Phone Touchscreen Not Responding or Ghost Touching? Try This

Few phone problems are as frustrating as a touchscreen that won't cooperate. Maybe parts of the screen ignore your taps, or the phone seems to have a mind of its own, opening apps and typing letters you never touched. That second problem is often called "ghost touch."

Sometimes the fix takes a minute. Other times it points to a damaged screen. Here's how to tell the difference, from the team at We Fix Phones N More.

Common Causes of Touchscreen Problems

• A dirty or wet screen. Oil, lotion, moisture or grime can confuse the touch sensor.
• A thick, lifting or cracked screen protector. Bubbles, edges that lift or cracks in the protector can block or create touches.
• A case that presses on the edges of the display.
• A software glitch or a misbehaving app that has frozen the screen.
• Physical damage from a drop, pressure or liquid, which can harm the touch layer even when the glass looks fine.
• A swelling battery pushing up on the screen from behind.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Clean the screen

Power the phone off, then wipe the screen with a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth. Dry it fully. Avoid spraying liquid directly on the phone and skip harsh cleaners.

Remove the case and screen protector

Take the case off and test the screen. If the problem continues, carefully peel off the screen protector. If the screen works normally without it, the protector was the culprit. If you bought your protector from us, remember that our screen protectors carry a lifetime guarantee, so stop by for a replacement.

Force restart the phone

A frozen screen often comes back after a forced restart.

• iPhone 8 and newer: Press and release volume up, press and release volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
• Most Samsung Galaxy phones: Hold the side button and volume down together until the phone restarts.
• Other Android phones: Holding the power button for 10 to 30 seconds usually works. Check your manufacturer's support page if not.

Update your software

Phone makers fix touch bugs in software updates. On iPhone, check Settings, then General, then Software Update. On Android, look for Software Update or System Update in Settings.

Narrow It Down

Check for a problem app

If the trouble started right after you installed or updated an app, try removing it. On many Android phones, you can also start in Safe Mode, which temporarily turns off downloaded apps. If the screen works fine in Safe Mode, an app is likely to blame.

Look at touch settings

Some Android phones, including many Samsung models, have a Touch Sensitivity option meant for use with screen protectors. Turning it on or off can help. On iPhone, check Settings, then Accessibility, then Touch, to make sure features like Touch Accommodations weren't turned on by accident.

Test different areas of the screen

Try dragging an app icon slowly across the whole screen. If it drops in the same spot every time, that area of the touch layer may be damaged.

Signs You Need a Screen Repair

• Ghost touches keep happening after a restart and with the protector removed
• A dead zone that never responds
• Cracks, lines, flickering or dark spots on the display
• The problem started after a drop or after the phone got wet
• The screen is lifting away from the frame, which can mean a swollen battery

A lifting screen deserves quick attention. A swelling battery can be a safety risk, so stop charging the phone and have it checked. Our post on signs your phone battery needs replacing covers this in more detail.

Protect Your Data First

If the screen is getting worse, back up your phone now while you can still use it. If the screen barely works, a technician may still be able to help you get to your photos and contacts. Ask us about data recovery if you're worried.

Bring It to We Fix Phones N More

If the quick fixes don't solve it, our technicians can test the touchscreen, check the battery and recommend the right repair. We work on iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones and many other brands, and our repairs come with a 90-day warranty. Learn more about our iPhone repair and Samsung repair services, stop by 801 County Line Rd in Horsham, or call 215-323-4750.