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Have you ever encountered a problem on your Android phone when it randomly taps and swipes on the screen on its own without any touch input from you? This issue is called the “ghost touch” or “touch digitizer” problem and is quite common among Android phone users. Ghost touch can be frustrating as it may interfere with your phone’s usage and may even lead to data loss or privacy issues. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix the ghost touch problem on an Android phone. In this post, we’ll discuss the causes of this problem and the best possible ways to resolve it.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Fixing ghost touch requires some technical knowledge and experience with Android phones. Before attempting any of the solutions below, make sure you have the following:
- Your Android phone (of course!)
- A PC or laptop
- A reliable USB cable
- A stable Internet connection
- A backup of your phone’s data (optional but recommended)
What Requires Your Focus?
Fixing the ghost touch issue requires a cautious approach and attention to detail. Here are some things you should focus on when attempting a fix:
- Make sure you have a battery level of at least 50%. Ghost touch problem may also occur when the battery level is low.
- Be careful when following the instructions. One wrong move may cause permanent damage to your phone.
- Take your time. Don’t rush through the steps and ensure you have understood each one before you proceed.
- If the ghost touch problem persists after trying one method, try another method. Do not give up too soon.
Method 1: Perform a Soft Reset
A soft reset is the simplest method to fix the ghost touch problem. A soft reset may clear out any temporary bug or software glitch that could be causing the problem.
Preparation: None
Steps:
- Press and hold the Power button for at least 10 seconds until the phone vibrates or until the phone turns off.
- Release the Power button and wait for a few seconds before turning the phone back on.
- Check if the ghost touch problem has been resolved.
Pros:
- Easy and simple to perform
- Does not require any technical knowledge
Cons:
- May not work if the ghost touch issue is due to hardware damage
- May not work if the cause of ghost touch is significant software glitch
Method 2: Disable Developer Options
If you have enabled Developer options on your Android phone, the ghost touch problem could be caused by accidental activation of some sensitive settings. Disabling Developer options may help to eliminate it.
Preparation: Enable Developer Options before attempting this solution.
Steps:
- Access the Settings app on your phone
- Tap on System or about phone.
- Tap on Build number repeatedly until the message “You are now a developer” appears.
- Go back to the Settings main menu and tap on System.
- Tap on Developer options and turn it off by toggling the switch to the left or off option.
- Restart your phone and test if the issue persists.
Pros:
- Disables Developer options if accidentally enabled.
- No advanced technical knowledge needed.
- Does not require factory reset or losing data.
Cons:
- May not work if the ghost touch problem is due to hardware damage rather than software bugs.
- Disables developer options, leading to limited control of the device.
Method 3: Calibrate Your Phone’s Touchscreen
If the ghost touch problem is due to improper calibration of your phone’s touchscreen or any other software issue, then calibrating the screen could provide a fix.
Preparation: None
Steps:
- Download a Touchscreen Calibration app from the Google Play Store
- Launch the app and tap on Calibrate Now button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the touchscreen.
- Test your phone to see if the ghost touch problem persists.
Pros:
- The calibration apps can be downloaded and installed from Google Play Store for free.
- Solution is easy to perform and may fix the ghost touch problem caused by improper touchscreen calibration.
Cons:
- May lead to failure if the ghost touch problem is not due to touchscreen calibration.
- May require additional calibration measures if the problem persists.
Method 4: Perform a Factory Reset
Performing a factory reset is the last resort if the above methods did not work. This option will delete all your data and installed apps from the phone, so backup your data before attempting a factory reset.
Preparation: Backup your Android phone’s data before performing a factory reset.
Steps:
- Access the Settings app on your phone.
- Tap on System.
- Go to Reset Options.
- Tap on "Erase All Data (Factory Reset)", then confirm.
- Wait for the phone to complete the reset process.
- Restore your data from backup.
Pros:
- Deletes all device data, which can remove the ghost touch problem completely
- Helpful when other methods failed or phone is severely affected
Cons:
- Deletes all data and installed app on your phone, which may take a significant amount of time to restore.
- May not work for a hardware issue-based ghost touch problem
Why Can’t I Fix Ghost Touch Issues on My Android Phone?
Sometimes even after following the above methods and precautions, your phone may still have ghost touch problems. There are many possible reasons why this issue persists. Here are three possible reasons of why can’t you fix ghost touch issues on your Android phone:
1. Damaged Digitizer: The screen of an Android phone consists of a glass panel with an inbuilt digitizer that detects the touch inputs, and if it’s damaged, the device will not accurately register touch inputs.
2. Broken Screen: If the phone screen is cracked or damaged, the touch inputs may be inaccurate, leading to ghost touch.
3. Hardware Defects: Some hardware components of the phone may be damaged due to long-term usage, leading to ghost touch.
FAQs:
Q: Is there any other alternative method to fix ghost touch other than the ones listed above?
A: There are other methods such as checking for firmware or software updates, disabling screen overlay apps, or cleaning the phone screen. However, the above methods are the best possible fixes for the ghost touch problem.
Q: Can ghost touch problem be caused by a software bug?
A: Yes, it can. However, software bug-based ghost touch is usually fixed by updating your phone to the latest firmware.
Q: Will performing a factory reset fix the ghost touch problem for good?
A: Factory reset may erase the software problem causing ghost touch, but the hardware issue will not be fixed. In case of hardware damage, contact a professional repairing service.
Q: What should I do if my Android phone’s screen is damaged, and ghost touch persists?
A: If the phone screen is damaged, the only way out is to get your screen replaced or seek professional help from a repairing shop.
Q: Can I fix hardware issues relating to ghost touch on my own?
A: You should not attempt to fix hardware yourself if you are not skilled or experienced enough. It would be best to take your phone to a professional repairing service.
Implications and Recommendations
A ghost touch issue is an annoying problem that can affect your productivity and may cause data loss. Identifying the problem and following the right solution from the above-listed methods can help you fix the issue. Always keep your Android phone software up-to-date to avoid software bugs, enable the developer options only when you know what you are doing, be cautious when handling your device, and perform regular maintenance to avoid more severe hardware damages.
In Conclusion
Ghost touch problem on Android phones is a common issue that is frustrating and compromises the device’s functionality. However, it can be fixed with patience, the right method, and attention to detail. If the above solutions don’t work, identify and consult a hardware specialist and seek professional help. In most cases, the above-listed methods work, and one can quickly resolve the ghost touch issue without any technical intervention. Remember to backup your vital data before attempting any solution that may involve deleting data, and try not to give up if one solution fails.