If you have an unresponsive touchscreen, it's not a problem unique to you, and it is certainly an issue that can be fixed when we can tell the reason for the responsiveness because there is no general solution to an unresponsive screen. We know that for our mobile devices to work correctly, our screens must be in perfect working condition, and if there is a problem with our screens, the device is almost entirely useless.

5 Causes of Unresponsive Touch Screen And Fixes

Here are the causes of unresponsive touch screen and solutions:

1. Insufficient Storage Space

Many smartphones with unresponsive touchscreens have that issue because their storage is full. Insufficient storage space is a problem in many Android phones. Lack of storage space can lead to many other issues with our device in general; an unresponsive touchscreen is just one of them. The smartphone slows down its activities when there is insufficient storage space because it is trying to process a lot of data in a limited space. Lack of storage space is not good as it stresses the device's software, making every other activity in the phone slower than usual.

Storage space can be created by clearing out clutter. Deleting pictures and some files or apps can free up space on your mobile device. Deleting some songs or movies you downloaded in streaming apps can also be a great idea, as well as media from apps like WhatsApp, because they also take up some space on your phone. You don't know how much space they take until you delete a lot or all of them.

When you have done this, switch off your phone and allow it to boot again. If the issue is insufficient space, then your touchscreen should be working perfectly now, along with many other phone functions. In that case, you have fixed one problem.

2. Dirty Screen

Sometimes, the issue may not be insufficient storage, and it could just be a dirty screen. Learn to wipe your phone’s screen often to remove any acid or liquid from your fingers that might tamper with the sensors of your touchscreen, causing it to be unresponsive or to ghost touch.

If your screen protector gets dirty underneath it, maybe it is slightly wet or too warm, and it will stop registering your touch. Consistently wiping your phone’s screen with a lint-free cloth and also operating your phone with clean hands can prevent dirt from passing onto your screen. It can also prevent it from having slight scratches on the surfaces, which is good for the general health of your touchscreen.

3. Hardware Damage Or Malfunction

In other cases, your phone’s unresponsive touchscreen could be due to a hardware malfunction or damage. Damage or malfunction can occur when your phone’s screen has been knocked or fully immersed in water and not properly dried up. The layer of the screen that is touch-sensitive, called the Digitizer, becomes faulty or loses its connection between the screen and the device's internal components.

In this case, you may need replacement hardware to enjoy your phone again. This replacement hardware can be acquired in phone stores and fixed by a professional smartphone technician in a phone repair shop. The hardware is usually specific to the particular smartphone in repair. Hardware replacement does not take time.

4. Software Issues

Glitches in your phone’s software can cause your touchscreen to be unresponsive. It can result from outdated system software or a recent system update. A software issue can easily be fixed by updating your phone’s software and booting your device again.

On the other hand, it could be that a particular app, video or audio you probably downloaded from an unknown website has become problematic or has a virus which can make the general behaviour of your mobile device frustrating. This issue can be resolved by factory resetting your phone, not just by deleting the app or media.

You may need to further install an antivirus on your phone after the factory reset. It will protect your phone against viruses and give you warnings where necessary. If the issue seems software-related, you may not need a phone technician.

5. Calibration Issues

Touch screen calibration is very important for accurate touch input. If the calibration is off, the touch screen may become unresponsive or not respond properly. An unresponsive touchscreen can happen due to software errors or accidental misalignment. Most Android devices have a calibration option in the settings to recalibrate the touch screen.

Although recent smartphones rarely need calibration. Some of the first Android devices up to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) had an inbuilt calibration option. The location of this setting can vary depending on the device and the Android version, but the general location is Menu > Settings > Language & keyboard > Touch Input > Text Input. Under Finger touch precision, tap “Calibration tool” or “Reset calibration.”

Also, a touchscreen calibration app can calibrate the smartphone’s touchscreen automatically and can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store. Here is how to use it:

• Install and launch the Touchscreen Calibration app.
• Tap on “Calibrate”
• Follow the instructions to perform the actions on the Test Pad in the app until your device passes all the tests.
• When you complete all the tests, you will be notified that the calibration is done. Tap “OK”
• Now, restart your device.

If you think the calibration was unsuccessful, you can relaunch the application.

It is essential to know these are just a few common reasons for your unresponsive touchscreen, and there can be other factors to consider as well. You should try the basic troubleshooting steps like restarting the device, checking for any physical damage or updating the software.

However, if the problem persists, don't hesitate to book a reservation with Carlcare and our qualified technicians will help you diagnose your phone’s unresponsive touchscreen accurately.

About Carlcare

Carlcare is the Official After-Sales Repair Centre for TECNO, Infinix and Itel Smartphones. We make use of original accessories only for repairs, and when you choose to repair at Carlcare you’re covered by warranty for a period (should the issue reoccur), unlike with other external repair options.