AndroidAnswers

How do I fix Android touch screen not working?

By the AndroidAnswers Editorial Team · Updated

About 5 minutes · Basics & setup

Illustration of a phone showing a touch target icon, with a phone case outline on one side and a check mark on the other

Steps to check

  1. Force restart if the screen will not respond

    When taps do nothing, use the buttons. Hold the keys until the phone restarts (the screen may go black, then show the logo). Wait for the lock screen, then try a simple tap. Pixel Help says to hold Power about 30 seconds if the phone is frozen. Samsung says to hold Side and Volume down for more than 7 seconds.

    Samsung Press and hold Side (Power) and Volume down together for more than 7 seconds until the phone restarts.Pixel Hold Power about 30 seconds to restart a frozen phone. On newer Pixels, Power + Volume up for a few seconds can also force a restart from some stuck states.

  2. Clean the screen and remove case, protector, and gloves

    Wipe the glass with a soft, dry cloth. Moisture, dirt, thick cases, aftermarket protectors, stickers over the screen, and gloves can block or confuse touch. Pixel and Samsung both ask you to remove the case and protector to test. If touch improves with them off, try a thinner protector or turn on the phone’s protector / touch sensitivity option before you put a film back on.

    Samsung Settings → Display → turn on Touch sensitivity when you use a screen protector. Turn it off if you are not using a film and taps feel too jumpy.Pixel Settings → Display & touch → Touch sensitivity. On newer Pixels try Adaptive touch. On Pixel 8a and earlier, try Screen protector mode on or off.

  3. Check TalkBack and other accessibility touch settings

    If the phone speaks when you tap, or you must double-tap to open things, TalkBack may be on. Turn it off under Accessibility. Also restore default tap duration or touch-and-hold delay if those were changed. Samsung notes Magnification triple-tap shortcuts can make ordinary taps feel ignored.

    Samsung Settings → Accessibility → TalkBack (turn off). Interaction and dexterity for tap timing. Vision enhancements → Magnification if a triple-tap shortcut is active.Pixel Settings → Accessibility → TalkBack (turn off). Review other touch-related Accessibility options if taps still feel wrong.

  4. Try Safe mode to see if an app is involved

    If touch works again but keeps failing in normal use, restart into Safe mode. Only built-in apps run. Use the phone for a few minutes. If touch stays reliable in Safe mode, a downloaded app is a likely cause. Restart to leave Safe mode, then remove recently installed apps one at a time. If touch still fails in Safe mode, keep going with updates or repair.

    Samsung Open the power menu (Side + Volume down, or Quick settings Power icon). Touch and hold Power off, then tap Safe mode. Restart normally to exit.Pixel Follow Pixel Help for Safe mode on your model. After testing, restart to leave Safe mode, then uninstall recent apps one by one if Safe mode fixed the problem.

  5. Update the system when touch partly works

    If you can open Settings, check for a system update on Wi-Fi. Install updates, restart, and retest. On Pixel 9 series, Display & touch → Touch diagnostics can help confirm whether the digitizer responds. On Samsung, Samsung Members → Support → Phone diagnostics → Touch screen is optional if the app is installed.

    Samsung Settings → Software update → Check for updates.Pixel Settings → System → System update (or Software updates). Pixel 9 family: Settings → Display & touch → Touch diagnostics.

  6. When to get the screen repaired

    Stop DIY steps if the glass is cracked, the phone was dropped or wet, or the screen stays unresponsive after a force restart, testing without a case or protector, and Safe mode. Back up when you can (USB file transfer, cloud backup, or another phone if needed), then contact your phone maker or an authorized repair center. Factory reset is a last resort only when touch still works enough to back up first; it erases the phone.

Normal vs. not

Usually normal

Occasional missed taps with a thick protector or wet fingers that improve after you dry the glass, remove the case, or turn on touch sensitivity.

Worth a closer look

No response anywhere on the screen after a force restart, or touch that stays dead in Safe mode, especially after a drop or liquid exposure.

What people are saying

Common questions

How do I restart if the touchscreen is dead?

Use the hardware buttons. On many Samsung phones, hold Side and Volume down for more than 7 seconds. On many Pixels, hold Power for about 30 seconds. Wait for the logo, then try the screen again.

Can a screen protector stop the touchscreen from working?

Yes. Poorly fitting, stacked, or peeling protectors (and some thick cases) can block taps. Remove them to test. If touch returns, use a better-fitting protector and the phone’s Touch sensitivity or Screen protector mode if offered.

Why does my phone talk when I touch it?

TalkBack (screen reader) may be on. Tap once to focus, double-tap to activate, or use two fingers to scroll. Turn TalkBack off in Settings → Accessibility when you can, or ask someone to help with the buttons and a mouse over USB-C if needed.

Sources we checked

Menu names can differ by phone brand and Android version. See our editorial policy for how we check steps.