How to fix touch screen not working on Android phone

Is your Android phone's touch screen acting up, leaving you frustrated and unable to use your device? Don't panic! You're not alone. Many users experience an android touch screen not responding from time to time. The good news is that often, it's a software glitch or minor issue that can be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you diagnose and fix the problem.

Quick Fix: Restart Your Android Phone

The first and simplest solution is to restart your phone. This often clears minor software glitches that might be causing the touch screen issue. Hold down the power button and select "Restart" (or "Reboot") if the touch screen allows. If the touch screen is completely unresponsive, try a force restart. This usually involves holding down the power button and volume down button simultaneously for 10-20 seconds. Check your phone's manual for the specific key combination for your model.

Clean Your Android Screen

Believe it or not, a dirty screen can interfere with touch screen sensitivity. Dust, grime, and fingerprints can create a barrier between your finger and the screen, causing it to misread your touches. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean the screen. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the screen's surface.

Check for Physical Damage

Carefully inspect your phone's screen for any cracks, chips, or other physical damage. Even a small crack can affect the touch screen's functionality. If you find any damage, it's likely the cause of the problem, and you may need to consider a screen repair or replacement.

Troubleshooting Touch Screen Issues Android: Software Solutions

If there's no visible damage, the issue might be software-related. Here are some steps to troubleshoot software problems:

1. Remove Screen Protector

A faulty or poorly installed screen protector can sometimes interfere with touch screen sensitivity. Try removing the screen protector to see if that resolves the issue. If the phone touch screen unresponsive returns to normal after removing the protector, consider replacing it with a higher-quality one.

2. Check for Software Updates

Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues that affect the touch screen. Go to Settings > System > Software Update (or similar, depending on your Android version) and check for any available updates. Install any updates you find, as they often include bug fixes and performance improvements that could resolve your problem.

3. Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts your Android phone with only the essential system apps. This allows you to determine if a third-party app is causing the touch screen issue. To boot into Safe Mode, usually you need to long-press the power button until the power options appear. Then, long-press the "Power off" option until you see a prompt to reboot into Safe Mode. Tap "OK" to confirm. If the touch screen works fine in Safe Mode, a recently installed app is likely the culprit. Uninstall apps one by one, restarting your phone after each uninstallation, until the touch screen issue is resolved.

4. Calibrate Your Touch Screen

Some Android phones have a built-in android screen calibration tool. This tool helps to realign the touch screen's sensors, ensuring accurate touch recognition. To find the calibration tool, go to Settings and search for "calibration" or "touch screen calibration." If your phone doesn't have a built-in tool, you can download a third-party android screen calibration tool app from the Google Play Store. Be sure to choose a reputable app with good reviews.

Here's how to use a screen calibration app. (This may vary depending on the app)

1. Download and install the screen calibration app of your choice.
2. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. The app will guide you through a series of touches and gestures to calibrate the screen.
4. Once the calibration is complete, restart your phone to apply the changes.

5. Factory Reset Your Android Phone

As a last resort, you can try factory resetting your Android phone. This will erase all data on your phone and restore it to its original factory settings. *Be sure to back up your important data before performing a factory reset.* To factory reset your phone, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

When to Consider Professional Repair or Replacement

If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps above and your android touch screen not responding is still not working, it's likely a hardware issue that requires professional attention. Consider taking your phone to a qualified repair technician for diagnosis and repair. They may be able to repair the screen or recommend a replacement. Keep in mind the android touch screen replacement cost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring physical damage: Don't ignore cracks or other visible damage to the screen. They can often be the root cause of the problem.
• Using harsh cleaning products: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your screen, as they can damage the surface.
• Downloading untrusted apps: Only download apps from the Google Play Store, and be wary of apps that request excessive permissions.
• Delaying professional repair: If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps and the problem persists, don't delay seeking professional help.

Alternative Solutions for Android Touch Screen Issues

While the above steps address common causes, sometimes a temporary workaround can help:

• Using a USB OTG adapter and mouse: If your touch screen is completely unresponsive, you can connect a USB mouse to your phone using a USB OTG (On-The-Go) adapter. This will allow you to navigate your phone and access settings using the mouse.
• Voice control: If you've enabled Google Assistant, you can use voice commands to control your phone.

FAQ: Fixing Touch Screen Problems

Q: How much does it cost to fix a broken Android touch screen?

A: The android touch screen replacement cost varies depending on the phone model and the repair shop. Generally, it can range from $50 to $200 or more.

Q: Why is my touch screen glitching?

A: Android phone screen glitches can be caused by software bugs, hardware issues, or even a faulty screen protector. Try the troubleshooting steps outlined above to identify and resolve the problem.

Q: Can I fix my touch screen myself?

A: If you have experience with electronics repair, you may be able to replace the screen yourself. However, it's a delicate process that requires specialized tools and knowledge. If you're not comfortable with it, it's best to leave it to a professional.

Hopefully, this guide has provided you with the information you need to fix your android touch screen not responding. By following these steps, you can often resolve the problem yourself and avoid the expense of a professional repair. Good luck!