iPhone Touch Screen Not Working?
iPhone Touch Screen Not Working? Whether you've purchased a brand-new iPhone or opted for one of our sustainably refurbished devices, such as the stunning iPhone 13, encountering touchscreen issues can be frustrating.
Here at UR.co.uk we're dedicated to helping you keep your device in peak condition, so we've gathered the top tips for troubleshooting an unresponsive iPhone screen.
So, without any further ado, let’s dive in!
1. A Simple Restart May Be All You Need
Your iPhone is a powerful, computer-like device, and sometimes it can get overwhelmed by the tasks it's performing.
The solution might be as simple as turning your device off and back on. In fact, Apple often recommends this as the first step for troubleshooting most issues with your device.
Here's a quick guide on how to do it, but if you need more detailed instructions, check out our guide on turning off and restarting the iPhone 12.
Even if you have a different device, the steps will be similar for other models, including the iPhone 13 Pro.
- Press and hold the side button along with either volume button until sliders appear on the screen.
- Drag the slider to turn your iPhone off.
- After your iPhone turns off, press and hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo.
Restarting your device can clear out any temporary software glitches, and it's possible that once your iPhone turns back on, your touch screen might work again.
2. Check for iOS Updates
Apple regularly releases updates to iOS, the operating system that powers your iPhone. These updates often include bug fixes that can solve problems like a touch screen not working.
Our previous article, iPhone software update tips, provides a comprehensive guide on how to install these crucial updates.
3. Clean Your Screen
Another potential reason your iPhone's touch screen might not be working is simply because it's dirty.
Oils, dust, and other residues can interfere with your screen's ability to register touch inputs.
Apple recommends using a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to clean the screen. Avoid getting moisture in openings and don’t use aerosol sprays, bleaches, or abrasives.
You can read more about this in our article on how to clean your iPhone speaker, where we also cover external cleaning.
4. Investigate Potential Physical or Liquid Damage
Physical or liquid damage can significantly affect your iPhone's touch screen functionality.
A fall or a drop might not leave any visible damage, but it can still cause internal issues.
Our PhoneCheck Certified Devices are thoroughly tested to ensure they are free from such issues.
However, if you've purchased your device elsewhere, consider getting it checked.
5. Factory Reset Your iPhone
If none of the above solutions works, you can try doing a factory reset on your iPhone.
Just keep in mind that this will wipe out everything on your phone, so make sure you’ve got a backup before proceeding.
Once you’re ready to go, head over to the “Settings” app and tap on “General”.
Scroll down until you see “Reset”, then pick “Erase All Content and Settings”.
Your iPhone will take care of the rest, but it might take a while. After that’s done, you’ll have to set up your phone from scratch like it’s brand new.
It’s a hassle, but sometimes it’s the only way to fix stubborn problems that won’t go away with other methods.
6. Enable Touch Screen Sensitivity
If your iPhone touch screen is not responding, especially when using a screen protector, there's an easy fix you can try.
iOS offers a setting called "Touch Accommodations" that can make your touchscreen more responsive.
It allows the iPhone to adjust the duration for which you need to touch your screen to register a tap, and the time for which you can hold your finger down before a long press or drag option is activated.
Here's how to enable it:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Touch Accommodations.
- Turn on the Touch Accommodations switch.
- Adjust your settings as needed.
For more detailed instructions and other handy tips, explore our how to look after your refurbished phone blog post.
7. Inspect for Third-Party Apps Causing Problems
At times, certain third-party apps may cause the touchscreen to become unresponsive. One way to test this is to boot your iPhone into Safe Mode.
In this mode, all third-party apps are disabled, and if your touch screen starts working, it's likely one of your apps is causing the issue.
If you believe an app might be causing the problem, consider updating the app, or if necessary, uninstall it.
8. Get Professional Assistance
If you've tried all the above steps and your iPhone's touch screen still isn't working, it may be time to get professional assistance.
There could be a hardware issue that needs physical repair. If your device develops a fault within 12 months of purchase, you can rely on UR's team of expert technicians to diagnose and rectify the issue.
If you've bought your iPhone from us, and it's still under warranty, get in touch, and we'll be happy to help.
9. Consider Getting a Refurbished Replacement
If your device is beyond repair or if the cost of repair is too high, buying a refurbished iPhone might be the best solution.
We have a wide range of refurbished iPhones here at UR.co.uk. All our refurbished devices go through rigorous PhoneCheck certification, so you can be assured of their quality and reliability.
Remember, buying a refurbished phone not only saves you money but it's also a great way to support sustainability. You can read more about this in our sustainability of refurbished phones guide.
10. Preventing Future Touchscreen Issues
Prevention is always better than cure. To avoid encountering touchscreen issues in the future, here are some tips:
- Keep your iPhone software up to date: Regularly updating your iPhone ensures that you're not missing out on any fixes that Apple provides through software updates. Find out more about this process in our iPhone software update tips guide.
- Use a good quality screen protector: Not only does this protect your screen from scratches and breaks, it can also prevent touchscreen problems.
- Keep your iPhone clean: Regularly cleaning your screen can keep it free from dirt, grime, and oils that could interfere with its responsiveness.
- Avoid exposing your iPhone to extreme temperatures: Extreme heat or cold can affect the functioning of your device, including the touchscreen.
iPhone Touch Screen Not Working: Final Thoughts
An unresponsive iPhone touchscreen can be incredibly frustrating, but there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue.
Whether it's a software glitch, a problematic app, or a hardware issue, one of these methods is likely to get your iPhone working smoothly again.
At UR, we're dedicated to helping you keep your device in top shape. Whether you need a certified refurbished device, advice on looking after your refurbished phone, or information about our warranty, we're here to help.
If you have any further queries about troubleshooting your iPhone, feel free to check out our FAQs or contact us for assistance.
Here's to many more years of smooth swiping and tapping on your iPhone!
