If your iPhone XS is randomly tapping on its own, opening apps, or typing without your input after the iOS 13 update, you’re likely dealing with the dreaded ghost touch bug. While this issue can be hardware-related, it’s often triggered by software glitches — especially after a big update. Here are the best ways to fix it yourself before heading to Apple Support.
1. Restart or Force Restart Your iPhone
Glitches in the new iOS can cause temporary touchscreen malfunctions. Rebooting clears memory and resets system processes.
Soft Reset:
- Press and hold Side button + Volume Up or Down until the slide to power off screen appears.
- Drag the slider, then power it back on after 30 seconds.
Force Restart:
- Quickly press and release Volume Up
- Quickly press and release Volume Down
- Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo
Use your phone normally after restarting to see if the ghost touches continue.
2. Update All Your Apps
Outdated apps can misbehave on new iOS versions and trigger bugs like ghost touch.
To update apps:
- Open the App Store
- Tap your profile icon
- Scroll to Available Updates
- Tap Update All, or update WhatsApp and any other suspect apps manually
Restart your iPhone again after updates finish.
3. Reset All Settings
Sometimes iOS 13 overrides your settings in ways that can cause touchscreen glitches. Resetting all settings restores them to default — without deleting your data.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset
- Tap Reset All Settings
- Enter your passcode and confirm
Your phone will reboot. Use it and check for ghost touch symptoms again.
4. Factory Reset (Erase All Content and Settings)
If the bug persists, you may need to wipe your device and set it up as new. Back up your data first using iCloud or iTunes.
To factory reset:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
- Enter your passcode and confirm
Set up your phone as new and avoid restoring from a backup initially, just to test if the issue is gone.
5. Use Recovery Mode to Restore via iTunes
If a simple reset doesn’t work, a deeper software restore might.
You’ll need a Mac or PC with iTunes:
- Connect iPhone XS to the computer via Lightning cable
- Quickly press and release Volume Up
- Quickly press and release Volume Down
- Hold Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears
- On iTunes, choose Restore
Let the process finish. This reinstalls iOS without keeping any corrupted data.
Still Seeing Ghost Touches?
If none of the above fixes work, it’s probably a hardware problem — especially if your phone was dropped or got wet. Reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center to get it checked out. Touchscreen issues could stem from a failing digitizer or logic board.