Skip to content

iPad Touch Screen Not Working? Follow 12 Ways Here

It could be one of the most frustrating things when you have to deal with an iPad touch screen not working. We have all experienced this at some point. It can become frustrating whether you have an iPad that won't work or doesn't respond to touches and swipes.

Fortunately, there are many ways to troubleshoot the problem on your own and maybe figure out what is wrong. Here are some tips and tricks on fixing an iPad touch screen not working to get back to using your device and get important things done in no time!

iPad Touch Screen not Working


1. Take off Your Gloves.

Take off Your Gloves

The problem is that the iPad uses capacitive technology that senses the electrical charge in your fingers. If you wear gloves or anything else on your hands when using the iPad, the touch screen won't work properly. Make sure that your hands are dry and clean before using your iPad, and if they become wet while you're using the device, dry them thoroughly before continuing.


2. Thoroughly Clean and Dry Your Screen.

Thoroughly Clean and Dry Your Screen

Sometimes dirt or water splashes can get into the corners of the screen and temporarily disable touch functions. Use a soft cloth and gently wipe down the screen until it is spotless. If you need more cleaning power, use isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) to break down any residue clinging to the screen.


3. Force Restart Your iPad

Force Restart YouriPad

The first thing to try is a force restart on your iPad. Press and hold down the Sleep/Wake button for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. This will reboot the iPad and clear out any glitches that may cause problems with the touch screen.


4. Make Sure it's Not Too Cold (or hot)

If your iPad has been exposed to extreme heat or cold, an internal component may have become damaged. To prevent this, store your iPad in a case that covers the screen and avoid placing it near heat sources such as heating vents or even using it in direct sunlight. If your device has been exposed to extreme temperatures, consider taking it back to where you bought it for a replacement or repair.


5. Disconnect Any Accessories

Disconnect Any Accessories

Sometimes, a connected accessory can cause your iPad to stop responding to touch. Try unplugging anything you have connected to the Lightning port on your device and see if that fixes the issue. If it does, plug them back in one at a time and see if you can identify which one was causing the problem.


6. Check for Screen Damage.

Check for Screen Damage

If your iPad screen is cracked or broken, you'll need to replace it. If only part of the display is damaged, you may still use it if you can hide that portion from view.

However, if there are any tiny shards of glass stuck in the cracks or broken pieces hanging off the edge of the display that could fall out and get lodged in your fingers, then it's better to replace the screen before using it again.

When buying an iPad screen replacement kit online, make sure you get one specifically designed for your iPad model rather than one intended for another model that may be compatible with yours but not perfectly matched up with its dimensions and features.


7. Check for Software Issues.

If your iPad's touch screen isn't working correctly when using specific apps, this could be because of a software issue rather than hardware failure. Try uninstalling any apps that may cause problems before reinstalling them and seeing how things go afterward.


8. Restart Your iPad.

When your iPad's touch screen stops working, the first thing you should try is restarting the device. Press and hold the sleep/wake button until the red slider appears on the screen to do this. Slide your finger across the slider to turn off your iPad, and then wait for at least 30 seconds before turning it back on by pressing and holding the sleep/wake button again until you see an Apple logo appear on the screen.


9. Isolate the App Causing the Problem.

Isolate the App Causing the Problem

If you have an app that does not work well with your iPad, this might be the reason your screen isn't working. If possible, try to use another app or remove the one that has been causing problems from your device. If this doesn't work, you will need to contact Apple Support for help with this issue.


10. Remove the Screen Protector.

Remove the Screen Protector

You might have installed a screen protector on it to protect your device. This can cause problems with the touch screen when placed on and interferes with the touchscreen sensors. Use a lint-free cloth to clean off your iPad's display, then wipe down both sides of the screen protector to remove any dust or other contaminants that may have built up.


11. Reach Out to Apple's Customer Support.

Reach Out to Apple's Customer Support

The best thing you can do is contact Apple's customer support and have them look at it. They may help you out with some diagnostic tools or even repair it for free if still under warranty. The only downside is that this process can take a while because of the backlog of repairs, but if you're in a jam, it's worth a shot!


12. Try Cleaning Your Screen with Water and Soap.

Try Cleaning Your Screen with Water and Soap

Another simple fix is to clean off your screen with some warm water and dish soap, just as you would clean any other surface in your home. While this won't fix any physical damage like cracks or dents, it will certainly help eliminate any dust or grime that might interfere with your touchscreen.


Bottom Line

Technology is constantly changing, and a few wet fingers on your iPad might not be an issue with the device itself. It's possible that you've just built up some dust, or perhaps condensation from your drink is the culprit. Or, maybe there's something wrong with the capacitive touch screen circuits on the logic board. The above fixes will help you deal with this problem.