe Mode

Third-party applications can also interfere with the screen locking/unlocking mechanism of your Z Flip 3 and cause the screen to go black when you open the device. 

To determine if a third-party app is causing the issue, you have to boot your device into Safe Mode.

If you don’t know, safe mode is a diagnostic mode in Android devices that allows you to run the device with only the original software and apps that came with it. Any third-party apps you’ve installed will be disabled in this mode.

Here’s how to boot your Galaxy Z Flip 3 into Safe Mode:

1. Press and hold the Power button until the Power off menu appears on the screen.
2. Tap and hold the Power off option until the Safe Mode prompt appears.

3. Tap again to confirm and your device will restart in Safe Mode.

Once you’re in Safe Mode, observe if the screen still goes black when you open the device. If it doesn’t, then a third-party app is causing the problem. 

You can then start uninstalling recently installed apps one by one, starting with those you suspect might be causing the issue, and then restart the device normally to see if the problem is resolved.

Fix 04: Disable HW Overlays in Developer Options

HW Overlays (also known as Hardware Overlays), is a feature in the developer options of your Z Flip 3. 

This feature allows the device to utilize hardware rather than software to composite screen layers. Simply put, it helps your device to render graphics more smoothly.

However, this feature can sometimes interfere with the screen display, especially when opening the device. Furthermore, some users have reported that disabling HW Overlays has resolved the black screen issue on their Galaxy Z Flip 3.

To disable HW Overlays in developer options, follow the steps below:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap on Developer options.

3. Scroll down until you find Disable HW overlays under the Hardware accelerated rendering section.

4. Tap on the switch next to Disable HW overlays to turn it on.

Fix 05: Do a Software Update

Some users have reported that this problem started after they updated their software. So it’s possible that the update came with bugs that interfere with the screen’s functionality.

In such cases, installing another software update could potentially resolve the issue. Here is how you can do that:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Battery and device care.

3. Scroll down and tap on Software Update.

4. Tap on Download and Install.

5. If an update is available, your device will start downloading it. Make sure your device is connected to a stable internet connection to avoid any interruptions.
6. Once the download is complete, tap on Install Now. Your device will restart and the update will be installed.

Fix 06: Take Your Galaxy Z Flip 3 to a Samsung Repair Center

If none of the above solutions have resolved your issue, it indicates a hardware problem with your device, especially with the display and hinge.

If your device is still under warranty, Samsung will cover the cost of the repair or replacement. However, it is important to note that warranties usually cover only manufacturing defects and not damages caused by misuse or accidents. 

So, if the screen blackout issue is due to a manufacturing defect, you should be able to get it repaired for free.

To get your device repaired, you need to take it to a Samsung service center. Here’s how you can find the nearest Samsung service center:

1. Go to the Samsung service locator.

2. Then you can type your location there and find the closest service center to you.

3. After signing in, you’ll be able to locate the nearest Samsung service center.