Dealing with an unresponsive iPhone screen can be frustrating, especially when you rely on your device for daily tasks. Whether your screen isn’t reacting to touch, is freezing intermittently, or has stopped working entirely, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting tips to fix an unresponsive iPhone screen and how to back up your device, even if the screen isn’t functioning properly.
Index
- Why is my iPhone screen unresponsive?
- How to fix an unresponsive iPhone screen
- 1. Force restart your iPhone
- 2. Clean the screen and remove accessories
- 3. Update your iPhone’s software
- 4. Check for hardware damage
- 5. Restore your iPhone using recovery mode
- How to back up iPhone with an unresponsive screen
- When to seek professional help
- Consider a refurbished iPhone from Swappie
- Conclusion
Why is my iPhone screen unresponsive?
There are several reasons why your iPhone touchscreen might become unresponsive:
- Software glitches: Temporary bugs or conflicts in iOS can cause the screen to freeze or stop responding to touch.
- Physical damage: A cracked or damaged screen could prevent it from functioning correctly.
- Dirt and debris: Dust, grime, or moisture can interfere with the touchscreen’s sensitivity.
- Incompatible accessories: Screen protectors or cases that don’t fit well can sometimes cause touch problems.
- Outdated software: An outdated version of iOS might be causing compatibility issues with apps or system functions.
- Hardware issues: Internal damage, such as a malfunctioning digitizer (the component responsible for touch sensitivity), can cause the screen to stop working.
Identifying the root cause can help you apply the right fix to restore your iPhone’s functionality.
How to fix an unresponsive iPhone screen
If your iPhone screen is unresponsive, follow these troubleshooting steps to try and resolve the issue.
1. Force restart your iPhone
One of the simplest solutions for a frozen or unresponsive screen is to force restart your iPhone. This will reset the device and clear any temporary glitches that could be affecting the screen.
- For iPhone 8 and later (iPhone 13, 14, 15):
- Press and release the Volume Up button quickly, then press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
- For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
- Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
- For iPhone 6s and earlier:
- Press and hold the Home button and the Side (or Top) button together until the Apple logo appears.
A force restart can often resolve minor software issues causing the screen to freeze.
2. Clean the screen and remove accessories
Sometimes, a dirty or wet screen can affect touch sensitivity. Clean your screen using a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dust, dirt, or smudges. Also, check if your screen protector or case is causing problems:
- Remove any screen protectors or cases to see if the touchscreen becomes responsive again. Poorly applied or damaged protectors can sometimes interfere with touch functionality.
3. Update your iPhone’s software
An outdated iOS version can cause software issues that impact touchscreen performance. If your screen is working intermittently or you manage to navigate your iPhone, update the software to the latest version:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.
If the screen is completely unresponsive, you may need to connect your iPhone to a computer and update it through iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS).
4. Check for hardware damage
If your screen is cracked, has visible damage, or has been exposed to moisture, it may require a repair. In such cases, you can visit an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to have the screen inspected and repaired.
5. Restore your iPhone using recovery mode
If your screen remains unresponsive, restoring your iPhone through recovery mode may solve the problem. This process wipes your device clean, so make sure you have a backup before proceeding (we’ll cover how to back up your iPhone with an unresponsive screen in the next section).
To restore your iPhone using recovery mode:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Open iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS).
- Enter recovery mode by following these steps:
- For iPhone 8 and later: Press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
- For iPhone 7: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button together until you see the recovery mode screen.
- For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the Home button and the Side (or Top) button together until the recovery mode screen appears.
- When prompted, choose Restore to reset the device to its factory settings.
Restoring your iPhone can fix deeper software issues causing touchscreen problems.
How to back up iPhone with an unresponsive screen
If your screen is unresponsive but you still want to back up your data before attempting a repair or restore, here’s how you can do it:
- Use iTunes or Finder:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer.
- Open iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS).
- Select your iPhone from the device list and click Back Up Now to create a backup.
- iCloud backup (if the screen is intermittently working):
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now.
Backing up your iPhone ensures that your photos, messages, and other data are safe, even if the screen remains unresponsive.
Consider a refurbished iPhone from Swappie
If your iPhone screen is beyond repair or replacing the screen isn’t cost-effective, consider purchasing a refurbished iPhone from Swappie. Swappie’s refurbished iPhones undergo rigorous testing, including screen checks and replacements when necessary. Each device comes with a warranty, ensuring you get a high-quality iPhone at a fraction of the price of a new one.
Why choose a refurbished iPhone from Swappie?
- Fully tested and certified devices: Each iPhone undergoes detailed inspection and repairs, including screen replacement if needed.
- Warranty included: Swappie provides a warranty on all refurbished iPhones, so you can buy with confidence.
- Eco-friendly and cost-effective: Refurbished iPhones are a more sustainable option, reducing electronic waste while saving you money.
If your current iPhone’s screen issues persist, a refurbished iPhone from Swappie could be the ideal solution to get you back up and running with a fully functional device.
Conclusion
An unresponsive iPhone screen can be a serious inconvenience, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the issue yourself. From force restarting your device to cleaning the screen and checking for software updates, there are several ways to restore touchscreen functionality. If your screen remains unresponsive, consider backing up your data and seeking professional help, or explore the option of a refurbished iPhone from Swappie for a reliable and cost-effective replacement.