Comments
How to Fix an Unresponsive Phone Screen
Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
Unresponsive ScreenSmartphoneTroubleshootingAndroidiPhoneDevice ManagementPerformanceMobile OSHardwareUser Guide
This content is available in 7 different language
A phone screen not working can be a very frustrating experience, especially if you rely on your phone for daily activities such as communication, work or entertainment. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to fix the screen not working problem before you decide to seek professional repair services or replace the device completely.
1. Restart your phone
The first and simplest step is to restart your phone. This can often fix temporary glitches or bugs that are causing the screen to become unresponsive.
How to restart your phone
- For iPhone: Press and hold the power button until you see the "Slide to Power Off" slider. Slide it to turn the phone off. After a few seconds, press and hold the power button again to turn the phone back on.
- For Android: Press and hold the power button until you see the power menu. Tap "Restart" or "Power Off" to turn the phone off. After a few seconds, press and hold the power button again to turn the phone back on.
2. Check for software updates
Sometimes, unresponsive screens are caused by software bugs that can be fixed by updating your phone's operating system. Make sure your phone is running the latest software version.
How to check for updates
- For iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, download and install it.
- For Android: Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System update. If an update is available, download and install it.
3. Remove the screen protector and clean the screen
In some cases, a dirty screen or faulty screen protector can cause touch problems. Use a soft cloth to clean your screen and if you are using a screen protector, remove it to see if the screen is responsive.
4. Boot into safe mode
Booting your phone in safe mode can help determine if third-party apps are the cause of the screen not working. In safe mode, only the phone's original software will run.
How to boot into safe mode
- For iPhone: iPhone does not have a traditional safe mode. However, you can troubleshoot by uninstalling recently downloaded apps that may be causing the problem.
- For Android: Press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears. Press and hold the "Power off" option until you see the "Reboot into safe mode" prompt. Tap "OK" to reboot into safe mode. To exit safe mode, simply restart your phone.
5. Calibrate the touchscreen
On some Android devices, you can calibrate the touchscreen to improve its response. This feature may not be available on all devices.
How to calibrate a touchscreen
To calibrate the touchscreen on Android:
- Download the Touchscreen Calibration app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the Calibration app and follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate your touchscreen.
6. Check for hardware problems
If none of the software solutions work, your phone's touchscreen may have a hardware problem. Check your phone for any physical damage, such as cracks or water damage.
Inspecting for hardware damage
- Check for visible cracks or damage on the screen.
- Check for signs of water damage: If your phone has a removable battery, you can often find indicators of water damage inside the SIM card slot or battery compartment.
7. Perform a factory reset
If you've tried everything and your phone's screen still won't work, you should consider doing a factory reset. This will erase all the data on your phone and bring it back to its original factory settings.
How to do a factory reset
- For iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.
- For Android: Go to Settings > System > Reset > Factory data reset. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.
8. Seek professional help
If none of the above solutions work, it's time to seek professional help. Contact your phone's manufacturer, a certified repair shop, or your mobile carrier for assistance.
Contacting support
- Contact your phone's manufacturer. Most manufacturers have customer support hotlines or websites where you can get help.
- Visit a certified repair shop: Look for a repair shop that's authorized by your phone's manufacturer.
- Contact your mobile carrier. If you purchased your phone through your carrier, they may offer repair services or replacement options.
Conclusion
A phone screen not working properly can be a troublesome problem, but there are several steps you can take to fix it. Restarting your phone, checking for software updates, and removing the screen protector are good starting steps. Booting in safe mode and calibrating the touchscreen can help identify software problems, while checking for hardware issues and performing a factory reset are more drastic measures. If all else fails, seeking professional help is always an option.
By following these steps, you can hopefully get your phone screen back to normal and ensure that your phone will continue to serve you well.
If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can