When your phone's touchscreen suddenly becomes unresponsive, even though notification sounds are still audible or the indicator light is on, it can be quite confusing. At ajakteman.com, we often encounter users panicking when faced with an unresponsive phone screen, even though this is actually quite a common problem and can be fixed at home without having to rush to a service center. This article will discuss the causes and practical solutions for touchscreen problems, especially for Android phones from various brands, including brands from the BBK group such as Oppo, Vivo, Realme, and Infinix, as well as Samsung.
Why Can't I Touch My Phone Screen But It's Still On?
Before panicking, it's important to understand the symptoms. Here are some common situations:
The phone screen does not respond to touch at all.
The phone is still on (there is sound, vibration, or incoming notifications).
The screen looks normal, but cannot be swiped or touched.
The screen freezes or hangs, it can't be moved.
The screen is off but the phone engine is still on.
Problems like these are usually not permanent damage, but rather a system crash or minor bug due to being on for too long without restarting, full memory, or an application causing a conflict in the system.
How to Fix a Cell Phone Screen That Can't Be Touched
Here are some practical and proven steps to fix a cellphone touchscreen that isn't working:
1. Perform a Forced Restart
This is the most effective way to overcome the problem of an untouchable screen due to a frozen or hanging system.
For Samsung brand cellphones:
Press the Power + Volume Down buttons simultaneously for 10–15 seconds , until the screen turns off and the phone vibrates, indicating a successful restart.
For China or BBK Group phones (Oppo, Vivo, Realme, etc.):
Press the Power + Volume Up buttons simultaneously for 10–15 seconds until you feel a vibration and the screen turns back on.
If the first method doesn't work, try another button combination (e.g., Power + Volume Down, or just Power) depending on your phone brand. Some phones also have different button combinations for a forced restart.
2. Leave the phone for a while and try restarting it.
If a forced restart still doesn't restore the touchscreen:
Let the phone die completely (battery runs out) then charge and restart it.
Once it turns on, check to see if the screen is working again.
Sometimes your phone just needs a short "rest" to restore its performance.
3. Check the Screen with a Phone Call
This method is to ensure whether the HP machine is still on:
Try asking someone else to call your phone.
If the phone makes a sound or vibrates, it means the system is still active but only the screen is having problems.
This can also be used to find out whether the problem is with the display hardware or just a system bug.
4. Clean the Screen and Remove the Screen Protector
A damaged or too thick screen protector (tempered glass) can also cause the touchscreen to become insensitive:
Clean the screen from dust, oil, or water.
Try removing the tempered glass and testing the touch directly on the screen.
5. Use a USB OTG Mouse (If Urgent)
If you need quick access to backup data:
Use an OTG cable and connect it to a USB mouse .
The cursor will appear on the screen, and you can operate the phone without touching the screen.
This solution is temporary, but it can save important files before taking it to the service center.
Common Causes of Unresponsive Phone Screens
Here are some common reasons why this problem can occur:
The cellphone has not been turned off or restarted for too long .
Too many active apps in the background.
System bug from software update.
The screen is exposed to water, oil, or dirt .
Hardware damage due to falling or being hit.
When Should You Go to a Service Center?
If after doing all the above steps but the screen still doesn't respond:
There is most likely hardware damage to the touch screen.
Or the screen IC is not working due to impact.
In this case, it is best to take it to an authorized service center for further inspection.
Tips to Prevent Your Phone Screen from Erroring Easily
To prevent this problem from recurring, here are some important tips:
Make it a habit to restart your cellphone at least once a week .
Don't multitask heavy applications too often.
Keep your phone temperature so it doesn't overheat.
Use the original charger and avoid overheating the battery while charging.
Avoid touching the screen with wet or oily hands.
So, the conclusion
Having an unresponsive phone screen is frustrating, especially when you need it most. However, don't panic. In many cases, a simple solution like a forced restart can fix the problem. Ajakteman.com recommends trying the restart button combination for your phone brand, as this is the most effective first step. Also, remember to maintain your phone regularly to keep the system and screen optimal. If you've tried all these steps and the screen still isn't working, consider taking your phone to a professional service center.