Symptoms
- Touch stops working or acts erratically only while plugged in
- Works fine once unplugged
- May include ghost touches while charging
- Sometimes worse with certain chargers
Likely causes
- CommonUncertified or damaged charging cable/adapterPoor quality electronics can introduce electrical interference that disrupts capacitive touch sensing.
- CommonCharging port or cable not properly groundedUsing a charger without a proper ground path can create noise that reaches the touchscreen.
- PossibleDirty or damaged charging portDebris or damage in the port can cause a poor connection that generates electrical noise.
What to do
- Try a different, certified cable and wall adapter.
- Clean the charging port gently with a soft brush or wooden toothpick, phone powered off.
- Try charging from a different wall outlet.
- If using a wireless charger, test with a cable instead to isolate the cause.
- Avoid using the phone heavily while charging until the cause is identified.
- If it happens with multiple certified cables and outlets, suspect the charging port hardware.
Tools and parts
- Soft brush or wooden toothpick
Certified charging cable and adapterSearch: “certified charger for [your phone model]”
When to call a pro
See a repair shop if the issue continues with a known-good cable and clean port, since the charging port hardware may need repair.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.