iPhone Touch Screen Not Working? Fixes That Actually Work

Did You Know?

Quick answer: Touch screen issues are usually caused by software glitches, screen protector problems, or physical screen damage. Try a force restart first. If that doesn't help, the digitizer (touch layer) may need replacement. For screen repairs, see our screen repair guide.

Your iPhone screen lights up but doesn't respond to touch. Or maybe it registers phantom touches, responds in the wrong places, or only works in certain areas. This is frustrating because you can see your phone working — you just can't interact with it. If your iPhone won't turn on at all, that's a different problem.

Quick Checks First

1. Clean the screen — Grease, moisture, or debris can interfere with touch recognition
2. Remove screen protector — Some protectors interfere with touch, especially if poorly applied or damaged
3. Remove case — Some cases press on screen edges and cause issues
4. Dry your hands — Wet or very dry hands affect touch sensitivity
5. Check for cracks — Even small cracks can damage the underlying touch layer

Software Fixes

Force Restart

This clears temporary software glitches that can affect touch response:

• iPhone 8 and newer: Volume Up, Volume Down, hold Side button until Apple logo
• iPhone 7: Hold Volume Down + Side button together
• iPhone 6s and older: Hold Home + Side button together

Update iOS

If you can navigate using Siri or an external keyboard/mouse (newer iPhones support this), check Settings → General → Software Update. Some iOS versions have had touch bugs.

Reset All Settings

Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset → Reset All Settings. This won't delete data but resets all system preferences.

Partial Touch Failure

If touch works in some areas but not others, you're likely dealing with hardware damage:

Touch Disease (iPhone 6/6 Plus)

A known defect where the touch IC chips loosen from the logic board. Symptoms include a flickering grey bar at the top of the screen and progressive touch failure. Requires board-level repair.

Cracked Digitizer

Even if the display looks fine, the touch layer (digitizer) underneath can be cracked. Common after drops. Requires screen replacement.

Connector Issues

The screen's connection to the logic board can loosen, especially after drops or previous repairs. Sometimes reseating the connection fixes this.

Ghost Touch / Phantom Touches

If your screen responds on its own — opening apps, typing randomly, swiping without input — this is called "ghost touch." Causes include:

• Damaged screen: Internal damage causing false signals
• Faulty replacement screen: If the phone was previously repaired with low-quality parts
• Software bug: Rare, but a restore can fix it
• Electrical interference: Check if it happens near certain electronics

When It's Hardware

Touch screen issues require hardware repair when:

• Force restart and restore don't help
• Phone was dropped (even if screen isn't visibly cracked)
• Phone got wet — water damage affects touch layers
• Touch fails in specific areas
• Ghost touches persist after factory reset

UK Repair Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my iPhone if touch doesn't work?

Limited options: Voice Control (say "Hey Siri"), connect a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse (iPhone XS and newer with accessibility settings), or connect via a computer to backup data. But for full use, the screen needs repair.

Why did touch stop working after dropping my phone?

Even without visible cracks, a drop can damage the digitizer layer beneath the glass, loosen internal connectors, or damage the touch controller. Screen replacement typically resolves this.

Can water cause touch screen problems?

Yes. Water can damage the touch controller or leave residue between screen layers. This may be temporary (as the phone dries) or permanent (if corrosion develops). See our iPhone water damage guide for immediate steps.

Why does my screen work fine then stop responding?

Intermittent touch failure usually indicates a loose connector, partial digitizer damage, or temperature-related expansion/contraction of damaged components. The inconsistency actually helps diagnosis — it narrows down the cause.