How to fix an unresponsive iPhone touchscreen
An unresponsive iPhone touchscreen can be frustrating, but there are a few things you can try to fix it before resorting to more drastic measures:
Simple fixes:
- Clean the screen and your fingers: Dirt, debris, or moisture on the screen or your fingers can interfere with touch detection. Make sure both the screen and your fingers are clean and dry.
- Remove any screen protectors or cases: Thick or poorly fitting cases or screen protectors can sometimes cause touch issues. Try removing them temporarily to see if it makes a difference.
- Force restart your iPhone: This can often resolve minor software glitches that might be causing the touchscreen to malfunction. The method for force restarting depends on your iPhone model:
- iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd generation), or newer: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 7, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 6s, or earlier: Press and hold both the Home button and the Side/Top button until the Apple logo appears.
More advanced fixes:
- Restore your iPhone: If the simple fixes don’t work, you can try restoring your iPhone to factory settings. This will erase all your data and settings, so be sure to back up your iPhone before doing this. You can restore your iPhone through iTunes or iCloud.
- Contact Apple Support: If none of the above solutions work, the problem might be hardware-related. In this case, you’ll need to contact Apple Support for further assistance. You can schedule an appointment at an Apple Store or contact them online or by phone.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- Avoid dropping your iPhone or exposing it to water: This can damage the touchscreen and cause it to become unresponsive.
- Don’t use any harsh chemicals or cleaners on your iPhone’s screen: These can damage the display and the touchscreen.
- Keep your iPhone’s software up to date: Apple often releases software updates that fix bugs and improve performance, including touchscreen responsiveness.