The Unresponsive iPhone Touchscreen: Why It Happens and How to Fix It
The touchscreen of a smartphone is arguably its most crucial component, yet it may occasionally malfunction. Here's a guide to troubleshooting an unresponsive iPhone touchscreen.
Fixing an unresponsive iPhone touchscreen made easy with ENBLE.
We all love the sleek, modern smartphones of today with their responsive touchscreens and endless capabilities. But what happens when that precious touchscreen starts acting up? Suddenly, you’re left frustrated and unable to interact with your phone 🤦♂️. This can be a major problem for the best iPhones out there, as even Apple’s magical technology isn’t immune to touchscreen issues. But fear not, my friends! In this article, I’ll share some valuable information and give you a few tricks to get your unresponsive iPhone touchscreen up and running again in no time.
Restart Your iPhone: The Tech Version of a Power Nap
Think of your iPhone as a mini-computer trapped inside a shiny box. Just like your trusty PC or Mac, sometimes a simple restart can work wonders. To perform this tech version of a power nap, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the right-side button and either of the volume buttons until the Slide to power off control appears. If you’re using an older iPhone, the button will be on the top instead of the side.
- Drag the slider from left to right.
- Wait at least 30 seconds for your device to fully power down.
- Press and hold the button on the right side of your iPhone until you see the Apple logo appear.
- Your device will boot up and return to the lock screen after a few seconds.
- Unlock your device with your passcode or by swiping up or pressing the home button, depending on your iPhone model.
🔗 Related: 6 Best Apple Watch Alternatives
Restarting your iPhone can be remarkably effective in fixing an unresponsive touchscreen. It’s like giving your beloved device a much-needed breather. But what if your touchscreen refuses to cooperate even after a restart? Don’t worry, there are more tricks up my sleeve.
Force Restart Your iPhone: Unleash Your Inner Hulk
If your touchscreen is being particularly stubborn, a force restart may be necessary. Just like the Incredible Hulk smashing through a wall, this technique will give your iPhone a jolt of power without shutting it down first. Here’s how to do it:
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- For iPhone 8, iPhone SE, or an iPhone with Face ID:
- Press and quickly release the volume up button.
- Press and quickly release the volume down button.
- Press and hold the right-side button until the Apple logo appears.
- Release the side button.
- Your device should continue booting up and return to the lock screen after a few seconds.
- Unlock your device with your passcode or by swiping up or pressing the home button, depending on your iPhone model.
- For iPhone 7:
- Press and hold the volume down button and the right-side button at the same time until the Apple logo appears.
- Release both buttons.
- Your device should continue booting up and return to the lock screen after a few seconds.
- Unlock your device by pressing the home button and entering your passcode.
- For iPhone SE (2016) or iPhone 6s and earlier models:
- Press and hold the home button and the right-side or top-corner button at the same time until the Apple logo appears.
- Release both buttons.
- Your device should continue booting up and return to the lock screen after a few seconds.
- Unlock your device by pressing the home button and entering your passcode.
Force restarting your iPhone can give it the kick it needs to snap out of its unresponsive state. Think of it as Hulk smash for iPhones!
Check Your Screen Protector and Clean Your Screen: Remove the Obstacles
Sometimes, the culprit behind an unresponsive touchscreen is hiding in plain sight. Your screen protector, for example, could be interfering with the sensor’s ability to detect your touch. So, peel off the screen protector and see if that solves the problem. If your touchscreen starts working like a charm, consider getting a thinner protector from a reputable brand or going naked with your iPhone, just like nature intended. 😉
Dirt, dust, or moisture can also disrupt the delicate dance between your finger and the touchscreen. If you dare to go commando (i.e., removing the screen protector), give your screen a good cleaning with a dry microfiber cloth. Ensure it shines like a diamond before putting on a new protector or embracing that glorious naked aesthetic.
Disconnect Accessories: Say Goodbye to the Third Wheel
Sometimes, it’s not the touchscreen that’s to blame, but rather the accessories you’ve connected to your iPhone. Yes, even Apple’s proprietary magic can have its quirks. So, try disconnecting any accessories like headphones or chargers and see if your touchscreen springs back to life. Remember to restart your iPhone after disconnecting the accessory, just to cover all the bases.
And if you’re curling up your lip thinking, “But I’m using the latest USB-C port on the new iPhone 15 models, what could go wrong?” Well, my friend, even the future can have its hiccups. So, give it a try, because you never know what surprising solutions await.
Update Your iPhone: The Digital Fountain of Youth
If all else fails, it’s time to update your iPhone. Think of it as a digital fountain of youth that can breathe new life into your device. Updating your iPhone to the latest version of iOS may fix any software-related issues causing that stubborn unresponsiveness.
To update your iPhone, follow these steps:
- If you can access your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest iOS update.
- If you’re locked out of your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Connect your device to your computer.
- Launch Finder (if you’re running macOS Catalina 10.15 or higher) or iTunes (if you’re running macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier or Windows).
- If your iPhone appears in the sidebar, select your iPhone and click the Update button.
- If it’s your first time connecting your iPhone to this computer, you may need to confirm the trust prompt. If your touchscreen isn’t responsive, follow the steps below:
- Ensure your iPhone is connected to your computer.
- Launch iTunes (if running on Windows or macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier).
- Force restart your iPhone using the steps mentioned earlier for your specific model.
- Instead of the Apple logo, you should see a recovery mode screen on your iPhone.
- A window should pop up on your computer, detecting the iPhone in recovery mode.
- Select Update from the window to download and install the latest iOS version.
Updating your iPhone is like giving it a secret potion that can work wonders. So, make sure your device keeps up with the times and reinvigorate its touch-sensitive soul.
Factory Reset Your iPhone: A Clean Slate
If updating your iPhone doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to consider the nuclear option: a factory reset. But be warned, with great power comes great responsibility. This process will wipe your iPhone clean, returning it to its original, out-of-the-box state. It’s the ultimate test to determine if the problem is hardware-related or simply a software glitch. But please ensure you have a backup before proceeding!
If you’re using iCloud Backups and your iPhone was connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in within the last 24 hours, relax and breathe a sigh of relief knowing you have an automatic backup. Otherwise, you’ll need to create a new backup to your Mac or PC.
To restore your iPhone back to factory settings, follow these steps:
- Follow the first three steps mentioned under “Update Your iPhone” above.
- Instead of clicking Update, click Restore.
- Once your iPhone finishes the restore process, go through the initial setup without restoring your data from a backup. This will allow you to confirm if the touchscreen is working correctly.
- If everything checks out, you can then choose to restore your backup during the setup process.
Factory resetting your iPhone is the ultimate way to determine if the issue is truly hardware-related. But remember, this is a last resort, and only proceed if you have a backup or are prepared to start fresh.
Contact Apple: The Cavalry Is Here!
If the previous fixes have failed and you’re contemplating giving your iPhone a proper viking funeral, hold on! 🛡️ It’s always best to seek professional help before bidding farewell to your beloved device. Reach out to Apple Support, and their cavalry of experts may be able to revive your iPhone without resorting to drastic measures. They have the knowledge and know-how to diagnose hardware-related issues and provide appropriate solutions.
But remember, Apple’s superpowers have their limits. If your iPhone has significant hardware damage, they may need to replace it with a shiny new unit. In that case, it will be up to you to restore your precious data onto the new iPhone. Apple respects your privacy and security, so even their technicians can’t override the trusted computer prompt to access your data.
🌟 Shine On, You Glorious iPhone! 🌟
Congratulations, my intrepid iPhone explorer! You’ve learned some valuable tips and tricks to combat an unresponsive touchscreen. From the simple restart to the heroic factory reset, you’ve taken the red pill and delved into the Matrix of iPhone troubleshooting. Now, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to the test and bring that touchscreen back to life!
Remember, sharing is caring! If you found this article helpful, spread the love by sharing it with your fellow iPhone enthusiasts. And if you have any additional questions or concerns, drop them in the comments below. Together, we’ll conquer the unresponsive touchscreen monster once and for all! 📱💪
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