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When a phone screen stops responding to touch, the cause can range from a frozen app to physical damage. Engadget reported that while software glitches often cause touch inputs to jam in the processor, hardware issues can also render a screen useless.
Start with the basics
Users should first inspect the device for cracks, remove screen protectors, and take off gloves. Cases, stickers, USB-C or Lightning accessories, and dirt should also be cleared away using a slightly damp microfiber cloth while avoiding moisture in openings.
If the exterior is clear, a force restart can resolve software glitches. For an iPhone with Face ID, press and quickly release the volume up button, do the same with the volume down button, and then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Older iPhone models require different combinations, such as holding the side and volume down buttons together on an iPhone 7, or holding the Home button alongside the side or top button on an iPhone 6s and earlier. Android devices generally require holding the power button for 30 seconds.
Try safe mode and reset settings
Android users can utilize safe mode to determine if a third-party app is causing the issue by force restarting and holding the volume down button when the manufacturer logo appears. Users can also reset their device settings and turn off Developer options before considering a factory reset, which wipes all data. Samsung users can navigate through the general management menu to reset settings, while iPhone users can do so via the general transfer and reset menu.
If data is not backed up, Engadget advised taking the device to a manufacturer service center or a credible independent repairer to check for hardware faults.
How to mirror your phone if the screen is unresponsive to touch
Screen mirroring offers a workaround for unresponsive displays, provided it was set up in advance. iPhone and Mac users running macOS Sequoia or later can use the iPhone Mirroring feature in the Mac Dock with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. Windows users lack an official method to control an iPhone, as third-party solutions generally only permit viewing.
For Android and Windows users, the Phone Link app allows device control by opening the application on a PC and clicking on the phone screen option, provided both devices share a Wi-Fi network. Android and Mac users can utilize Scrcpy, a free open-source tool operating across macOS, Windows, and Linux via USB or Wi-Fi with USB debugging enabled. Scrcpy also features an OTG mode that bypasses the need for USB debugging, while a USB OTG adapter allows users to connect a wired mouse directly to the phone without a computer.
