Touch Screen Not Working On iPhone In iOS 16 (Fix?)
Last updated on September 27th, 2022 at 03:28 pm
Posted in Errors and Issues, Bug Fixes by Patricia on September 13, 2022Is the touch screen not working on iPhone in iOS 16? Touch barely recognizes swipes and scrolls after the update? User interface lags, creating the impression of ghost touches Screen is out of focus and the device is almost unusable? Here is what you can do to fix it!
Touch Screen Not Working In iOS 16?
This issue has been reported by several readers on our iOS 16 review page:
- Jim was the first to report this bug:
“OS 16 update on XR. Touch barely works. Screens out of focus.”
- Bess confirms the problem:
“Updated iOS 16 to iPhone 11. Touch barely works. Screen is out of focus!”
- Shammil provides more details:
“Issues on the iPhone XS, the touch screen barely work while u r swiping or scrolling… but when u r clicking like opening the apps or typing it just work normally!”
Are you also encountering this issue? Share your feedback in the comments! Please, mention iPhone model and confirm if your display is genuine or if it’s been replaced with an aftermarket unit.
How To Fix Touch Screen Barely Working
According to our readers, restarting the device doesn’t help. At the moment, the following workarounds are recommended:
(Update, September 23)
Apple claims to have fixed touch screen issues in the release notes of iOS 16.0.2. However, this hasn’t been confirmed by our readers. More, feedback suggest that the touch screen is less responsive if you update!
Recommendation: Wait it out and use the workaround provided below!
(Update, September 14)
1. Workaround For iOS 16 Touch Problems
Mehdi has shared a temporary fix for this annoying issue:
- 1. Open Settings and browse for Accessibility -> Touch. Turn ON Touch Accommodations.
- 2. Select Use Initial Touch Location, in Tap Assistance.
- 3. Tap on Swipe Gestures that shows up at the bottom of the screen and turn them ON.
- 4. Select Standard under Required Movement.
Tip: You can also opt for 8x, it will help with swipes! (Thanks LAballsdui)
Does this help to fix touch screen not working? Please confirm in the comments!
How To Fix Touch Issues In iOS 16
We’ve also published a video showcasing the troubleshooting sequence presented above:
2. Reinstall iOS 16
You most likely updated to iOS 16 over-the-air. Try to clean install the current version and you might be able to fix the touch screen issue:
- Disable Find My iPhone.
- Connect iPhone to Mac or Windows computer.
- Backup iPhone using Finder or iTunes.
- Restore iPhone and follow the on-screen prompts (the current iOS version will be reinstalled in the process).
3. Downgrade To iOS 15
Shammil has confirmed that reverting to iOS 15 has fixed the problem for him. Here is how to:
- To downgrade you need to connect iPhone to a Mac or Windows computer via a Lightning to USB cable.
- Perform a full Backup of your device before starting.
- Download the appropriate iOS 15.7 ipsw file as shown here.
- Restore iPhone using the file that you previously downloaded!
Have you managed to fix touch not working in iOS 16? Do you have a better solution? Use the comments section to share your feedback.
Related: Other common bugs reported for these early stages are:
– Duplicates folder not available in Photos.
– Assistive Touch stuck after update.
Two weeks ago I updated to ios 16 and the touch problems started but then I downgraded to the previous version and it got fixed but today I wanted to try the new 16.0.2 update and it screwed it up the same and now I cant downgrade back to ios 15.7. The first solution helped me but instead of choosing the option “standard” in the Swipe Gestures you guys should chose 8x for a faster way of swiping from the bottom to the homescreen since in standard you have to swipe slow, so yeah, I’ll be going like this until a new version comes out and fixex this issue or doesnt fix this issue.
Thanks for the feedback and for mentioning the adjustments.
P.S.: Why aren’t you able to downgrade back to iOS 15.7? We have an article regarding the switch over here:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/how-to-downgrade-ios-16-0-2-to-ios-15-7-without-losing-data/
The IPSW isn’t signed from apple anymore
It’s still signed. Just checked it on one of our test devices. iPhone X running iOS 15.6.1. iOS 15.7 still shows as an update option for alongside iOS 16. This means that iOS 15.7 is still signed for all iOS 16 compatible devices.
yeah it worked thanks, man i have tried a whole lot of other solutions. thank you.
You’re welcome! Happy to help.
I tried this yesterday and thankfully it worked. Today, however, it started not registering touch again for like 10 minutes – and then began responding again. Just wondering if anyone else had this happen to them and if I can expect touch to randomly stop working… also, any idea when we can expect and update from apple that will fix this issue? Based on what I’ve seen this issue affects a significant amount of iphone users..
Force restart your device if the issue re-occurs. Not sure if Apple will come up with a fix or this intended behavior, to force users to avoid aftermarket screen replacements.
Yes I have the same problem
suffering the same issue, and wondering the same
Thanks for reporting. Keep us posted if you notice any improvements in future software updates.
Same problem, my iphone 11 screen is responsive some times then out of no where its non responsive. At first simply hard resetting the phone would fix it temporarily but eventually that method stopped working 100% of the time. Yeah it seems to be a software issue, our screens definitely work since they occasionally decide to work then stop working.
Have you updated to iOS 16.1?
Yes i did
Downloaded iOS 16.2 on my xs & touch screen is totally unresponsive, I can’t even open it! To try any of the mentioned ideas…..so frustrated:( need it for work tomorrow too!
Uhh… that must be annoying. Did it get an aftermarket screen replacement? The recommended fix is to downgrade to iOS 15.6 RC as shown here:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/downgrade-ios-16-2-to-15-without-losing-data-ios-15-6-rc/
the solution number one solved my case thaks so much for ur help .my phone’s screen was not scrolling down and up but after ur processes in number 1 has helped to solve my case
You’re welcome John. Thanks for confirming.
Had the touch problems too on my iPhone 11, the touch accomodations fix didn’t work too well for me; I couldn’t type well with my keyboard. When the 16.0.2 update came out, I decided to risk another update and my phone has been working perfectly since even with the touch accomodations now disabled.
Great. Please let us know if you have ever serviced the display of your iPhone and it was done in an accredited Apple repair shop or a third-party one.
I have also problem with my iphone XR after update to ios 16. Before update i never have problem with touchscreen. I hope Apple will fix this obviously software problem in next update.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, they should.
This works better. Thanks
The touch workaround worked for me – thanks so much, I was going crazy!
I am using an XS which had a 3rd party LCD fitted a couple of months ago. I assumed that Apple had deliberately broken 3rd party screens with ios 16 – let’s see if a future update normalises touch.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, keep us updated if the problem is patched in future updates. Thanks.
Mine has the same issues (iphone x) and these solutions only work temporarily they keep disappointing, I hope they fix it.
Yes, let’s see what iOS 16.0.3 brings. Release is imminent.
yes, the workaround worked on iPhone XR. It was completely laggy, could not swipe up, could not even get past hello page. When I finally did doing the workaround makes the device usable.
Thanks for confirming.
you bet, there still is the ocasional small lag, but overall the device is usable now. I’ve postponed doing any further and will not attempt to downgrade.
update: still not working, phone still unusable after a day or so being usable. :/
Force restart device and the fix will work again. iOS 16.0.3 is also available. However, it won’t help too much:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/ios-16-0-3-issues-bugs-fixed-security-updates/
Ok thanks for the information.
Let’s hope (for all of us) the issue gets fixed.
By the way, as far as I know a have a geniune screen (never replaced).
I have iphone X where i have a similar problem with touch screen and yes i have a 3rd party screen.
Solution 1 worked for me – although after any call whatsapp/normal my swipe touch stops working again. Then i have to switch Touch assistance off and then on it back with the help of Siri(as even opening settings is not possible with touch malfunctioning)
Any one else faced similar issue?
Thanks for reporting. Have you updated WhatsApp to the latest version in the App Store? Apparently, the issue persists in iOS 16.0.3.
You still have the option to downgrade to iOS 15.7.
Hey, I have just changed my screen again from the third party, It’s working fine in the duplicate screen as well, it does not need original screen. it needs frequency updation of the screen, it can work on the same screen if you can show it to even any near by third party service center they can update the frequency or maybe completely change it then reset it according to the earlier one, it will definitely work.
P.s My screen got broken that’s why I replaced it with new duplicate one, otherwise I would Have done the former method first. Its cost efficient. it can be done under 20-30$.
Thanks for the feedback Kushal. That’s good to know. However, iOS 16.1 seems to fix this for all frequencies.
I have the exact same issue, What I do is I use triple click to power button function to turn on/off the Touch assistance. you will still face issues with playing games having two touches or more.
also just for info I have a Iphone X too and I have replaced the screen from third party, Been waiting for apple to fix this issue but Maybe I will have downgrade or replace the screen from authorized apple store.
Just upgraded to iOS 16.0.3. Unfortunately the unlock issue (i.e. unresponsive lockscreen) is not solved. Now and then I can’t unlock my iPhone X and need to do a hard reset. It happens a few time per day.
For the rest I have no issues with the touchscreen, except for the unlock issue.
Only tried workaround 1. Should I try to reinstall iOS 16, is it worth the effort?
Thanks for the feedback Ramon. No, you have small chances with a reinstall. It must be intended behavior from Apple’s end.
Ok, nevertheless I restored my iPhone X with iTunes with iOS 16.0.3 yesterday evening. Until now I haven’t had the unlock issue. Will keep you posted.
That’s great. Hope it stays like this. Keep us posted.
Unfortunately I had another unlock issue this morning.
I’m thinking to downgrade to 15.7.
I have a quesion about the downgrade iOS 16 to 15.7 page. Is the ipsw file for iPhone X a Global (CDMA) or GSM file? As my model is A1901, I need the GSM version.
Sorry to hear this. Good question. I think it should work for both as there’s a single file (CDMA/GSM) for any other model too. You can only try and find out. Perform a backup. In the worst case scenario you have to remain on iOS 16.0.3.
Thanks for the info, I also guess the file is ok for both CDMA and GSM.
I decided however to enroll for the beta program and installed 16.1 beta 5 yesterday evening.
Until now no unlock issue.
Will keep you posted again.
You’re welcome. That’s great news Ramon. Let’s hope that the issue won’t re-occur. It means that iOS 16.1 will finally fix it!
I had several unlock issues again starting on Sunday, 2 days after installing iOS 16.1 beta 5.
Because I noticed the unlock issue mostly occurs when switching between Wifi and 4G connection, I decided to remove and clean the Sim card. Until now I had no unlock issues anymore.
However, I can only be sure after testing another week. When I upgraded from iOS 15.7 to iOS 16.0 it took more than a week before I started to get the unlock issue.
In the meantime I also did inform Apple via the Feedback app.
Will keep you posted again.
Thanks for the contribution Ramon. Apple should hire you as tester for their gadgets! ;)
Fingers crossed that you’ll get the hang of it and share with us a permanent fix.
You’re welcome :)
Unfortunately the lock screen unlock issue continues. I just installed the iOS 16.1 RC update. Will keep you posted…
;( oh boy. Thanks for the follow ups.
The Lock Screen unresponsive issue continues also with iOS 16.1 RC.
Hi Patricia, with iOS 16.1 RC the unlock issue became less frequent i.e. only once in 2 days. Yesterday I (temporarily) removed the beta profile, to get iOS 16.1 (build 20B82) in place.
Reading below comments I’m hopefull that with iOS 16.1 the Lock Screen unlock issue is finally solved. Will keep you posted…
It should fix it once and for all Ramon. Fingers crossed!
Unfortunately I had another unlock issue after call hangup just an hour ago :(
Also posted a new comment in the iOS 16.1 section.
Thanks for sharing. Sorry to hear this. How are you troubleshooting it? You have to force restart every time it happens?
I will try the following setting, under FaceID, Allow access when locked. I had everything disabled, now enabled all (except Accessoires). Hope this will help…
Fingers crossed.
Ramon, do you still have issues?
I have the same issue. iPhone XS, iOS 16.1.2
Thanks for confirming. Have you updated from 15.x or from a previous 16.x version?
Updated to 16.0.3 and still the same problem, I think it will go like this forever.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, iOS 16.1 looks like the last chance. But it seems that Apple wants to indirectly force users to repair their screens in authorized service units.
Updated to 16.0.3 on a iPhone X but the problem still happens, meaning, when I hard reset the phone it start working but when I make a call it blocks again… Anyone tried to upgrade to iOS 16.1 beta? Thanks
Thanks for reporting. Yes, we’re also waiting for feedback regarding this issue from iOS 16.1 beta testers. Unfortunately, we don’t have a device with a third-party screen replacement that has this issue that we can test on 16.1 beta.
Has anyone tried the iOS 16.1 that came out today? Does the issue still persists? On iPhone XR…
Still waiting for confirmations…
Touch screen issue on XR solved with 16.1. Pretty fluid so far, whatsapp working properly as well.
With all previous IOS 16 versions my XR touch screen was unusable but no problems at all with 16.1 so far.
Great! I almost lost hope that this will be fixed. thought it was intended behavior. Thanks for the feedback.
Amazing, thanks
Anyone tried getting IOS 16.1 now that it came out in Iphone X, is it causing the same problems because I cant take it and get screwed because I have no Icloud to backup my photos
We’re still waiting for confirmations…
Updated my iPhone XR which was with Ghost Touch on 16.0.
Now on 16.1 everything is perfect
That’s great! Hope it’s not just a reprieve. Let us know if it stays like that.
I took the risk of updating and no problems FINALLY, anyone on Iphone X feel free to update even if you’ve got a unoriginal screen just like me.
Thanks for the feedback.
I took the risk of updating and no problems FINALLY, anyone on Iphone X feel free to update even if you’ve got a unoriginal screen just like me.
I took the risk of updating on my Iphone X and finally it’s not causing any problems thank God.
Thanks for confirming. So they fixed it in iOS 16.1. That’s a relief. Not sure if this was just a teaser, to influence users not to go for aftermarket repairs anymore, or it was really a coincidental bug.
just update my iPhone xr to iOS 16.1 and I have no issues so far. the touch problem has been fixed
I am never going to download another beta version ever again.
Happy to hear this. Enjoy your device!
I have iPhone XR with a screen replacement and I just upgraded to 16.1.1 with no problems. When I upgraded to the beta 16 I had all of the touch issues brought up on here and I had to downgrade to 15.7.
16.1.1 has been just fine. Never will I upgrade to a beta version again.
Thanks for confirming Anthony. It wasn’t the beta, but a touch screen bug that was affecting devices with aftermarket screen replacement, which was ironed out starting with iOS 16.1. For example if you update to iOS 16.2 beta now, you shouldn’t experience any touch issues.
We have been having issue for a good month, but it only seemed to happen when on a charger. I updated to 16 originally. So it seems to have been regressive. The screen is a 3rd party screen. I was thinking it was the screen until I found all these articles and threads. I was excited to find Apple had issued a fix in 16.0.2, but when I updated today to 16.1.1 is did NOT fix the issue :(
Are you using a case on your device? I am also experiencing touch screen issues when the iPhone 13 Pro is charging. I’m using a Nomad case with high lips. Typing and touches at the bottom of the screen are difficult to register. However, as soon as I take the case of and device continues to charge, problem is solved.
I did a multitude of testing before I even found out this was an ios bug. So yeah, I took the case off and that didn’t help. I am ready to get a new OLED from ifixit soon. It’s only two months old screen replacement..
Have you tried to downgrade to iOS 15 and see if it makes a difference? Here is how to:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/downgrade-ios-16-1-to-15-7-1-how-to-guide/
iPhone XS
iOS 16.1.2
Screen still unresponsive
Third party Oled display but mine is an original one from another XS.
Thanks for reporting. If the Touch Accommodations trick doesn’t work for you, downgrading to iOS 15 might be the only option:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/downgrade-ios-16-1-to-15-7-1-how-to-guide/
Nothing in iOS 15 is signed any longer. Only 16.0 and above. Therefore cannot downgrade unless you happened to save the blob file of the old iOS, which most people don’t really know what that is.
That’s not true. Our readers are downgrading to iOS 15 and we get lots of confirmations daily. We’ve downgraded an iPad in the office, 5 days ago without blobs. Here are the tutorials. Check the comments in the YouTube video too for additional confirmations:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/downgrade-ios-16-1-to-15-7-1-how-to-guide/
https://www.iphonetricks.org/downgrade-ipados-16-to-15-how-to-guide/
I managed to downgrade to iOS 15.6 RC, screen one works fine, the next day stops working. I’m thinking about selling this damn iPhone XS and go for an SE 2020.
I updated my iPhone SE 2020 to the latest 16.1.2 version. However, after the update, it’s showing a “Software Update Your iPhone has been updated to iOS 16.1.2” and it won’t let me push the “OK” button to get out of it. It’s stuck there and I’m unable to turn off my device since I need to use the slider on the screen but it won’t let me use the touchscreen function. Any help?
Try to force restart:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/how-to-force-restart-hard-reboot-the-iphone-se-2/
Iphone 11 has touch screen problems still with IOS 16.2, some letters on keyboard are not working, the return back arrow not working as well..
Has the display been replaced with an aftermarket screen?
Workaround #1 (Accessibility settings) worked for my iPhone 13 Pro, so thank you very much for that!
Hard to believe that Apple releases an iOS update that causes a problem like that…
Thanks for confirming. glad it helped.