How to Fix an Unresponsive Touchscreen

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

TouchscreenTroubleshootingMobileDevicesPerformanceSmartphonesTabletsHardwareSettingsOptimization

Touchscreens have become an integral part of our daily lives, found in smartphones, tablets, and even some laptops. When working properly, they provide a seamless and intuitive way to interact with our devices. However, when they become unresponsive, it can be a frustrating experience. In this guide, we'll cover several ways to troubleshoot and fix an unresponsive touchscreen. The idea is to start with the simplest solutions and then move on to more advanced troubleshooting steps.

Common reasons why a touchscreen is unresponsive

• Dirt and debris
• Software glitches
• Hardware problems
• Screen protector problems
• Environmental factors

Basic troubleshooting steps

Step 1: Clear the screen

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Dirt, dust, and fingerprints can interfere with the touchscreen's ability to correctly recognize your touch. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently clean the screen. Lightly dampen the cloth with water or a screen-cleaning solution if necessary. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as these can damage the screen.

Step 2: Remove the screen protector

If you recently applied a screen protector, it may be causing the problem. Try removing the screen protector and see if that resolves the issue. If the screen becomes responsive again, consider replacing the screen protector with a better quality protector that won't interfere with touch sensitivity.

Step 3: Restart the device

Restarting your device can often fix minor software glitches that can cause the touchscreen to become unresponsive. To restart most devices, press and hold the power button until a menu appears and then select "Restart" or "Reboot." If your device does not respond to the power button, you may need to perform a force restart. Consult your device's user manual for specific instructions.

Step 4: Perform a soft reset

A soft reset involves turning the device off and on again, but it does not affect your data. This method can resolve more permanent issues than a simple restart. To perform a soft reset, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears.
2. Select "Power Off" and wait until the device shuts down completely.
3. After the device turns off, wait a few seconds before turning it on again.

Advanced troubleshooting

Step 5: Check for software updates

Manufacturers regularly release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. An out-of-date operating system may be causing your touchscreen problems. To check for updates, follow these steps:

• Open the "Settings" app on your device.
• Scroll down and select "System" or "Software Update."
• Tap "Check for Updates" and follow the on-screen instructions to install available updates.

Step 6: Boot into safe mode

Booting into safe mode can help determine if a third-party app is causing the touchscreen problem. Safe mode disables all third-party apps, allowing you to test your device without any interference. Here's how to boot into safe mode:

• Press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears.
• Hold down the "Power Off" option until it prompts you if you want to boot into safe mode.
• Select "OK" and wait for the device to restart in safe mode.

If the touchscreen works in safe mode, a third-party app is probably causing the problem. Try uninstalling any recently installed apps to see if that resolves the issue. To exit safe mode, restart your device as usual.

Step 7: Calibrate the touchscreen

Some devices offer a touchscreen calibration option, which can resolve inaccuracies in touch detection. To calibrate your touchscreen, follow these steps:

• Open the "Settings" app on your device.
• Navigate to "Display" or "Touchscreen."
• Look for the option to calibrate the touchscreen and follow the on-screen instructions.

Note that not all devices have a built-in calibration tool. If your device doesn't have this option, you may need to use a third-party app from your device's app store.

Step 8: Perform a factory reset

A factory reset will erase all data on your device and restore it back to its original settings. This should be considered a last resort, as it will erase all your data, including apps, photos, and settings. Make sure to back up your data before proceeding. To perform a factory reset, follow these steps:

• Open the "Settings" app on your device.
• Go to "System" or "Reset."
• Select "Factory data reset" and follow the on-screen instructions.

Hardware problems

If none of the steps above resolve the unresponsive touchscreen issue, there may be a hardware problem. Common hardware problems include:

• Damaged screen: Physical damage, such as cracks or water damage, can cause the touchscreen to malfunction.
• Loose connections: The internal connections between the touchscreen and the device's motherboard may be loose.
• Bad digitizer: The digitizer is the component that is responsible for detecting touch. If it is bad, the touchscreen will not respond.

Step 9: Inspect for physical damage

Inspect your device carefully for any signs of physical damage. Cracks, chips, or water damage can all cause touchscreen problems. If you notice any physical damage, you may need to have the screen replaced by a professional technician.

Step 10: Seek professional repair

If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps and your touchscreen is still unresponsive, it may be time to seek professional repair. Contact the manufacturer or a certified repair center to have your device inspected and repaired. Be sure to provide detailed information about the problem and the troubleshooting steps you've already taken.

Preventing future touchscreen problems

Although it's not always possible to prevent touchscreen problems, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:

• Use a high-quality screen protector: Invest in a high-quality screen protector that won’t interfere with touch sensitivity.
• Keep your device clean: Clean your device screen regularly with a soft microfiber cloth.
• Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures: Keep your device away from extreme heat or cold, as these conditions can affect the touchscreen performance.
• Handle with care: Avoid dropping or placing heavy objects on your device.
• Install software updates: Keep your device's software up to date to ensure optimal performance.

Conclusion

An unresponsive touchscreen can be a frustrating problem, but with the steps outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and potentially fix the problem. Before moving on to more advanced methods like booting in safe mode or performing a factory reset, start with basic troubleshooting steps like clearing the screen and restarting the device. If all else fails, seek professional repair to resolve any hardware issues. By taking preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of future touchscreen problems and ensure that your device continues to work smoothly.

  Share This Article

If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can request an update