How to fix iPhone Touch Screen Not Working [Troubleshooting Guide]

Is your iPhone’s touch screen not responding to taps or gestures? There are several potential causes and solutions for an unresponsive iPhone touch screen.

This guide will walk you through the most common reasons an iPhone touch screen can fail and provide step-by-step instructions to get it working properly again. Here’s how to fix your iPhone touch screen not working:

Dirt or Debris on the Touch Screen

Dust, oil, and other debris on your iPhone’s touch screen can interfere with its ability to detect your finger taps and swipes.

To fix this:

• Turn off your iPhone and wipe the screen clean with a soft microfiber cloth.
• Make sure your hands are also clean before using the touch screen.
• If cleaning doesn’t help, debris may be trapped beneath a screen protector.

Moisture or Liquid Damage

Exposing your iPhone to moisture or liquids can damage components and make the touch screen unresponsive.

• Dry out your iPhone for at least 24 hours after water exposure before trying to use it.
• Do not charge or turn on a wet iPhone, as this can cause permanent damage.

Outdated or Faulty Screen Protector

Using a thick or poor quality screen protector can block the iPhone touch screen from working properly.

• Try removing the screen protector and test the touch screen without it.
• If the issue resolves, replace the protector with a higher quality one.

Connected Cables and Accessories

Faulty cables and accessories plugged into the iPhone’s charging port can sometimes disrupt touch screen function.

• Unplug any connected chargers, headphones, or other accessories.
• If the touch screen works properly afterward, the accessory or cable is likely defective.

Extreme Hot or Cold Temperatures

Exposing your iPhone to extreme hot or cold temperatures outside its safe operating range can definitely lead to an unresponsive touch screen.

Avoid leaving your iPhone in cold winter or hot car environments to prevent temperature-related failure.

Outdated iPhone Software

Having outdated iOS software can potentially contribute to iPhone touch screen problems.

• Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version via Settings > General > Software Update.
• Connect to iTunes on a computer and update via Recovery Mode if unable to navigate menus.

Stuck Power Button

If the iPhone’s power button is stuck depressed, it can rapidly cycle power, making the touch screen unresponsive.

• Check if the power button is physically jammed.
• You may need professional repair to replace a faulty power button.

Faulty Digitizer

The digitizer translates your finger motions on the iPhone screen into digital signals. If it malfunctions, the touch screen will be unresponsive.

• Schedule a repair to have the iPhone digitizer examined and replaced if faulty.

Reset Your iPhone to Factory Settings

Resetting your iPhone to factory default settings can clear any problematic software causing touch screen issues:

• Back up your iPhone data first via iCloud or iTunes.
• Go to Settings > General > Reset and choose “Erase All Content and Settings”.
• Confirm resetting your iPhone when prompted to complete the process.

Get Your iPhone’s Screen Replaced

For chronic touch screen problems, getting the iPhone screen replaced may be the most cost-effective solution.

• Visit an Apple Store and ask about screen replacement options and pricing.
• Use a reputable repair shop for lower cost iPhone screen repair.
• Be sure to backup your data before replacing the screen.

With consistent troubleshooting, you should be able to pinpoint the cause of your iPhone’s unresponsive touch screen. Start with easier software fixes before moving to professional hardware repair if needed.