Start with the simplest fixes first

A tablet touch screen that stops responding usually comes down to one of three things: a software glitch, a dirty screen, or a stuck app. Before you assume the hardware is broken, restart your tablet, clean the screen with a soft cloth, and force-close any app that was running when the problem started. Most of the time, one of these three steps fixes it.

If your screen responds to some touches but not others, or if it responds slowly, the issue is almost always software or debris rather than a hardware failure. Hardware failures on tablets are rare unless the device has been dropped or exposed to water.

Key Takeaways

  • Restart your tablet completely by holding the power button until it shuts down, then turn it back on — this fixes most touch screen problems.
  • Clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth or a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water, because fingerprints and dust block touch sensors.
  • Force-close the app you were using when the problem started by going to Settings, then Apps, finding the app, and tapping Force Stop.
  • Check for system updates in Settings, because touch screen bugs are sometimes fixed in updates released by the manufacturer.
  • If the problem persists after these steps, try booting into Safe Mode to see whether a third-party app is causing the issue.

Restart your tablet completely

A full restart clears the tablet's memory and stops any background processes that might be interfering with the touch screen. This is different from just locking the screen — you need to shut the device down completely.

On most tablets, hold the power button until a menu appears asking whether you want to power off. Tap Power Off or Shut Down, then wait for the screen to go black. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. If your tablet has a separate power button and volume button, hold only the power button.

If the tablet is frozen and the power button does not work, hold the power button and volume-down button together for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black. This is a force restart and works on most Android and iPad models.

Clean the screen and check for physical damage

Touch screens work by detecting the electrical properties of your skin. Fingerprints, dust, dried liquid, and screen protector bubbles all block this detection and make the screen seem unresponsive.

Turn off your tablet and use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to wipe the entire screen in circular motions. If there is visible dirt or dried residue, dampen the cloth slightly with distilled water — not tap water, which can leave mineral deposits. Never spray liquid directly on the screen. Pay special attention to the edges and corners, where dust collects.

While the screen is clean, look for cracks, dark spots, or areas where the screen seems to bulge slightly. These indicate hardware damage. If you see any of these, the touch sensor itself may be damaged and the tablet may need professional repair.

Force-close the app that was running

If the touch screen stops responding only in one app, that app is likely the problem. Force-closing it stops the app completely and clears its memory.

On Android tablets, go to Settings, then Apps or process Manager. Find the app that was running when the problem started, tap it, and select Force Stop. On iPads, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or down from the top-right corner on newer models) to open the app switcher, find the app, and swipe it up and off the screen.

After force-closing, restart the tablet and open the app again. If the problem does not return, the app had a temporary glitch. If it happens again when ready, uninstall the app and read it fresh from the app store, or contact the app maker to report the issue.

Check for system updates

Manufacturers release updates that fix touch screen bugs and improve how the screen responds to input. If your tablet has not been updated recently, an update may solve the problem.

On Android, go to Settings, scroll down to About Tablet, and look for System Update or Software Update. Tap it and select Check for Updates. On iPad, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update. If an update is available, connect your tablet to Wi-Fi and tap read and Install. The tablet will restart during the update, so plug it in first.

Updates can take 15 to 30 minutes depending on the file size and your internet speed. Do not turn off the tablet during an update.

Boot into Safe Mode to isolate the problem

Safe Mode runs your tablet with only the core system apps, which tells you whether a third-party app you installed is causing the touch screen problem. If the screen responds normally in Safe Mode, a recently installed app is the culprit.

On Android tablets, hold the power button until the power-off menu appears, then press and hold Power Off until a prompt asks whether you want to enter Safe Mode. Tap OK. On iPad, there is no built-in Safe Mode, so skip this step.

In Safe Mode, test the touch screen in different areas and with different gestures — taps, swipes, and pinches. If it works fine, go back to Settings, Apps, and look at your recently installed apps. Uninstall the one you added most recently, restart the tablet normally, and test again. Repeat this process until you find the app causing the problem.

What to do if nothing works

If the screen still does not respond after a restart, cleaning, force-closing apps, updating, and Safe Mode testing, the touch sensor hardware may be damaged. This can happen after a drop, exposure to water, or straightforward from age and wear.

Check whether your tablet is still under warranty by visiting the manufacturer's website and entering your serial number. If it is, contact the manufacturer's support line to discuss repair or replacement options. If it is not under warranty, a repair shop can replace the touch screen, though the cost varies widely depending on the tablet model — typically between $100 and $300 for parts and labor.

In the meantime, if your tablet has a USB port, you can connect a mouse or trackpad to navigate the system without using the touch screen. This is a temporary workaround but not a permanent solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my tablet with a stylus if the touch screen is broken?

A stylus uses the same touch sensor as your finger, so if the screen does not respond to touch, it will not respond to a stylus either. The problem is with the sensor itself, not with the input method.

Will a screen protector cause touch screen problems?

A screen protector can reduce touch sensitivity if it is thick, old, or has bubbles trapped underneath. Try removing the protector and testing the screen directly. If the screen works better without it, replace the protector with a thinner one or go without.

What if only part of the screen is not responding?

A dead zone on the screen usually means the touch sensor is damaged in that area, often from a drop or pressure damage. Clean the screen first to rule out debris. If cleaning does not help, the sensor needs professional replacement.

Does cold weather affect tablet touch screens?

Cold can temporarily reduce touch sensitivity because the screen's electrical properties change at lower temperatures. If your tablet has been in a cold car or outside, bring it to room temperature and test again. Permanent cold-weather problems are rare on modern tablets.

Should I try to open my tablet to clean the inside?

No. Opening a tablet voids the warranty and risks damaging the internal components. The touch sensor is on the screen itself, not inside the device. Cleaning the outside is all you can safely do.