Screen & touch

Phone screen doesn't respond to touch in one specific app

If touch works fine everywhere except one app, the app itself is almost always the problem, not the screen hardware.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
10–20 minutes
DIY cost
$0
Pro cost
N/A

Symptoms

  • Touch works normally in every other app
  • One specific app doesn't respond to taps
  • App may otherwise load and display correctly
  • Restarting the app sometimes helps temporarily

Likely causes

  • CommonApp bug or crash affecting its own touch handlingA coding issue in that app can block touch input while the rest of the phone works fine.
  • CommonOutdated app versionAn older version may have a known bug fixed in a later update.
  • PossibleCorrupted app data or cacheLeftover data from a previous session can interfere with how the app responds to touch.

What to do

  1. Force close the app fully and reopen it.
  2. Check the app store for a pending update and install it.
  3. Clear the app's cache or data through phone settings if that option is available.
  4. Uninstall and reinstall the app.
  5. Restart the phone.
  6. Contact the app developer's support if the problem is specific to their app after all of this.

When to call a pro

A repair shop isn't relevant here since the touchscreen works elsewhere; this is an app-specific software issue.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.