How to Fix iPhone Touch Screen Not Working Issue: Troubleshooting Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Restart Your iPhone
3. Clean the Screen and Remove the Screen Protector
4. Free Up Device Storage
5. Check for Software Updates
6. Reset All Settings
7. Restore iPhone Using iTunes or Finder
8. Seek Professional Repair Services
9. FAQs

Introduction

A non-responsive touch screen on your iPhone can be frustrating, especially when it disrupts your access to essential apps and services. While there can be multiple causes, such as software glitches, dirt on the screen, or internal hardware issues, many common iPhone touchscreen problems can be resolved through straightforward troubleshooting steps. This guide will help you identify the root of the problem and provide solutions to get your touch screen working again.

Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches causing your iPhone’s touch screen to stop working.

Steps to Restart Your iPhone:

1. iPhone with Face ID: Press and hold the Side button and either volume button until the slider appears. Slide to power off. After a few seconds, hold the Side button to restart.
2. iPhone with Home button: Press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the slider appears. Slide to power off. Press and hold the same button to restart.

This quick restart can help eliminate temporary glitches that might be affecting the touch screen’s responsiveness.

Clean the Screen and Remove the Screen Protector

Dust, dirt, or oils on the screen can interfere with touch sensitivity. Similarly, certain screen protectors can affect screen performance.

Steps to Clean the Screen and Remove Protector:

1. Use a microfiber cloth: Gently wipe the screen with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any debris.
2. Remove the screen protector: If you’re using a screen protector, carefully peel it off and test the screen without it.
3. Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use cleaning agents directly on the screen, as this could cause damage.

By cleaning and removing the screen protector, you can check if any external factors were obstructing touch functionality.

Free Up Device Storage

Insufficient storage can lead to performance issues, including touch screen lag or unresponsiveness. Freeing up storage can sometimes improve overall performance.

Steps to Free Up Storage:

1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to view used and available storage.
2. Delete unused apps: Uninstall any apps you no longer use.
3. Remove large files: Delete old photos, videos, or files that are taking up significant space.
4. Clear app cache for apps like Safari, Messages, or any large storage-consuming apps.

Keeping at least 1GB of free space can prevent potential slowdowns and issues with the touch screen.

Check for Software Updates

Software updates from Apple often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve touch screen issues.

Steps to Check for Updates:

1. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
3. Download and install any available updates.

Updating to the latest iOS version ensures you’re protected against bugs that may interfere with touch screen functionality.

Reset All Settings

Resetting all settings can resolve software issues affecting the touch screen without deleting your data.

Steps to Reset All Settings:

1. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
2. Enter your passcode if prompted.
3. Confirm to reset: This will restore system settings to default without affecting data or media.

If software settings are conflicting with touch screen functionality, this reset can help resolve the problem.

Restore iPhone Using iTunes or Finder

Restoring your iPhone can resolve serious software issues that a reset cannot fix. Before restoring, it’s essential to back up your iPhone as this process erases all data.

Steps to Restore Using iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later):

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.
2. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
3. Select your device from the sidebar.
4. Click “Restore iPhone”: This will download the latest iOS software and erase your data.

After restoring, set up your iPhone and check if the touch screen is working. If not, it may be a hardware issue.

Seek Professional Repair Services

If none of the above steps work, the issue could be hardware-related, such as a malfunctioning digitizer or damaged internal components. In this case, contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple-authorized repair center is advisable.

How to Seek Professional Repair:

1. Visit the Apple Support website or call to schedule an appointment at an Apple Store.
2. Request a repair appointment at an authorized service provider if an Apple Store is not available nearby.

Professional technicians can provide a thorough diagnosis and repair any physical issues with your touch screen.

FAQs

1. Why is my iPhone touch screen not responding after a drop?

A physical impact can damage internal components, including the touch screen or digitizer. A professional repair may be needed to fix this.

2. Can a screen protector cause touch screen issues?

Yes, certain thick or low-quality screen protectors can interfere with touch sensitivity. Removing the protector can help determine if it’s the cause.

3. Why does my iPhone touch screen only work sometimes?

Intermittent touch screen issues can result from software glitches, storage issues, or hardware problems. Restarting, updating software, and freeing up storage may help.

4. Will restoring my iPhone delete everything?

Yes, restoring erases all data and settings on your iPhone. Always back up your data before performing a restore.

5. How can I tell if my iPhone touch screen issue is hardware-related?

If all troubleshooting steps fail, or if the screen doesn’t respond after a drop or physical impact, the problem may be hardware-related. In this case, contact Apple Support.