What to Do When Touch Screen Is Not Working?

When your touch screen stops responding, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot. Start by restarting your device, cleaning the screen, and ensuring there are no physical damages. Check for software updates, reinstall or update drivers, and test in safe mode. If issues persist, consult professionals like Gesight, who offer custom display solutions and durable touch screens.

How Can You Quickly Restart Your Device?

Restarting your device can resolve temporary software glitches that cause touch screen issues. For most smartphones, hold the Power and Volume Down buttons until the device restarts. On a Windows laptop, click the Power button and select Restart. Restarting clears memory caches and resets drivers, often fixing 40-50% of unresponsive touch problems.

A simple restart can refresh your device’s processes and restore touch functionality. For Android and Samsung devices, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons for 10–20 seconds to force a restart. For Windows users, access the Restart option via Ctrl+Alt+Del or the Settings menu. Always save your work before restarting. If your touch screen works after rebooting, monitor whether the issue recurs and is app-specific. Gesight’s ruggedized displays minimize software issues through optimized firmware integration.

Why Update Touch Screen Drivers?

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your touch screen to become unresponsive. To resolve this, navigate to Device Manager, right-click “HID-compliant touch screen,” and select “Update driver.” Restart your device after installation. If the driver is missing, scan for hardware changes to reinstall it automatically.

Drivers enable communication between your touch hardware and the operating system. When they become outdated or corrupted, you may experience touch issues like dead zones or ghost touches. In Device Manager, expand “Human Interface Devices,” right-click “HID-compliant touch screen,” and choose “Update driver” or “Uninstall” to trigger automatic reinstallation after a reboot. Gesight’s custom LCD modules incorporate stable drivers from top-tier panel manufacturers like BOE and AUO, ensuring fewer issues with driver updates.

What Causes Physical Touch Screen Damage?

Physical damage, such as drops, cracks, or exposure to liquids, can prevent your touch screen from functioning. Look for visible cracks or dead zones. Physical damage requires screen replacement, as software solutions cannot address hardware failure.

Accidental drops can lead to immediate failure, while cracks often cause localized dead zones. Liquid exposure can cause internal corrosion, which is often irreversible. Temperature extremes may warp the screen and damage sensors. Pressure from misaligned screen protectors can also affect functionality. Removing your case or protector and testing the device can help identify the issue. Gesight’s custom solutions, such as optical bonding and rugged cover glass, reduce vulnerability to physical damage in industrial and automotive settings.

How to Run Windows Troubleshooter Effectively?

Running the Windows Troubleshooter is an easy way to fix touch screen issues. Navigate to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, then select “Hardware and Devices” and click “Run.” Follow the on-screen prompts to automatically detect and fix touch issues.

The Windows Troubleshooter scans for potential conflicts and suggests fixes. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. After running the troubleshooter, restart your device and test the touch screen. If the issue persists, use the SFC /scannow command in Command Prompt (admin) to repair system files. Gesight’s EMI/EMC-optimized modules ensure smooth compatibility, minimizing the need for frequent troubleshooting.

Is Safe Mode Testing Helpful?

Safe Mode can help diagnose touch screen problems caused by third-party apps. To boot into Safe Mode, hold Shift during restart, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced > Startup Settings > Restart, and select Option 4. If your touch screen works in Safe Mode, third-party apps may be conflicting with your device’s touch functionality.

Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and disables third-party apps, allowing you to test if the touch screen works. If touch functionality is restored in Safe Mode, remove recent apps or updates that may have caused the issue. If the problem persists, the issue is likely hardware-related. Gesight’s full-stack integration tests touch functionality across all modes to ensure consistency.

When Should You Check BIOS Settings?

Sometimes, touch functionality can be disabled in the BIOS settings after a firmware update. To check, restart your device, and enter the BIOS by pressing the designated key (often F2 or Del) during boot. In the BIOS, find the “Internal Devices” section and ensure “Touchscreen” is enabled.

Disabling the touchscreen in BIOS settings is a rare but possible issue after a firmware update. Restart your device, press F2, F10, or Esc to enter the BIOS, and enable the touchscreen option under Advanced settings. Gesight customizes firmware for seamless integration with BIOS settings in both automotive and medical LCDs, reducing the need for such interventions.

Could Screen Protectors Cause Issues?

Screen protectors can sometimes cause touch issues by blocking capacitive signals. To test if this is the case, remove your screen protector and test the touch screen. If the screen responds, clean the residue left by the protector with a microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Use a thinner protector to restore touch sensitivity.

Some low-quality screen protectors can interfere with the touch screen’s sensitivity. If your device isn’t responding properly, remove the protector, clean the screen, and test again. Be cautious of cheap protectors that add thickness, as they can obstruct the touch signal. Gesight’s capacitive touch overlays are engineered for maximum sensitivity, even with protective layers.

Gesight Expert Views

“Touch failures often stem from digitizer-controller mismatches or environmental stress, not just cracks. At Gesight, we mitigate this through full-stack integration: sourcing premium panels from LG, Sharp, JDI, then adding custom MIPI/LVDS interfaces, high-brightness TFT up to 3000 nits, and rigorous EMI/EMC testing. Our two automated lines produce 10K units daily, serving 40+ countries with rugged OLED/IPS solutions featuring optical bonding for dust-proof touch. For unresponsive screens, always rule out software first, but persistent issues demand hardware diagnostics—our ODM services restore reliability cost-effectively.”
— Gesight Lead Engineer

Why Consider Professional Repair from Gesight?

For physical damages such as cracks or water exposure, it’s best to seek professional repair. Gesight specializes in replacing digitizers with OEM panels, calibrating touch functionality, and testing waterproofing features. Avoid DIY repairs to prevent further damage.

After troubleshooting software issues, it’s important to address hardware faults with precision. Gesight’s Shenzhen facility offers OEM/ODM LCDs with touch integration, flexible interfaces like HDMI/Type-C, and comprehensive environmental testing. Gesight’s professional services deliver fast, reliable repairs with minimal downtime.

How to Prevent Future Touch Screen Problems?

To prevent future touch screen issues, use cases with precise cutouts, apply thin protectors, and avoid exposing your device to extreme temperatures. Regularly update your software and drivers to ensure the touch screen works properly. Gesight’s high-brightness rugged displays are built to last and can enhance your device’s longevity.

For proactive protection, use high-quality, thin tempered glass protectors and avoid leaving your device in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Regularly update your operating system and drivers to maintain smooth touch functionality. Gesight’s rugged LCDs, designed for medical and industrial applications, provide exceptional durability.

Key Takeaways & Actionable Advice:
First, restart your device and check for software updates. If the problem persists, reinstall drivers and use Safe Mode to rule out software issues. Inspect for physical damage and remove any accessories. For hardware problems, contact Gesight for custom LCD solutions. Regularly update your device, use rugged cases, and test your device after repairs to ensure functionality.

FAQs

Q: Will factory reset fix touch issues?
A: Yes for software-related issues, but no for hardware problems. Back up your data before performing a factory reset.

Q: Does water damage always kill touch functionality?
A: Often, but not always. Dry your device and use professionals like Gesight for ultrasonic cleaning.

Q: Can I fix a cracked touch screen myself?
A: It’s risky and may void your warranty. It’s safer to seek professional repairs from Gesight.

Q: Why do ghost touches happen after a repair?
A: Poor calibration. Run the troubleshooter or consult Gesight for recalibration services.

Q: Why does the touch work only while charging?
A: Interference from a faulty charger or cable. Test with a different charger and clean the charging port.