iPhone X Touch Screen Not Responding After iOS 13.3 Update? Here’s How to Fix It

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If your iPhone X suddenly stopped responding to touch after updating to iOS 13.3, you’re not the only one. Many users have experienced touchscreen issues after software updates. The good news? In most cases, it’s a software glitch, not a hardware failure — and it can usually be fixed with a few troubleshooting steps.

1. Force Restart Your iPhone X

This is your first and easiest line of defense.

  1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
  2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
  3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

This clears minor software glitches and can often fix unresponsive screen issues right away.

2. Update Your Apps

Some outdated apps might conflict with the new iOS and affect performance.

  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Tap your profile icon (top right).
  3. Scroll down to Available Updates.
  4. Tap Update All or update apps individually.

You can also delete unused apps to free up memory and reduce the chances of system lags.

3. Reset All Settings

iOS updates can sometimes mess with system configurations. This reset won’t delete your data, but it will revert all system settings to their defaults.

  1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  2. Tap Reset > Reset All Settings.
  3. Enter your passcode, if prompted, and confirm.

After your phone reboots, check if the screen is responding again.

4. Factory Reset Your iPhone X

If the issue persists, consider a full reset. This will erase all content and settings, so back up your data first.

  1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
  3. Enter your passcode and confirm.

Once complete, set up your iPhone as new and test the screen before restoring a backup.

5. Restore via Recovery Mode

This method reinstalls iOS while keeping your data, and is a good option if your screen is completely unresponsive.

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable.
  2. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).
  3. Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode:
    • Press and release Volume Up.
    • Press and release Volume Down.
    • Hold the Side button until the Connect to iTunes screen appears.
  4. Choose Update (not Restore) when prompted.

This will reinstall iOS without erasing your data.

6. DFU Mode Restore (Advanced)

If Recovery Mode fails, try a DFU (Device Firmware Update) restore — the deepest restore level available.

⚠️ Only do this if you’re confident your iPhone has not been physically or liquid damaged.

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes/Finder.
  2. Quickly press and release Volume Up.
  3. Quickly press and release Volume Down.
  4. Hold the Side button until the screen turns black.
  5. Then, press and hold Volume Down while continuing to hold the Side button.
  6. After 5 seconds, release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down until iTunes detects your iPhone in DFU mode (your screen will stay black).

Follow the prompts to restore your iPhone.

Still No Luck? Contact Apple

If your screen still doesn’t respond:

  • Book a Genius Bar appointment for a hardware check.
  • Visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
  • Check if your iPhone X is still under warranty or AppleCare+.

Physical damage (like drops or liquid exposure) may require screen or board replacement.

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