7 Quick Ways to Fix an iPad Not Responding to Touch

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Get an unresponsive iPad to react to touch again

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: October 28, 2024 Fact Checked

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Troubleshooting Unresponsive iPad

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Why does my iPad not respond to touch?

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Is your iPad not responding to your touch? This could indicate an issue with the iOS, which is usually solved by a simple restart, or an issue with the hardware itself. Here's what to do if your iPad is not responding to touch.

Repairing Frozen iPad Touch Screen

If the screen isn't working on your iPad, perform a force-restart a few times to make sure the operating system isn't frozen. Remove the case and screen protector. Clean the screen with a microfiber cloth.

Section 1 of 2:

Troubleshooting Unresponsive iPad

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Restart your iPad. If you can't use the power off slider, you can press a few buttons to force-restart your device.^{[1]
X
Research source} Do the following:
- Press and release the volume button closest to the top button.
- Quickly press and release the volume button farthest from the top button.
- Press and hold the top button.
- Wait for the Apple logo to appear.
- Release the top button.
Dirt and oil can build up over time. Clean your screen regularly to keep it working properly. You can use a microfiber cloth to gently clean the screen.^{[2]
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Research source}

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This includes charging cables, Apple Pencils, and other connections.
If your iPad recently made contact with water or was left in a moist environment, leave it alone to dry completely. Then, try again.
If you also have a screen protector, remove that as well. A bulky screen or incompatible screen protector can prevent touch from being registered.
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Update your iPad. If you can't use the screen, you can use a computer to update it. If you're using a Mac, open the Finder. If you're using a Windows PC, open iTunes. Locate your iPad on your computer, and then do the following:
- On iPads without a Home button: Quickly press and release the volume button closest to the top button. Quickly press and release the volume button farthest from the top button. Press and hold the top button. Continue holding as the iPad begins to restart.
  - On iPads with a Home button: press and hold the Home button and top button.
- Wait for the recovery mode screen to appear on the iPad.
- On your computer, select Update from the pop-up menu.
- Wait for the iPad to update.
Contact Apple for support. If it's an issue with the screen itself, you'll need to schedule an appointment with a certified technician to replace it.

Section 2 of 2:

Why does my iPad not respond to touch?

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In some cases, it may not be the screen itself; the operating system may just be temporarily frozen. In this case, a simple restart can get the screen responding again. If the problem is with the screen itself, make sure it's kept clean and undamaged.