When a user’s iPhone touch screen isn’t working as it should, it can be quite frustrating. Nowadays, iPhones are used for almost anything including looking at pictures and, of course, making telephone calls. This article will break down the reasons why an iPhone’s touch screen isn’t working and how to correct these issues. Additional repair options will also be suggested.
There are a variety of reasons why a touch screen on an iPhone device might stop functioning. The good news is that these issues can be resolved. If a touch screen is only working on occasion or not at all, there is a wealth of information in the next few paragraphs that should help.
Of course, the first thing a user needs to figure out is why the touch screen on their device is malfunctioning. The digitizer processes touch on an iPhone device. When it’s no longer working correctly or the software is not talking to the hardware on the device, it’s either a software or a hardware issue. It’s usually free to troubleshoot iPhone software, and also recommended.
If a user has recently spilled something on their iPhone or dropped it, a hardware problem likely occurred, which could be the reason behind the touch screen difficulties. But that isn’t always the case. Software problems can cause other difficulties too.
The software in an iPhone that tells it what to do can cause a touch screen to malfunction. The software can actually be reset.
If a touch screen app no longer responds when a particular app is used, it could be the app. Uninstalling and re-installing it could possibly fix the problem.
On the Home screen of the device, the user should locate the app. Once they have located it, they should press their finger gently and hold it on the app’s icon. When all of the icons begin to shake, an X will appear in the top left corner. As the user taps the X, a Delete button will appear, which will also need to be tapped. This should remove the app.
If the touch screen is still experiencing issues after the app has been reinstalled, the user should notify the developer of the app, as they could already have a solution or could be currently working on a fix.
Sending a message to an app developer is quite simple. A user will open the Apple App Store and search for the app in the search box. They will then tap on the app icon to find additional information about the app. At the bottom, the user will find the developer’s website. When they tap on it, it will take them straight to the website. Their website will usually have an e-mail address or a form to contact them. More often than not, developers appreciate it when users tell them about problems they’re experiencing with their apps.
If the touch screen issues occur in more than one application, or when an app isn’t open at all, it’s a possible indicator of software trouble. The first instinct a user would have is to turn it off and on, but if the touch screen isn’t working that can prove to be difficult. A hard reset will need to be performed.
To perform a hard reset, the user will need to hold down the Home button and the Power button together. After a few seconds, the manufacturer’s logo should appear on the screen and the user can let the buttons go.
On older models like the iPhone 7, hard resets can be done by holding the power and volume down buttons together for a few seconds until the manufacturer’s logo appears on the screen.
On iPhone 8 models or newer, including iPhone X and iPhone 11, the user will press and quickly release the volume up button. The user will then press and quickly release the volume down button. Finally, there is a side button that must also be pressed until the screen turns black and the manufacturer’s logo is displayed.
All of the processes that go on in the background will stop abruptly during a hard reset, which could cause other software problems. For this reason, hard resets should only be done when it is absolutely necessary.
If the touch screen still isn’t working properly, the iPhone may need to be restored to its factory settings. Users need to make sure their devices are backed up first. This can be done by plugging the device into a laptop or desktop computer while running iCloud or iTunes in the background.
Default Firmware Update Restore is the recommended method for resetting an iPhone because it’s much more comprehensive than the typical iPhone restoration procedure. Users will need to find a cable to plug their device into a laptop or desktop computer and the latest edition of iTunes.
A Default Firmware Update Restore isn’t as easy as one might think, which is why there is another article that explains the process in more detail.
Dropping an iPhone or spilling something on it, as mentioned previously, can cause significant damage to the screen. Cracked screens are the most common types of damage iPhones experience during their life cycle.
Spills can damage or loosen the layers that are underneath the touch screen. Beyond the screen that a person’s hands and fingers can touch is an LCD screen that produces the images a user sees. There is also a digitizer that can sense a user’s touch. Both the digitizer and the LCD screen connect to a logic board inside of the device that helps it function like it is supposed to. The cords connecting the digitizer and LCD screen to the logic board can be loosened if an iPhone is dropped, which can cause the touch screen to no longer work.
Related: iPhone Stuck on Black Screen and How To Fix It
There are some very tiny cables that connect the logic board to the device. These cables can become dislocated if the iPhone is dropped, which could ultimately keep the touch screen from working correctly. MacGyver tricks aren’t always recommended, but if a user is technically inclined, they could attempt to press down on the display where the tiny cables are connected to the logic board. Users need to be aware that if they press too hard on the display it could become cracked.
However, there are times when a user may feel that they don’t have anything to lose since the inside of the device is already technically broken. This trick has worked for many other users before. As long as caution is exercised, this trick is doable.
If the device is broken, a user can order a kit and attempt to swap the parts out themselves; however, this is not recommended as anything could go wrong. For instance, if an Apple part is replaced by an off-brand part, the Genius Bar won’t fix the device and the user will have to purchase a brand new one.
The Genius Bar is quite expensive when it comes to fixing broken iPhone displays. Third-party repair companies such as Puls can help users save money, as they can fix an iPhone in under a half-hour. They also offer a lifetime guarantee on the repair.
After the damaged parts are replaced with new ones, the user’s touch screen should work the same as it did when it was new. If not, they should have their device’s software inspected.
