Touch Screen Not Working? Here’s How to Unlock Your Phone

It’s a frustrating scenario: your phone’s touch screen suddenly stops responding, leaving you locked out of your device. Whether it’s a glitch, a drop, or something else, a non-responsive touch screen can feel like a major crisis. But don’t panic! There are several methods you can try to unlock your phone even when the touch input isn’t working. This article will guide you through the most effective options, providing detailed steps and instructions.

Understanding the Problem

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand that a non-responsive touch screen can stem from various issues. It could be a minor software glitch, a physical problem with the screen itself, or even a temporary software bug. Knowing the potential causes can help you narrow down the most appropriate troubleshooting steps.

Methods to Unlock Your Phone When Touch Doesn’t Work

Here are some methods you can try to regain access to your phone:

1. Use a USB Mouse or Keyboard (Android Only, Sometimes iOS)

This method relies on your phone’s ability to connect to external peripherals. For Android devices, this is usually a straightforward process. For iPhones, this method is less reliable and depends on specific versions and accessories.

What You’ll Need:

• A USB mouse or keyboard.
• An OTG (On-The-Go) adapter if your phone uses a USB-C or micro-USB port.

Steps:

1. Connect the OTG Adapter: Plug the OTG adapter into your phone’s charging port.
2. Connect the Mouse/Keyboard: Plug your USB mouse or keyboard into the OTG adapter.
3. Test the Connection: Your phone should recognize the connected device. A cursor should appear if you’re using a mouse, and you should be able to type using the keyboard.
4. Unlock Your Phone: Use the mouse to navigate the lock screen and input your PIN, pattern, or password. Alternatively, use the keyboard to input your password directly.

2. Voice Assistant (Google Assistant or Siri)

If you have a voice assistant enabled, you might be able to use it to unlock your phone, or at least bypass the lock screen for a short period.

What You’ll Need:

• Google Assistant or Siri enabled before the touch screen stopped working.

Steps:

1. Activate the Assistant: Say “Hey Google” or “Hey Siri” (depending on your device) or try pressing and holding the home button if your phone has one.
2. Use Voice Commands: Try commands such as “Open Settings”, “Open App”, or “Call a Contact”. If successful, this may allow you to get past the lock screen.
3. Temporary Unlock: Some phones might temporarily disable the lock screen with certain commands, allowing you brief access. This is very phone dependent and might not always work.

3. Using Find My Device (Android) or Find My iPhone (iOS)

Both Android and iOS have remote find-my-device services that may allow you to unlock or disable certain lock settings.

What You’ll Need:

• Another device with internet access (computer, tablet, or another phone).
• Access to your Google account (Android) or Apple ID (iOS)

Steps for Android:

1. Go to https://www.google.com/android/find on your computer or another device.
2. Log in to the Google account associated with your locked phone.
3. Select your locked device.
4. Look for options like “Erase Device” or “Lock.” If the screen isn’t working there may not be any method to unlock your phone. Erasing may be the only option, although you will lose your data if you have not backed up recently.

Steps for iOS:

1. Go to https://www.icloud.com/find on your computer or another device.
2. Log in to the Apple ID associated with your locked iPhone.
3. Select your locked device.
4. Look for options like “Erase iPhone.” If the screen isn’t working there may not be any method to unlock your phone. Erasing may be the only option, although you will lose your data if you have not backed up recently.

4. Restart Your Phone

A simple restart can sometimes fix minor software glitches that may be causing the touch screen to malfunction.

Steps:

1. Force Restart: The method varies depending on your phone model. Typically, it involves pressing and holding the power button along with a volume button (usually volume up or down) for several seconds. Search online for your specific phone model’s force restart procedure.
2. Wait and Test: Once your phone restarts, check if the touch screen is working again.

5. Seek Professional Help

If none of these methods work, it’s likely that your phone has a hardware problem. At this point, it is recommended to visit an authorized repair center for your phone brand. Attempting complex repair yourself can further damage your phone.

Prevention

Here are some tips to minimize the risk of encountering such issues in the future:

• Use a Screen Protector: A screen protector can prevent scratches and protect against minor impacts.
• Use a Protective Case: A robust case can help to absorb the impact if your phone is dropped.
• Keep Your Phone Updated: Regularly update your phone’s operating system to the latest version, as this can resolve software bugs that may contribute to touch screen issues.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold can damage your phone’s hardware.

Conclusion

While it’s incredibly frustrating to have your phone’s touch screen stop working, it is not always a dead end. By following the methods detailed in this article, you may be able to bypass the issue or at least regain temporary access to your device. Remember to stay calm and be methodical in your approach. If all else fails, professional help is always the best option. Hopefully, this article has helped you troubleshoot your issue and regain access to your mobile phone.