How to Fix an Unresponsive iPhone Touchscreen

How to Fix an Unresponsive iPhone Touchscreen

Texting, calling, and browsing these activities are now an essential part of our daily lives. So your phone, Android or iPhone whatever it is a very important part of your life. 

But what if the touchscreen of your phone suddenly stops working? I guess it is not only frustrating but also messed up your whole day. The good thing is there are some simple fixes you can try before going to a professional repair shop. Let’s have a look at the tips and hope you will get ease without any rush. 

Common Causes of an Unresponsive Touchscreen

Before trying anything you should know about the causes of the problem. Understanding why your iPhone’s touchscreen isn’t working can help you fix the problem. Here are some common reasons:

    • Dirty Screen: Dirt, dust, or smudges can affect touch sensitivity.
    • Screen Protector Issues: A poorly fitted or damaged screen protector can interfere with touch.
    • Software Glitches: Bugs in apps or the iPhone’s system can cause the screen to freeze or become unresponsive.
    • Physical Damage: Cracks or damage from drops can affect screen performance.
    • Accessory Interference: Faulty chargers or headphones can sometimes cause touchscreen problems. 
    • Outdated iOS: Old versions of iOS sometimes cause this kind of issue. 

Steps to Fix an Unresponsive iPhone Touchscreen

Before going to a professional repair service center you can try some DIY processes to fix your unresponsive iPhone touch screen. Here are some effective DIY processes you can try:

1. Clean the Screen

This is the first and the basic tips you should try when your iPhone touchscreen is not responding. A dirty screen can cause touch issues. Here’s how to clean it:

  • Turn Off Your iPhone: Press and hold the power button, then slide to power off.
  • Use a Soft, Lint-Free Cloth: Gently wipe the screen to remove fingerprints, dust, and debris.
  • Avoid Moisture: Don’t use liquids directly on the screen. If needed, slightly dampen the cloth with water. 

2. Remove Screen Protectors and Cases

Sometimes, accessories can interfere with the touchscreen. An old or damaged screen protector or incompatible case can hamper the performance of your touchscreen. Removing these can solve your problem sometimes. 

  • Take Off the Screen Protector: Carefully peel it away and check if the screen responds better.
  • Remove the Case: Some cases can press against the screen, affecting its performance.

3. Restart Your iPhone

That is the process we all try when something happens to our devices. Honestly, it works most of the time, but in case of minor problems. Restarting can fix minor software glitches.

Standard Restart:

  • If you are an iPhone X or later user, press and hold the side button and either volume button until the slider appears. Slide to power off. After it turns off, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • If you are using an iPhone SE (2nd Generation), 8, 7, or 6, press and hold the side button until the slider appears. Slide to power off. After it turns off, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • If you are using an iPhone SE (1st Generation), 5, or earlier, press and hold the top button until the slider appears. Slide to power off. After it turns off, press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.

Force Restart (if the screen is completely unresponsive):

  • If you are an iPhone 8 or later user, quickly press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • If you are using an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, press and hold both the volume down button and the side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • If you are using an iPhone 6s or earlier, press and hold both the home button and the top (or side) button until the Apple logo appears.

Read more – Common iPhone Display Issues & Solutions

4. Update iOS

Sometimes these kinds of screen-related issues happen because of outdated iOS. Keeping your iPhone’s software up to date can prevent and fix issues.

  • Check for Updates:
  • Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

 

  • Update iOS Using a Computer (if the screen is completely unresponsive):
  • Connect your iPhone to a computer using a Lightning cable.
  • Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).
  • Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
  • Click Check for Update, then follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Disconnect Accessories

Faulty accessories can cause issues. Using faulty accessories may hamper your overall phone performance. So, checking out the accessories connected to your device is a must in this situation.

  • Unplug All Accessories: Disconnect chargers, headphones, or other devices.
  • Test the Screen: If it works after unplugging, the accessory might be the problem.

6. Free Up Storage Space

Low storage can make your iPhone slow and unresponsive. If your device has little to no free space, the touchscreen might lag or stop responding. Freeing up storage can help improve performance.

  • Check Storage:
  • Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
  • See how much space is available.
  • Delete Unnecessary Files:
  • Remove apps you don’t use.
  • Delete old photos, videos, or messages.

7. Reset All Settings

If your iPhone’s touchscreen is still unresponsive, resetting all settings can help fix software-related issues without erasing your personal data. This process restores system settings to default, resolving glitches that might be affecting the touchscreen.

  • Reset Settings:
    • Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
    • Enter your passcode if prompted, then confirm.

This resets system settings like Wi-Fi passwords and wallpapers but keeps your data intact.

8. Restore Factory Settings

If none of the previous steps worked, restoring your iPhone to factory settings might be the solution. This will erase all data on your iPhone, including apps, photos, messages, and settings, so make sure to back up your important data first.

Backup Your Data

  • iCloud: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
  • Computer: Connect to a Mac (Finder) or Windows PC (iTunes) > Select your device > Click Backup Now.

Erase All Content and Settings

  • Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  • Tap Erase All Content and Settings, enter your passcode, and confirm.
  • If asked, enter your Apple ID password to disable Find My iPhone.

Restore Your iPhone

  • From iCloud: Choose Restore from iCloud Backup during setup.
  • From Computer: Connect your iPhone, open Finder/iTunes, select Restore Backup.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your iPhone’s touchscreen is still unresponsive after trying these fixes, it may have a hardware issue that requires expert repair. Here are some signs that indicate you need professional help:

  • Cracked or Damaged: Screen Physical damage can affect touch sensitivity.
  • Ghost Touches: If your iPhone registers touches on its own, the digitizer may be faulty.
  • No Response After Software Fixes: If none of the troubleshooting steps worked, the problem is likely hardware-related.

At this point, it’s best to visit a trusted repair center to diagnose and fix the issue.

Apple Gadgets Care: Your Trusted iPhone Repair Partner

If your iPhone’s touchscreen is still not working, you might need professional repair services. At Apple Gadgets Care, we provide expert solutions for all iPhone touchscreen issues, whether it’s due to hardware damage, faulty components, or software failures.

Why Choose Apple Gadgets Care?

  • Certified Technicians: Our experts handle all iPhone models with precision.
  • Quick Service: Get your iPhone screen fixed fast with same-day repairs.
  • Affordable Pricing: Competitive pricing without compromising on quality.

Final Thoughts

An unresponsive iPhone touch screen can be annoying, but in most cases, simple fixes like cleaning the screen, restarting the device, updating iOS, or removing accessories can solve the problem. If your screen remains unresponsive, Apple Gadgets Care is here to help with expert repair services.

Don’t let a faulty touchscreen slow you down—try these fixes, and if needed, visit Apple Gadgets Care for professional repair!

Chat with us