iPad Touchscreen Not Working: Here’s How to Fix It?

If your iPad’s touchscreen is acting up, don’t worry—there are several ways to fix it. You can begin by cleaning the screen and restarting the device. If issues persist, check for iOS updates and consider resetting all settings. For hardware-related problems, inspect for damage and seek professional iPad repair services. Always verify warranty status to determine if repairs are covered.

How to Fix iPad Touchscreen Malfunction?

Here are the best repair solutions:

Solution 1: Clean the Screen

The simplest yet the most effective solution is to wipe its screen. Start by gently cleaning the screen with a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with water or a screen-safe cleaner. Dirt and residue are often the culprits behind unresponsive touchscreens.

• Pro Tip: Avoid using abrasives or chemical cleaners that will damage the screen.

Solution 2: Restart Your iPad

Sometimes, touchscreen issues can be fixed simply by restarting the whole system. Restarting refreshes the iPad's system and clears temporary software problems.

Here’s what to do:

• Hold the Power button until the slider appears.

• Swipe your finger across the volume control to power the iPad.

• Wait 30 seconds and hold down the Power button until the iPad starts back up.

Solution 3: Force Restart of the iPad

If the touchscreen is entirely unresponsive, a force restart may be necessary. Here’s how to restart:

• For iPads with a Home Button: Press and hold the Power and Home buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.

For iPads without a Home Button

• Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.

• Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.

• Hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears.

Solution 4: Check for iOS Updates

Outdated software can cause touchscreen issues. To update your iPad:

• Tap on the Settings icon.

• Go to General > Software Update.

• Download and install the update if there is one available.

Why It Helps: Apple periodically rolls out updates that help solve bugs and stabilize the system.

Solution 5: Reset All Settings

If the issue persists, resetting all settings can help. This won’t erase your data but will reset Wi-Fi, preferences, and other settings. Here’s how to reset:

• Open Settings; go to General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset.

• Touch Reset All Settings.

• Enter your passcode, then tap OK.

Solution 6: Restore Factory Settings

As a last resort, restore your iPad to factory settings. This will erase all content, so ensure your data is backed up. 

• Back up your data via iCloud or iTunes.

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings.

• Follow the on-screen instructions.

Solution 7: Enable Touch Accommodations

iPad’s touch settings can be customized to make the touch feel more responsive:

• Open Settings > Accessibility > Touch.

• Tap Touch Accommodations.

• Toggle on "Touch Accommodations" and adjust settings like 'Hold Duration' to control how long you must touch the screen before it responds or 'Ignore Repeat' to filter unintentional touches

Solution 8: Check for Hardware Damage

If cleaning and software fixes don’t work, inspect the screen for cracks or physical damage. If you notice issues, contact Apple Support or an authorized iPad repair shop. Professionals can easily deal with hardware issues that software cannot resolve.

Solution 9: Visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider

Chances are that all these troubleshooting tips won't fix your issue. Hence, a visit to an Apple Store or an authorized repair shop for diagnosis might be necessary. They will have specialized tools and expertise in diagnosing and fixing the hardware-related problems.

Check Warranty Status

• Try checking the warranty status before actually visiting a service center.

• The repairs may be covered if your iPad is still under warranty or you have AppleCare+.

• To verify your warranty status, click Settings > General > About > Scroll down to warranty.

Common Causes of iPad Touchscreen Issues

You should find out why the iPad touchscreen may not work. Here are some common culprits:

• Dirt and Grime: A dirty surface or sticking residue on the screen can make the screen or any part of the iPad unresponsive.

• Software Glitches: Outdated or buggy iOS versions can cause touchscreen responsiveness issues.

• Physical Damage: Cracks, scratches, or internal hardware damage might hinder functionality.

• Accessory Interference: Screen protectors, cases, or faulty chargers can occasionally disrupt touch accuracy.

• Temperature Extremes: Using the iPad in extreme cold or heat can affect the screen’s performance.

• Third-Party Apps: Poorly coded apps might interfere with the touchscreen’s functionality.

Conclusion

If your iPad touchscreen malfunctions, it’s essential to troubleshoot effectively by cleaning the screen, restarting the device, and checking for software updates. Common issues like dirt, software glitches, physical damage, and accessory interference can hinder performance. If these iPad repair solutions don’t work, professional help may be necessary to address potential hardware problems.