It is very annoying to have an iPhone screen that is unresponsive. Phones are very important as they are used for everything, from calls, messaging, remote work, saving personal information, and many other uses. Therefore having iPhone touch screen not working can be really stressful.
Software bugs, hardware problems, and cracked screens are some of the factors that can cause your iPhone screen to be unresponsive. So read through this article to get more information on how you can fix this problem and enjoy using your device.
- iPhone Screen not Responding to Touch at All
- Half of iPhone Screen Not Working
- TIP: How to Unlock iPhone with Unresponsive Screen
1. iPhone Screen not Responding to Touch at All
If your iPhone screen doesn’t respond no matter where you tap, you can check the solutions introduced below. If it is responsive on half of the screen, check the solutions here.
1.1. Remove Phone Case and Screen Protector
Make sure that there is no dust or smudges on your iPhone screen as this can cause the iPhone screen not to respond to touch. If you have a screen protector for your iPhone, we recommend that you remove it and thoroughly clean it. Moreover, if the iPhone case is too tight, it might affect the screen and make the touch not work. Therefore you should try to remove your iPhone case to check if your iPhone touch screen would function better after that.
1.2. Force Restart iPhone
A force restart can fix temporary bugs in the system which sometimes can cause the iPhone screen to not work. The actual steps for this solution depend on your iPhone model. The procedures for this solution are as follows:
For iPhone 8 or later:
- Press the Volume Up button and quickly release it, then do the same procedure using the Volume Down button, and lastly simultaneously press and maintain your hold on the Sleep/Wake button until you can see an Apple logo.
For iPhones 7 and 7 Plus:
- Simultaneously press the Volume Down and the Side button until an Apple logo screen can be seen.
For iPhones 6s or earlier:
- Simultaneously press and hold the Home and the Side or Top button until your iPhone restarts.
This will help to save your iPhone when the screen is not working.
1.3. Update Your iOS using iTunes
An unresponsive iPhone screen can also be a result of corrupted files as well as outdated iOS software on your iPhone. To fix this problem you have to put your iPhone into recovery mode and then update the software using iTunes.
Why should you use recovery mode? If your iPhone does not respond to touch at all then it means you can not use the normal iTunes update because iTunes will not detect your iPhone. As such you will have to put your iPhone in recovery mode before updating or restoring it. To successfully perform this procedure, do the following:
- Firstly, ensure that you have an updated, well-functioning version of iTunes to avoid errors.
- Then using an original Apple USB cable, link your iPhone to your computer.
- To get your iPhone into recovery mode, follow the steps in the solution “Force Restart iPhone”, but do not release the buttons when you see the Apple logo. Wait until a recovery mode screen appears. You can also follow the guide in this blog to put your iPhone into recovery mode.
If you manage to see the recovery mode screen, you should then proceed to:
- When iTunes recognizes your device, you will see a pop-up and you are asked to either Update or Restore your iPhone.
- Then click on Update on the pop-up and proceed on to click Update again when you are given the options between Update or Restore on iTunes’s interface.
- Then allow your computer to help download and install the updated iOS on your iPhone.
1.4. Restore your iPhone using iTunes
This restore option gives you the chance to factory reset your iPhone and get rid of any bugs or malware that may be contributing to your unresponsive touch screen. You have to ensure that you have a recent backup before selecting the Restore option. Otherwise, all the data currently on your iPhone will be erased.
The steps are the same as the previous solution, and you select the Restore option this time when you are asked to choose between the Update or Restore button. When your iPhone screen goes back to normal you can then restore the iPhone from the latest backup. To do this :
- Switch on your PC and run the latest version of iTunes.
- Using a well-functioning Apple USB cable, link your iPhone to your computer.
- Make sure your computer recognizes your iPhone.
- Then select your most recent backup after clicking on Restore backup.
- Your device will start to restore the backup files to your iPhone. Time taken for the procedure to end depends on the size of your backup as well as your network connectivity.
1.5. Book an Appointment with the Apple Store
If your iPhone touch screen is still not responding to touch at all even after attempting all the above solutions, then you are recommended to turn to an Apple specialist for help because it must be a hardware problem. To book an Apple specialist appointment do the following:
- On your Apple Store App, click on Stores
- Select an appointment type with the specialist depending on the problem your device has
- Choose a store nearer to you for an appointment
- Visit the store on your appointed day to get professional help for your iPhone.
2. Half of iPhone Screen Not Working
If only half of your touch screen is unresponsive, you can also try to fix the problem by yourself first. This problem can be caused by dropping your iPhone in water, cracking the screen, or even software problems.
To solve it, use the methods listed above or attempt resetting all settings on your iPhone.This will erase all customized settings and configurations made on your iPhone. The personal data and apps on your device will not be affected. To carry out this procedure:
- Navigate to the Settings app.
- Scroll down and click on General.
- Then Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- On the next interface, choose Reset.
- Then click Reset All Settings.
You will be prompted to enter your Apple ID and then click Reset All Settings for confirmation of this procedure.
3. How to Unlock iPhone with Unresponsive Screen
Is it possible to unlock your iPhone even when the screen doesn’t respond? Yes, it is possible, but the method might not work for everyone.
If you have connected your phone to a Bluetooth keyboard, and they are still connected now, you can use the keyboard to unlock your device without using the screen. Just turn on the keyboard first. When it has been connected to your iPhone, press the Enter key and you will see the entering password screen on your iPhone. Now you can enter the password using your keyboard and get the iPhone unlocked.
An unresponsive touch screen is bothersome. You only need to follow some of the above solutions to fix the iPhone screen that is not working. Hope the above tips help.
