The iPad touch screen is very important because without it you will not be able to control or even use the iPad. This can be very annoying and stressful. An unresponsive iPad touch screen might be a result of a number of reasons such as screen protectors, attached accessories, dirt and sweat, hardware problems as well as software glitches. To get more insight on how to fix your iPad touch screen not working problem, read through this article.
- Case 1. If your iPad touch screen is not working at all
- Case 2. If your iPad touch screen is not working in some areas
Case 1. If your iPad touch screen is not working at all
In this case, you will not be able to operate on your iPad at all as the whole touch screen will be unresponsive. To fix this stressful issue, do the following:
1. Force restart your iPad
This is a good way to reboot and refresh the iPad to help it run smoothly. Since your iPad screen is not working at all in this case, you will not be able to do the normal restart by swiping the button on the screen to turn it off. As a result, you will have to do the following;
For those using an iPad with the Home button:
- Press and simultaneously hold the Power button and the Home button together.
- Release the two buttons on the appearance of the Apple logo on the screen.
For the iPad models without a Home button:
- Gently press the Volume Up button and quickly release it.
- Immediately press and then release the Volume Down button quickly.
- Then press and maintain your hold on the Power button until the appearance of the Apple logo.
2. Take off the screen protector and clean the screen
The iPad touch screen is susceptible to temperature, moisture, and dirt. As such, you always have to make sure that there is no dust, smudges, or any sweat on the touch screen that can cause it to be unresponsive to the touch.
A screen protector as well as any dirt deposits can impede your iPad touch screen to read your fingers. Therefore, you should take off the screen protector on your iPad. Then you can use a soft, lint-free cloth to get rid of any smudges on the touch screen as well as to ensure that the screen is completely dry.
3. Take off iPad’s case
Your iPad case might obstruct the touch screen and cause it to be unresponsive. The protective case might be too tight and influence the function of iPad screen. As such, you must take off your iPad’s case to see if your device’s touch screen will start working well afterward.
4. Disconnect the accessories
Sometimes the connected accessories might malfunction or they might have software or hardware glitches which might also cause your iPad touch screen to not work properly. So one of the solutions is to remove any connected accessories to determine whether they are the ones causing problems or not.
You have to unplug each accessory that is connected to your iPad’s USB-C port. After unplugging them make sure to restart your device before using it again. If your touch screen works perfectly after removing all those accessories, then it means they were the ones causing screen problems.
5. Put iPad in Recovery mode
Recovery mode is very helpful, especially in cases where iPad touch screen is not responsive due to software problems. Sometimes having an outdated iPadOS can result in many malfunctions such as an unresponsive screen on your iPad. You can try updating your iPad first, if it doesn’t work you can restore your iPad when the data on your iPad is not so important. To update your iPad using the recovery mode:
- If you are using a PC or a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, firstly ensure that your iTunes program is well-updated and functioning.
- But if you are using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, ensure Finder is well-updated.
- Open the iTunes program or Finder depending on your computer.
- Connect your iPad to the computer using an original Apple USB cable.
- Follow the steps on how to force restart iPad and keep holding the buttons until you see the recovery mode screen. Don’t release the buttons when you see the Apple logo.
- When given the options to Update or Restore, select Update.
- Wait for your computer to download the software and update your iPad.
If updating your iPad does not help to fix the touch screen that is not working, then you will have to restore your iPad. However, the only problem with restoring is that it erases everything on your device leaving it in its default position. So you have to choose this option only if you have a recent backup of your data or in case your data is not very important to you and you do not mind losing it. To restore your iPad:
- Follow the instructions listed above for updating your iPad.
- When you reach the point whereby you have to choose between Update or Restore, then select Restore.
- Wait for the computer to finish restoring your device, then follow the given instructions to set up and enjoy using your device.
6. Contact Apple store
If your iPad touch screen is still not working at all even after trying the solutions listed above, then you are advised to book an Apple specialist for help because your iPad is most likely having hardware issues. To book an Apple store appointment :
- Visit your Apple Store App then tap on Stores.
- Choose an appointment type with the specialist depending on the problem your iPad has.
- For your appointment, Select an Apple store nearer to you.
- On your appointed day, go to the Store and get professional help for your iPad.
Case 2. If your iPad touch screen is not working in some areas
If only some areas of your touch screen are unresponsive then you can follow the solutions introduced in case 1 or you can also try the solutions listed below to fix it.
1. Check if the screen is damaged in the areas
If your iPad touch screen is not working in some areas then it means the screen of your device has been damaged by something hard. To confirm if your iPad touch screen is damaged in some areas, you might see web patterns of shattered glass on the screen. However, sometimes the damage won’t be in the form of shattered glass, in that case, you have to check for:
- Black spots and discolored areas on your touch screen.
- Parts of the screen stay completely black.
- Lack of touch sensitivity in some areas.
To check if some cables in your iPad have been disconnected after your device fell, try to gently press on the top right corner of your iPad.
2. Turn on “ Touch Accommodations”
This is a feature designed to help you solve any problems you have with your iPad touch screen. To toggle on the Touch Accommodations do the following:
- Navigate to Settings on your iPad.
- Click on Accessibility > Touch.
- Click on Touch Accommodations.
- Then switch on Touch Accommodations.
3. Reset all settings on iPad
This option helps you to restore all settings in your iPad to their default settings. This will erase all customized settings and configurations made on your iPad which might cause iPad touch screen not working but your personal data will remain as it is. To carry out this procedure:
- Go to Settings.
- Click on General.
- Then tap on Transfer or Reset iPad.
- Click on Reset.
- From there select Reset All Settings.
4. Update iPad software
An outdated version of your iPadOS might cause system malfunctions. So it is important to always ensure that your iPad is well updated. To update your iPad software:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General followed by Software Update.
- If an update is readily available, then click on Download and Install.
- Wait for your iPad to finish updating your iPadOS.
All the methods listed above are guaranteed to help you solve and fix the problems you have with your iPad touch screen not working.
