iPhone screen not responding to touch

Have you ever experienced an iPhone screen not responding to touch? This frustrating issue can disrupt your day, but don’t worry! In this article, we’ll dive deep into the reasons behind this problem and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it. By understanding the causes and implementing the right fixes, you’ll get your iPhone working like new in no time.

iPhone screen not responding to touch

Causes of an iPhone Screen Not Responding to Touch

1. Dirty or Damaged Screen

One common reason for an unresponsive iPhone screen is a dirty or damaged surface. Grease, dirt, and debris can accumulate on your screen over time, interfering with the touch sensitivity. Moreover, physical damage, such as scratches, cracks, or dents, can prevent the screen from detecting your touch accurately. Even seemingly minor damage can impact the functionality of the touch sensors, leading to unresponsive or erratic behavior.

2. Software Issues

Software glitches and bugs can also cause your iPhone screen to stop responding to touch. These issues can stem from an outdated operating system or conflicts between the system software and installed apps. Additionally, a device that’s running low on storage or processing power can experience touchscreen lag, making it seem unresponsive. In such cases, the issue may be temporary, resolving itself once the device has more resources available.

3. Third-Party Apps

Incompatible or poorly designed third-party apps can cause touchscreen issues on your iPhone. Some apps may inadvertently interfere with the touch screen’s functionality due to programming errors or incompatibilities with your device’s software. This can lead to an unresponsive screen, which may persist until the problematic app is closed or removed.

4. Hardware Issues

Internal hardware issues can also be responsible for an unresponsive iPhone screen. The touch screen relies on a combination of hardware components, including the digitizer, which detects your touch and communicates it to the device’s processor. If any of these components malfunction or become damaged, your iPhone screen may stop responding to touch. Hardware issues can arise from manufacturing defects, physical damage, or normal wear and tear over time.

5. Overheating

Exposure to high temperatures can cause your iPhone to overheat, which can, in turn, affect the touch screen’s responsiveness. Excessive heat can damage the internal components, including the touch screen, leading to a loss of functionality. Overheating can occur if your iPhone is left in direct sunlight, used while charging, or subjected to resource-intensive tasks for extended periods.

6. Water Damage

Water damage is another potential reason for an iPhone screen not responding to touch. Even if your iPhone has some level of water resistance, prolonged or repeated exposure to moisture can damage the internal components, including the touch screen. If water or other liquids seep into your device, they can cause short circuits, corrosion, or other types of damage that affect the touch screen’s performance.

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7. Poor Quality Screen Protector

A low-quality or improperly applied screen protector can interfere with your iPhone’s touch sensitivity. Screen protectors that are too thick or made from subpar materials can obstruct the touch screen’s sensors, making it difficult for the device to detect your touch accurately. Additionally, bubbles or debris trapped under the screen protector can also impact touch responsiveness.

Understanding the various reasons behind an iPhone screen not responding to touch is crucial for identifying the root cause and applying the right solutions. Whether it’s due to a dirty screen, software issues, or hardware damage, knowing the cause will help you get your iPhone back on track and functioning smoothly.

How to Fix iPhone Screen Not Responding to Touch?

Fix 1: Perform a Hard Reset

A hard reset (or force restart) can help resolve temporary software glitches and bugs that cause your iPhone screen to become unresponsive. Here’s how to perform a hard reset on different iPhone models:

iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st generation), and older models:

  • Press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake (or Power) button simultaneously.
  • Keep holding the buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Release the buttons and wait for your iPhone to restart.

iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:

  • Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake (or Power) button and the Volume Down button simultaneously.
  • Keep holding the buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Release the buttons and wait for your iPhone to restart.

iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone X, and newer models:

  • Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
  • Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
  • Press and hold the Side button (or Sleep/Wake button on iPhone SE 2nd generation) until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Release the button and wait for your iPhone to restart.

Fix 2: Restore Your iPhone Using iTunes or Finder

Restoring your iPhone using iTunes (on Windows or macOS Mojave and older) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and newer) can help fix software-related issues that cause an unresponsive screen. This process will erase your iPhone’s data and reinstall the latest iOS version.

  • Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable.
  • Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and newer).
  • Locate your iPhone in iTunes or Finder and select it.
  • Click on “Restore iPhone” in the “Summary” tab.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration process.
  • Important: Make sure you back up your iPhone’s data before restoring it to avoid data loss.

Fix 3: Seek Professional Help for Hardware Issues

If your iPhone screen is not responding to touch due to hardware issues, it’s best to seek professional help from an Apple Authorized Service Provider or the Apple Store. They have the necessary tools, knowledge, and  repair your device. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Make an appointment: Schedule a visit to your nearest Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Store through the Apple Support website or the Apple Support app. If your iPhone is under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, this will ensure a timely and cost-effective repair.
  2. Backup your data: Before you take your iPhone in for repair, make sure to back up your data using iCloud, iTunes, or Finder. This will ensure that you don’t lose any important information, even if your device needs to be wiped clean during the repair process.
  3. Bring your iPhone and necessary documentation: When visiting the service center, bring your iPhone, proof of purchase (if required), and any documentation related to your warranty or AppleCare+ coverage. This will help expedite the repair process and ensure that any applicable coverage is applied.
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Fix 4: Remove or Replace the Screen Protector

An improperly applied or low-quality screen protector can interfere with your iPhone’s touch sensitivity. Removing or replacing the screen protector can help resolve this issue.

  • Carefully peel off the screen protector from one corner, working your way across the screen.
  • Clean your iPhone screen with a microfiber cloth and a screen cleaning solution to remove any residue.
  • If necessary, apply a new, high-quality screen protector according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring proper alignment and avoiding bubbles or debris.

Fix 5: Free Up Storage Space and Close Unnecessary Apps

A lack of storage space or processing power can cause touch screen lag or unresponsiveness. Freeing up storage and closing unnecessary apps can help improve your iPhone’s performance.

  • Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to review and manage your storage.
  • Delete or offload unused apps, clear app caches, and remove old media files to free up space.
  • Double-tap the Home button or swipe up and pause on newer iPhones to access the App Switcher.
  • Swipe left or right to find open apps, then swipe up on each app to close it.

Fix 6: Reset All Settings

Resetting all settings can help resolve software-related issues that cause your iPhone screen to become unresponsive. This process will not erase your data, but it will reset your preferences and settings to their default values.

  • Go to Settings > General > Reset.
  • Tap on “Reset All Settings.”
  • Enter your passcode when prompted.
  • Confirm the action by tapping “Reset All Settings” again.

Fix 7: Disable 3D Touch or Haptic Touch (if applicable)

Disabling 3D Touch (iPhone 6s to iPhone XS Max) or Haptic Touch (iPhone XR and newer) can sometimes resolve touch screen issues.

  • Go to Settings > Accessibility.
  • For 3D Touch, tap “Touch,” then “3D & Haptic Touch.” For Haptic Touch, tap “Touch,” then “Haptic Touch.”
  • Toggle off the “3D Touch” or “Haptic Touch” switch.

Fix 8: Check for Physical Damage and Clean the Screen

  • Physical damage or debris on your iPhone screen can interfere with touch sensitivity. Inspect your device for any visible damage and clean the screen to remove dust, dirt, or grime.
  • Examine your iPhone for cracks, dents, or other signs of physical damage that may affect the touch screen’s functionality.
  • Use a microfiber cloth and a screen cleaning solution to gently clean your iPhone screen, removing any dirt or debris that may interfere with touch responsiveness.

Fix 9: Enter and Exit Recovery Mode

  • Entering and exiting Recovery Mode can help resolve software-related issues that cause your iPhone screen to become unresponsive.
  • Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable.
  • Perform a force restart on your iPhone while connected to the computer (follow the steps provided in the “Perform a Hard Reset” fix).
  • When the “Connect to iTunes” or “Connect to Finder” screen appears, release the buttons.
  • Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and newer) on your computer.
  • Click “Update” in the pop-up window to reinstall iOS without erasing your data.
  • If the issue persists, you may need to restore your iPhone (follow the steps provided in the “Restore Your iPhone Using iTunes or Finder” fix).
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Fix 10: Enable and Disable Airplane Mode

  • Toggling Airplane Mode on and off can help reset your iPhone’s network connections, potentially resolving touchscreen issues that may be caused by network-related software glitches.
  • Access the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen (iPhone X and newer) or swiping up from the bottom of the screen (iPhone 8 and older).
  • Tap the Airplane Mode icon to enable it. The icon will turn orange when active.
  • Wait for about 30 seconds.
  • Tap the Airplane Mode icon again to disable it. The icon will return to its original color.

Conclusion

An unresponsive iPhone screen can be frustrating, but with the right knowledge and a variety of fixes, it’s manageable. By understanding the root causes and applying effective solutions, you can restore your iPhone’s touch screen functionality and enjoy a seamless user experience. Keep these handy tips in mind, and you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any touch screen issues that come your way.

FAQs

Why is my iPhone screen not responding to touch?

Possible reasons include a dirty or damaged screen, software issues, third-party app conflicts, hardware problems, overheating, or water damage.

How can I fix an unresponsive iPhone screen?

Try performing a hard reset, restoring your iPhone, cleaning the screen, removing or replacing the screen protector, or seeking professional help.

Can a screen protector cause touch screen issues?

Yes, a low-quality or improperly applied screen protector can interfere with your iPhone’s touch sensitivity, leading to unresponsiveness.

Does resetting my iPhone’s settings erase my data?

No, resetting all settings only restores your preferences and settings to default values; your data remains intact.

Can I fix hardware-related touch screen issues myself?

Hardware issues typically require professional assistance from an Apple Authorized Service Provider or the Apple Store for proper diagnosis and repair.

What should I do if my iPhone screen is unresponsive due to water damage?

Turn off your iPhone immediately, let it dry thoroughly, and seek professional help to assess and repair any damage.

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