Why Your iPhone Won’t Let You Click Anything: Fixing Issue

Dean Morgan
By Dean Morgan
26 Min Read
reasons why your iphone wont let you click anything featured

Hey there! Ever had a moment when your iPhone screen just won’t listen to you? Maybe it decided to take a nap during an update? 😄

When my iPhone decided to play hide and seek and wouldn’t let me tap or swipe, I went on a mini detective mission. Guess what? I found out a bunch of reasons why this happens! It could be because of things like:

  • Getting it wet (Oops! 🌊)
  • Accidentally dropping it (Ouch! 🤕)
  • Too many photos and apps eating up all the memory (Selfie spree, anyone? 📸)
  • Not updating to the latest iOS (Stay in the loop! 🔄)
  • A screen protector that’s not sitting right (Pesky bubbles! 🌬️)
  • Dust and grime build-up (Ew! 🧼)
  • Nasty viruses sneaking in (Not cool! 🦠)
  • Or just a random app acting all weird (Calm down, app! 📱)

The main culprit? This thing in your iPhone called the “digitizer”. It’s the magical part that lets you touch and swipe. If it takes a day off, you might find your screen not responding.

But don’t worry! Most times, giving your iPhone a quick restart can work wonders. 🌟 But if that doesn’t do the trick, I’ve got some cool tips and tricks up my sleeve to help you out.

Ready to dive in? Let’s roll! 🚀

Unresponsive iPhone Touch Screen? Here’s What Went Wrong!

Ever felt like your iPhone is giving you the silent treatment? Like it’s just not responding, no matter how much you tap or swipe? Let’s figure out what’s going on!

iPhone Getting Old? 🧓📱

Sometimes, as iPhones get older, they might act a bit grumpy and not respond. Imagine them like grandpas who’ve seen a lot and sometimes just need a moment! It’s really not fun, especially when you’re in the middle of something super important.

Blame the Digitizer?

The digitizer is the part of your iPhone that lets you touch and swipe. Think of it as the brain of your touchscreen. If something’s not right with it, you might have a hard time using your phone. This problem used to be a big thing with the iPhone 5, but thank goodness, Apple sorted that out.

Third-party Repairs and Software Updates

If you’ve ever dropped your iPhone 8 and had someone other than Apple fix it, you might’ve had a surprise. Some of these iPhones didn’t like the iOS 11.3 update and decided they didn’t want to be touched anymore. Yikes! But, Apple came to the rescue with a new update: iOS 11.3.1.

Too Hot or Too Cold for the iPhone X? 🥵❄️

Some iPhone X users found that their screens didn’t like rapid changes in temperature. Kinda like how we don’t like jumping into a cold pool right after being in a hot tub. Apple came up with a cool solution (pun intended) to help out with that.

What’s Next?

If any of this sounds like your iPhone’s story, you might want to chat with Apple. They have a nifty customer support site where you can tell them what’s up.

But wait! Before you go, let’s look at some other sneaky reasons your iPhone might be ignoring you.

Common Reasons Why Your iPhone Won’t Let You Click Anything

Alright, let’s play detective! 🕵️‍♂️ Here are some common reasons why your iPhone might be acting a little shy and not letting you click or swipe.

#1 Memory Issues

Imagine trying to juggle ten balls at once. Tough, right? That’s kinda like your iPhone when it’s running a lot of apps and programs together. This could mess with its memory, making the screen say, “Nope, not today!” Crashed apps and wonky system files can also throw things off.

#2 Water Damage

Dropped your iPhone in a puddle, pool, or even your drink? (We’ve all been there!) Water can make your iPhone screen freeze up and not respond. If you can, try to dry it out as fast as possible. But even then, it might still act a bit frosty.

#3 Grease Accumulation & Faulty Screen Protector

Did you know? Dirt, grease (maybe from that delicious pizza?), or even a wonky screen protector can block your iPhone’s touch. A quick clean or removing the protector might do the trick. But if that doesn’t help, there might be another sneaky reason hiding.

#4 Dry Soldering Touchscreen Connectors

Okay, let’s get a bit geeky! Sometimes, the parts inside your iPhone that make the touch work can have issues, like “dry soldering”. It’s like when two things should stick together but don’t. You can try a special brush with some techy stuff called “flux” on the PCB (that’s the green board inside your phone), but if that doesn’t fix things, there might be some pesky viruses at play.

#5 Virus Attack & App Glitches

Did you know viruses and weird app glitches can play tricks on your iPhone? Yup, they can mess with its brain (the operating system) and make the screen not listen to you. Sometimes, it’s because of bad updates or some files on your screen getting hurt. A top-notch anti-virus tool can come to the rescue! But if that’s not helping, it might be time to peek at something called the control IC.

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#6 Faulty Primary or Secondary Touchscreen Control IC

Think of the primary and secondary touchscreen control ICs as the bosses of your touch screen. If they’re not doing their job, your screen might just refuse to work. It’s like when the boss is away, and the employees (your screen) decide to take a break.

#7 Physical Damage to Touch Screen

Ever had that heart-stopping moment when your iPhone slips from your hand? It’s like watching it in slow motion, right? A drop can hurt your iPhone’s screen big time, leading it to ignore your touch. You might even see some weird colors, dark spots, or blurry bits.

#8 Aftermarket Screen Replacement

Ever heard the saying, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is”? Some folks replace their iPhone screens with ones not made by Apple because they’re cheaper. But, there’s a catch. These screens might not have the cool tech that Apple screens do. They’re made by other companies and might not get along well with your iPhone. Plus, they might not look as sharp or colorful.

In a nutshell, your iPhone is like a puzzle with many pieces. If one piece is out of place, things might not work right. Let’s keep exploring and see if we can find all the missing pieces! 🧩🔍

How To Fix Unresponsive iPhone Screen?

So, your iPhone’s screen is acting all aloof, huh? Don’t worry! I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve that can help bring it back to life. 📱✨

#1 Force Restart iPhone

One of the best ways to get your iPhone to snap out of its daze? A force restart. It’s like giving it a little shake and saying, “Hey, wake up!” Many iPhone users swear by this method.

This can especially help if you suspect your iPhone’s memory is feeling a bit overloaded. Now, the way you do a force restart changes a bit depending on the iPhone model you have. Let’s break it down:

1.1 For the Cool New iPhone 14 and 14 Pro 🌟

These guys come with face ID, which is super handy.

  • Hold down the side and volume buttons until the power-off slider pops up.
  • Slide that slider to the right, like you’re saying “night-night” to your iPhone.
  • After about 30 seconds, it’ll be totally off.
  • Push and hold that side button until you spot the Apple logo.
  • If all’s good, you’ll see your lock screen. Just put in your passcode if your touch is working again!

1.2 For the iPhone X and Friends (11, 11+, 12, 12+, 13) 📱

  • Hold the side and volume buttons at the same time until that power-off slider says hello.
  • Slide it to turn off your iPhone.
  • Once everything’s quiet, push and hold the side button to switch it back on.

1.3 For the iPhone SE, 8, 7 and Their Pals (7+, 6, 6+) 🎵

  • Press the side button until the power-off slider comes up.
  • Slide it down and let your iPhone take a quick nap.
  • After a bit, press the side button again until you see the Apple logo.

1.4 For the OG iPhone 6s and the Classics Before it 🍎

  • Press and hold both the home and top-corner buttons together till you spot the Apple logo.
  • Let go of those buttons and give it a moment.
  • Turn it back on by pressing the side button, then swipe up and punch in your password.

Give this a shot, and there’s a good chance your iPhone will be back in action! If not, don’t fret; we’ve got more tricks to try. 🎩✨

#2 Check the Screen Protector and Clean the Screen

You know those super-thin screen protectors everyone’s using these days? While they’re pretty awesome and usually get along great with our smartphones, sometimes they can be a bit… well, fussy.

Is Your Screen Protector Playing Hard to Get? 🛡️

Sometimes, that piece of protection on your screen might not be sitting just right. Or maybe it’s gotten a bit old and grumpy. Here’s what you can do:

  • Take off that screen protector and give your iPhone a little test. Tap, swipe, and see if it’s back to its old responsive self.
  • If things seem to be working better without it, maybe it’s time for a screen protector upgrade. Look for a super slim one from a brand that gets lots of thumbs up.

Clean Up Time! 🧽

Tiny invaders like moisture, dust, or a random crumb from your breakfast can sneak their way under your screen protector. These little guys can throw a big wrench in how your iPhone screen behaves.

  • Wave goodbye to that screen protector for a moment and bring out your trusty dry microfiber cloth.
  • Gently wipe away any specks, spots, or smudges until your iPhone’s screen is shining bright like a diamond.
  • Make sure it’s all dry and free from any sneaky bits before you pop that screen protector back on.

Then, give your screen another test run. With a clean surface and a properly placed protector, there’s a good chance you’ll be back to tapping and swiping without a hitch! 🌟

#3 Disconnect Lightning or USB-C Accessories

You know how sometimes things get weird when too many things are connected? Your iPhone can feel the same way!

Is That Cable Getting in the Way? ⚡

Although it’s a rare occurrence, sometimes the cables we use to charge or connect our iPhones can throw a tiny spanner in the works.

  • If your iPhone’s screen is playing the silent treatment, try unplugging any connected cables. Whether it’s a lightning or USB-C, just give it a yank (gently, of course).
  • After you’ve disconnected, give your iPhone a test. Touch, tap, swipe – is it talking back to you now?
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If things are still a bit icy, maybe it’s time to swap out that cable.

  • Try a brand-new lightning or USB-C cable and plug it in. Still no luck?

Well, if switching cables didn’t do the trick, it might be a deeper issue with the software or maybe some hardware hiccup. But hey, it was worth a shot! Let’s keep going and figure out what’s up. 💪🔍

#4 Update Your iPhone

Do you remember those days when you’d avoid updating your apps or phone because you were just too comfy with the old version? We’ve all been there. But sometimes, giving your iPhone that fresh new update can be like a magical elixir for screen troubles.

Is Your iPhone Craving the Latest Features? 📲

Outdated iOS versions can sometimes be the party poopers. They might lack the latest cool features or essential fixes that make everything run smoothly.

Here’s a Quick Way to Check for Updates:

  1. Dive into your iPhone’s Settings app.
  2. Tap on ‘General’.
  3. Now, scout for ‘Software Update’. If there’s a shiny new version waiting, tap on ‘Download and Install’. If not, pat yourself on the back – you’re all up-to-date!

Screen Not Playing Ball? Try iTunes on Your Computer! 💻

If that screen’s not budging, don’t sweat it! You can always sneak in through the back door using iTunes.

Here’s how:

  1. Rope in your USB cable and connect your iPhone to your computer.
  2. Got a Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later? Open up the Finder app. But if you’re team Windows or have an older Mac, open iTunes.
  3. If you can, unlock your iPhone. If you set up Face ID or Touch ID before, it’ll be a breeze.
  4. Look for the ‘Update’ button and give it a click. This will get the latest iOS dancing onto your iPhone.

(Note: Remember, the computer should recognize your iPhone from past rendezvous. If not, you might get a little “Trust this computer?” pop-up. If your screen lets you, tap ‘Trust’.)

Still in a Pickle? Time for Recovery Mode! 🚑

If that screen’s giving you the cold shoulder, let’s try recovery mode:

  1. Get that iPhone connected to your computer with a USB cable.
  2. Pop open iTunes (or Finder for the newer Mac folks).
  3. Force restart your iPhone using the steps from before.
  4. Instead of the friendly Apple logo, you’ll see a ‘Recovery Mode’ screen.
  5. Your computer will play detective and find your iPhone in recovery mode. A window will pop up, saying hi.
  6. Click on ‘Update’ and watch as the newest iOS version takes center stage.

Stuck? There are some cool third-party tools out there that can help you give your iOS a quick tune-up too! Whatever you choose, just remember: your iPhone loves a good update every now and then. 😉🔧

#5 Repair iOS with Reiboot

Heard of ReiBoot? No? Well, it’s kind of like a fairy godmother but for iPhones! It’s an awesome third-party tool that swoops in to solve those pesky iOS issues that keep you up at night. Let’s dive into the magic step-by-step!

Your Quick ReiBoot Guide:

  1. Get Started: Open ReiBoot on your computer. It’s kind of like opening a magical spell book!
  2. Plug and Play: Grab your trusty USB cable and link your iPhone to your computer. Just like plugging in a magic wand!
  3. The Magic Button: Once connected, you’ll see a ‘Start’ icon. Go ahead and give it a click. You’re on your way!
  4. Safe and Sound: Opt for ‘Standard Repair’. It’s kind of like the gentle fairy spell – it fixes the problem without making your data disappear. Phew!
  5. Enter the Magic Portal: Follow the on-screen instructions to guide your iPhone into ‘Recovery Mode’. It’s like stepping into a new realm!
  6. The Right Spell: ReiBoot will then find the perfect iOS firmware for your device. It’s like matching the right spell to the potion!
  7. Let the Magic Happen: After the download, click on ‘Start Repair’. Sit back and watch the enchantment unfold.
  8. And… Ta-da! Your iPhone should be back in action!

Just remember, every magical tool has its wonders. So, always be cautious and make sure you’re using genuine tools to give your iPhone the royal treatment it deserves! 🌟📱

#6 Factory Reset iPhone

If you’ve tried all the cool tips above and your iPhone still feels like it’s on a never-ending nap, it might be time for the drastic measure – a Factory Reset. Think of it as giving your iPhone a fresh start, a blank canvas, a… well, you get the point!

🔧 What’s a Factory Reset Anyway? It’s like taking your iPhone back in time, to the very day you first took it out of its box. Everything gets wiped out: apps, photos, messages – all gone! It’s a great way to figure out if the issue is because of a misbehaving app or if it’s a deeper hardware issue.

🔗 Got Backup? Before going nuclear, make sure you’ve got a backup. If you’ve been backing things up regularly, you’re golden! If not, try to make a new backup if you can. But if your screen is totally out of service, creating a backup might be a challenge.

📦 Already Got iCloud Backup? If you’ve got iCloud backup turned on, there’s a silver lining! iCloud does a little magic trick every 24 hours and automatically backs up your stuff. So, even if you don’t remember the last time you did a backup, iCloud might have your back.

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Let’s Reset:

  1. Prepare for the Leap: Keep in mind, this step is BIG. Make sure you’ve exhausted all other options first.
  2. The iCloud Safety Net: Even if you can’t manually back up because of the touch issue, remember your iCloud might have done one for you.
  3. Go Ahead with the Reset: Dive into Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
  4. Fresh Start: Your iPhone will restart and it’ll be as fresh as the day you got it. Set it up and, if you have a backup, restore your stuff.

📝 Quick Tip: Always make it a habit to back up your iPhone regularly. You never know when tech hiccups will pop up. It’s like keeping an umbrella in your bag – better safe than sorry!

And remember, if your iPhone still isn’t feeling well after the reset, it might be time for a trip to the experts at an Apple Store. 🍏🔧

#7 Contact Apple Support

When all DIY (do-it-yourself) methods fail, it might be time to call in the cavalry. Apple Support is your next stop.

Here’s why and how you should contact Apple Support:

🔍 Diagnose the Problem: There might be a deeper issue that only trained technicians can identify and solve.

💡 Expert Advice: If it’s a known software bug, Apple technicians might have a specific solution up their sleeves that hasn’t been made public yet.

🛠 Hardware Issues: If the unresponsiveness is due to a hardware malfunction, Apple might repair or replace your iPhone. They have diagnostic tools in-store to pinpoint hardware issues.

🔄 Replacement: In cases where the phone is under warranty or if the issue is a recognized manufacturing fault, Apple might replace your iPhone. Remember, Apple’s primary concern is to provide you with a fully functional device.

Steps to Contact Apple Support:

  1. Apple Support Website: Visit Apple’s support website. Navigate through the prompts based on your problem.
  2. Apple Support App: If you have another Apple device, you can download the Apple Support app and log in to schedule a call or chat.
  3. Visit an Apple Store: Book an appointment at your nearest Apple Genius Bar. Don’t forget to back up your iPhone before your visit, if possible.
  4. Authorized Service Providers: If you’re not near an Apple Store, many authorized service providers can assist with iPhone issues.

Remember! If you have AppleCare+ for your iPhone, your device might be eligible for express replacement or special repair options.

Pro-tip: Always give a thorough description of the problems you’re facing. It helps the technician understand and solve your issue faster.

Keep calm, and trust the experts. Even if it feels frustrating now, there’s a good chance Apple can get your iPhone back in tip-top shape!📱🔧🍏

In Conclusion To

Navigating the choppy waters of an unresponsive iPhone screen can be daunting. But with patience, determination, and the right tools, you can often bring your device back to life. Whether the issue is software or hardware-based, there’s usually a solution at hand.

Remember, while iPhones are remarkable pieces of technology, they’re not infallible. The occasional glitch or hiccup is to be expected. But armed with the knowledge from this guide, you’re now better equipped to handle those challenges head-on.

If you’ve tried everything and still hit a brick wall, don’t hesitate to turn to the pros at Apple. They’re in the best position to assist with complex or hard-to-diagnose issues.

In the end, everyone has their tech struggles. Sharing this guide might just be the lifeline someone needs the next time their iPhone gives them the cold shoulder. So, pass it on!

Have you faced an unresponsive iPhone screen before? What worked for you? We’d love to hear your experiences and tips. Drop a line in the comments below!📱🔍🛠

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my iPhone not letting me click anything?

There could be several reasons for this issue, such as a software glitch, a faulty touch screen, or an unresponsive app. Read on to find possible fixes for this problem.

How can I fix an unresponsive touch screen on my iPhone?

Restarting your iPhone, cleaning the screen, or updating the software are some initial steps you can take to address an unresponsive touch screen. If these don't work, you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service center.

Why are apps not responding to my taps on the iPhone?

This issue can occur if the app is outdated, incompatible with your iPhone's iOS version, or if the app itself has a bug. Try updating the app, restarting your iPhone, or reinstalling the app to see if it resolves the issue.

What should I do if my iPhone's screen is frozen and won't allow any clicks?

If your iPhone's screen is completely frozen, you can force restart it by pressing and holding the power button and volume down button simultaneously. This usually helps resolve the issue and gets your iPhone working again.

Can a software update fix the problem of not being able to click anything on my iPhone?

Yes, a software update can often resolve issues related to unresponsive touch screens or app glitches. Make sure your iPhone has the latest iOS version by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

What else can I try if none of the above solutions work?

If none of the suggested fixes work, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This can be done by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. However, keep in mind that this will reset all your customized settings to their defaults.
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