iPad Touch Screen Not Working: 5 Effective Solutions

If you find yourself frustrated with an unresponsive iPad touch screen, you're not alone. Many users encounter issues where the touch screen fails to register taps or swipes. The good news is that there are several effective solutions to address this problem. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through 5 different methods, each consisting of easy steps, to troubleshoot and resolve the "iPad touch screen not working" issue.

How to Fix iPad Touch Screen Not Working with Simple Methods

Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1: Clean the Screen

Begin by cleaning your iPad screen using a microfiber cloth. Dust, fingerprints, or debris can interfere with the touch screen's responsiveness.

Step 2: Restart Your iPad

Perform a simple restart to refresh the system. Press and hold the power button until the "slide to power off" slider appears. Turn off your iPad, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.

Step 3: Update iOS

Ensure your iPad is running the latest iOS version. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates. Updated software often includes bug fixes that can resolve touch screen issues.

Step 4: Reset All Settings

If the problem persists, try resetting all settings on your iPad. Navigate to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. Keep in mind that this won't delete your data but will return settings to their defaults.

Step 5: Restore from Backup

If none of the above steps work, consider restoring your iPad from a backup using iTunes or iCloud. This can help eliminate any software glitches causing the touch screen problem.

Method 2: Check for Physical Damage

Step 1: Inspect the Screen for Cracks

Examine your iPad's screen for any visible cracks or damage. Physical damage can directly impact the touch screen's functionality.

Step 2: Remove the Screen Protector

If you use a screen protector, it may be causing interference. Remove the protector and see if the touch screen responds normally.

Step 3: Test Without a Case

Some iPad cases can interfere with touch screen sensitivity. Test your iPad without the case to determine if it's the culprit.

Step 4: Inspect Ports and Buttons

Check for debris or damage around the charging port and physical buttons. Any obstruction in these areas could affect touch screen performance.

Step 5: Professional Assessment

If you suspect physical damage but can't identify the issue, consider seeking professional help. Apple Stores or authorized service providers can diagnose and repair hardware problems.

Method 3: Calibrate the Touch Screen

Step 1: Drain the Battery

Allow your iPad battery to drain completely. Once it turns off, recharge it to full capacity.

Step 2: Perform a Hard Reset

After a full charge, perform a hard reset by holding down the power button and the home button (or volume down button for iPads without a home button) until you see the Apple logo.

Step 3: Calibrate Touch Screen

Use your iPad normally until the battery depletes again. Once it turns off, recharge to full capacity, and your touch screen should be recalibrated.

Step 4: Test Responsiveness

After calibration, test the touch screen to ensure improved responsiveness. If issues persist, consider professional assistance.

Step 5: Repeat if Necessary

If the problem persists after the first calibration, repeat the process to further fine-tune the touch screen calibration.

Method 4: Accessibility Settings Adjustment

Step 1: Enable Touch Accommodations

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch, and enable "Touch Accommodations." Adjust the settings to enhance touch sensitivity based on your preferences.

Step 2: Turn on AssistiveTouch

Enable AssistiveTouch by going to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch. This on-screen touch interface can help navigate your iPad if the physical touch screen is unresponsive.

Step 3: Adjust 3D Touch Sensitivity

If your iPad supports 3D Touch, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > 3D Touch. Adjust the sensitivity to your liking, as extreme sensitivity settings can cause touch screen issues.

Step 4: Disable Reachability

If using an iPad with Face ID, disable Reachability in Settings > Accessibility > Touch. This feature may interfere with touch screen responsiveness.

Step 5: Test and Fine-Tune

After adjusting these settings, test your iPad touch screen to ensure improvements. Fine-tune settings as needed for optimal performance.

Method 5: DFU Mode Restore

Step 1: Connect to Computer

Connect your iPad to a computer using a USB cable and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).

Step 2: Enter DFU Mode

Follow specific instructions to enter DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode for your iPad model. This usually involves holding down certain buttons for a specified duration.

Step 3: Restore iPad

Once in DFU mode, iTunes or Finder will prompt you to restore your iPad. Confirm the action, and the software will be reinstalled without affecting your data.

Step 4: Set Up iPad

After the restore process, set up your iPad as new or restore from a backup. Check if the touch screen is now functioning properly.

Step 5: Seek Professional Help if Necessary

If the touch screen issue persists even after a DFU restore, it's advisable to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance. 

Conclusion

By following these comprehensive troubleshooting methods, you can address the "iPad touch screen not working" issue and potentially regain full functionality. Whether it's a software glitch, physical damage, calibration problem, or accessibility settings issue, the steps outlined in this guide provide a systematic approach to diagnose and resolve the problem. If all else fails, don't hesitate to seek professional assistance from Apple support or authorized service providers for a more in-depth assessment of your iPad.