Touch screen not working
Dirt, moisture, a case, or a screen protector can interfere with touch. Run the touch screen test first to see whether taps register across the screen; nothing leaves your device.
Run the test first
Touch screen test
What the touch screen test checks
The touch screen test shows whether your device registers your touch across the screen. Follow the page instructions and touch the places it asks you to check. Watch for spots where a touch does not register or where the response does not match where you touched.
The result helps you tell whether the problem seems to affect the whole screen or only certain areas. It does not name a cause by itself. Use what you see to choose the relevant steps for your device below.
Tell which case you have
If the test shows touches failing across the screen, or in more than one area, start with the general steps for your device. Restarting or updating may help with a temporary or software-related issue.
If only one spot fails, first check the screen surface and remove anything covering it, where those steps are listed for your device. Run the test again after each change. If the same spot still does not register, follow the service step when it applies to your device.
Why touch may stop working
A dirty or wet surface can make touch harder to register. A case, screen protector, or accessory can also interfere, so the iOS steps include removing them. On Windows, restarting and installing updates address possible temporary or software problems.
The Android steps tell you to check the screen surface. These device-specific steps reflect possible settings or software causes; the test result alone cannot tell which one is responsible.
What to do after the test
Begin with the steps listed for your operating system and device. After cleaning the screen, removing a cover, restarting, changing a setting, or installing an update, run the test again to check whether the same areas respond. Use only the steps that match your device.
For iOS, the listed steps include getting service if the problem remains after restarting, cleaning the screen, and removing cases, protectors, and accessories.
Steps
Other checks
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Restart, then install Windows updates
Restart the device first. If the touch screen still misbehaves, turn on updates for other Microsoft products, install all updates and optional updates, and restart again even if no update asked for it.
Source: What to try if a touchscreen doesn't work in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Restart and clean the screen
Restart the iPhone or iPad, then clean the screen and remove debris or water.
Source: If the screen isn't working on your iPhone or iPad, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Remove cases, protectors and accessories
Remove cases and screen protectors, and unplug Lightning or USB-C accessories. If the screen works afterwards, try another outlet, cable or charger.
Source: If the screen isn't working on your iPhone or iPad, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Get service if it still fails
If the screen still does not respond after these steps, Apple says you may need to set up service for the device.
Source: If the screen isn't working on your iPhone or iPad, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Check the screen surface
Take off the case or screen protector, take off gloves, peel off stickers over the screen or sensors, and clean the screen.
Source: Fix touch and response issues on your Pixel screen, Pixel Phone Help, checked November 6, 2026
Pixel 9: run Touch diagnostics
Run the test and see what it reports.
Source: Fix touch and response issues on your Pixel screen, Pixel Phone Help, checked November 6, 2026
Pixel: install the latest software update
Install any system update that is waiting.
Source: Fix touch and response issues on your Pixel screen, Pixel Phone Help, checked November 6, 2026
Pixel: try Adaptive touch or Screen protector mode
Turn Adaptive touch on or off on Pixel 9 models. On Pixel 8a and earlier, turn Screen protector mode on or off.
Source: Fix touch and response issues on your Pixel screen, Pixel Phone Help, checked November 6, 2026
Questions
How do I test if my touch screen is working?
Open the linked touch screen test and touch the areas it asks you to check. Look for touches that do not register or areas that respond differently from the place you touched. Run the test again after trying a relevant fix.
What does it mean if only one part of the screen does not respond?
A failing area points to a problem that may be limited to that part of the screen, but the test cannot tell you the cause. Check the surface and remove a case or protector if the steps for your device include that. Test again, and follow the service step if it applies and the problem remains.
Can a screen protector stop touch from working?
A protector or accessory can interfere with touch. The iOS steps say to remove cases, protectors, and accessories. Check the steps for your device, then run the test again.
Why does my touch screen work after restarting?
The Windows steps include restarting and installing updates, and the iOS steps include restarting. A restart may clear a temporary problem, but the test result does not show why the issue happened. Test the screen again after restarting.
When should I get my touch screen serviced?
It does not provide a service or warranty step for Windows or Android.