A practical, AdSense-friendly troubleshooting guide to fix the black screen issue in Clash of Clans — includes step-by-step fixes, server maintenance notice handling, and tips to avoid data loss.
Maintenance notice — what to expect
"Hear this out loud — Pause. We expect the maintenance to take roughly 30 minutes or so but we will try to be back up as soon as possible. Furthermore, the maintenance will wipe replays; apologies for the inconvenience! Clash On!"
If you see a maintenance message like the one above, the issue may be server-side. During maintenance you may not be able to load the game — replays or temporary in-game data may be cleared. In most cases, there's nothing you can do except wait until servers are back online. Follow the checklist below while you wait to make sure your device and app are ready when service resumes.
Why Clash of Clans shows a black screen
The black screen happens when the app fails to render its interface. Typical reasons include:
- Cached data has become corrupt.
- The app process is stuck or crashed.
- Server-side maintenance or outages preventing the app from loading new data.
- Insufficient device memory or GPU issues on older devices.
- Conflicts with other apps or overlays (screen recorders, VPNs, accessibility overlays).
Quick fixes — Force stop and clear cache (Android)
Try these first — they are fast and solve most cases.
- Open Settings on your phone > Apps or Apps & notifications.
- Scroll to Clash of Clans and tap it.
- Tap Storage then tap Clear cache. (This removes temporary files but keeps your saved game linked to Supercell ID or Google/Apple account.)
- Return and tap Force stop.
- Relaunch the game from your home screen or app drawer.
Tip: Long-press the Clash icon, drag to App Info, and access the Force Stop and Storage options directly.
What about iPhone?
iOS doesn't provide a simple "clear cache" button for apps. Instead, try closing the app from the app switcher and reopening. If problems persist, reinstalling the app (after verifying your Supercell ID is linked) will clear temporary data.
Advanced steps — Clear data, reinstall, and device checks
If quick fixes didn't help, move to these steps carefully — backing up where needed.
Clear All Data (Android)
Clearing all data resets the app. Only use this if your account is linked to Supercell ID, Google Play, or Game Center (iOS), otherwise you risk losing progress.
- Settings > Apps > Clash of Clans > Storage > Clear data (or Clear storage).
- Open the app and sign in to your Supercell ID or game account to restore progress.
Reinstall the app
Uninstall Clash of Clans, reboot your device, then reinstall from Google Play or the App Store. This replaces corrupted files and ensures you have the latest stable build. Always confirm account linkage before uninstalling.
Other checks
- Free up device storage and close background apps.
- Disable screen overlays, VPNs, or accessibility tools that might block rendering.
- Update your device OS and the Clash of Clans app to the latest versions.
- If using an emulator (PC), ensure graphics drivers and the emulator are up to date.
Backup & safety tips
Before trying destructive fixes (clear data / reinstall), make sure your game progress is safely connected:
- Supercell ID: Link your village to Supercell ID — this is the safest cross-device backup.
- Google Play / Game Center: For Android use Google Play; for iOS use Game Center where available.
- Take screenshots of base and account details (Player tag) as a fallback.
If maintenance wipes replays, that only removes match recordings — your base, resources, and progress remain tied to your account.
FAQs
Will I lose my base if I clear app data?
No — as long as your village is connected to Supercell ID, Google Play, or Game Center. If not, back up your player tag and link before clearing data.
Game stuck on black screen after an update — what now?
Try clearing cache, force stopping, or reinstalling. If many players report the same issue, wait for Supercell's fix — they may roll a hotfix or server patch.
Should I reboot my phone?
Rebooting can help but it often offers only a temporary fix. Use the targeted steps above first (force stop, clear cache).