How to Fix: iPhone/iPad Screen Not Responding to Touch

It is not an uncommon occurrence that iPhone or iPad screen not respond to touch, especially after updating one of your apps or the new operating system (iOS 14/13/12/11/10). You can see your iPhone screen not responding also if the display is dirty or when you use it in a wet environment.

Fortunately, there are a number of easy fixes for unresponsive screens, provided the screen is not cracked or shattered. In the following guide, we will share with you 7 simple yet efficient solutions to fix the iPhone 12/11/Xs (Max)/XR/X/8/7/6 screen not responding problem, also apply to resolve iPad screen not responding to touch issue.

Why iPhone or iPad Screen Is Not Responding

Your iPhone display may become unresponsive due to dozens of reasons. As we said, an interaction may be interrupted following an app or iOS update. A good practice to prevent your iPhone screen from not responding is to keep it clean all the time. Do not expose it to extreme conditions such as direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Your screen that is unresponsive will also unresponsive at low temperatures. You should also set your iPhone to turn off the display when you are not using the device – it will save both energy and will prolong the screen’s life.

7 Tips to Fix: iPhone/iPad Screen Not Responding to Touch

Method 1. Force Restart Your iPhone/iPad

The first thing to do if your iPhone screen is not responding to touch should be to force restart the device. Silent software and iOS updates often cause your device to become unresponsive, which you first notice by not being able to use touch commands.

Force Restart iPhone 8, 8Plus and later:

• Press shortly the Volume Up button.
• Press shortly the Volume Down button.
• Hold the Side button and wait for the Apple logo to appear.

Force Restart iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus:

• Hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons.
• Wait for the Apple logo to appear.

Force Restart iPhone 6s and earlier, iPad or iPod touch:

• Hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons.
• Wait for the Apple logo to appear.

Method 2. Remove Case or Screen Protector

Sometimes third-party accessories might prevent your iPhone from responding to touch commands. It this case, just remove your protective case or screen protector, and then try touching your device screen and see if it responds.

Method 3. Clean Your Screen and Fingers

Always use quality screen protectors as low quality ones prevent the screen from detecting the touch of your fingers. In this case, take off your gloves to check if the iPhone screen is responding after cleaning. Clean and dry up your fingers, as iPhone screen is not responding to wet fingers.

Step 1. Switch off your iPhone/iPad > Remove any power sources.

Step 2. Use a microfiber cloth or a lint-free cloth. If you use a cleaner, spray it on the cloth and wipe the screen gently. Do not press the screen hard to avoid damage.

Method 4. Adjust 3D Touch Sensitivity

It is the right moment to adjust the responsiveness of your iOS screen. All users of iPhone 6s and late can change the settings of the 3D Touch functionality that is managing the screen responsiveness.

Step 1. Go to Settings and select General > Tap on Accessibility and select 3D Touch.

Step 2. Use the slider to adjust the sensitivity level > Turn 3D Touch off and on by using the slider on the top of the screen.

Method 5. Dry Out Your iPhone/iPad

You can also experience issues with the unresponsive screen when you use a device in wet conditions or the phone gets wet. Then, you should dry out the device before attempting to use it again. Remember, using a wet iPhone or iPad can result in severe damages to your device and its hardware components.

Step 1. Switch your iPhone off completely > Remove the battery if possible and remove all power sources.

Step 2. Use clean water to wash off any saltwater, food or filth in your device > Wipe out the phone gently.

Step 3. Surround the device with a drying agent such as silica gel or a desiccant product. Do not use the iPhone for at least 48 hours, until dry.

Method 6. Update, Reinstall or Delete App

If the screen stops responding after you update a specific app, then simply reinstall or delete the applications that prevent your device from working properly. Sometimes, you may need to update a specific app that freezes your screen.

Go to Apple’s App Store > Tap on the update tab and select the app you want to update > Tap on Update.

If the iPhone screen is still not responding, you may try to delete and reinstall the app.

Step 1. Go to your iPhone home screen > Find the app > Tap and hold the app icon until it starts vibrating.

Step 2. Tap on the “X” sign in the app window > Tap on “Delete” in the pop-up message > Return to the App Store and re-download that app.

Method 7. Reset All Settings

This way your iPhone will restart with all its settings reset. It is a working solution when your iPhone or iPad screen is not responding and you are not sure what the cause for this is. It is a good idea to back up all your data and settings before you try to reset settings or before you delete an app.

Go to Settings and select General > Tap on Reset and select Reset All Settings > Enter your passcode, if asked.

The Bottom Line

You should know that having your iPhone/iPad screen not responding and having cracks on the device screen are two different things. You can apply any of the above tips only if your iPhone screen is not responding to touch, not when you have your screen cracked. If you find this guide useful, share it to help more users who are bothered by the problem.