Fix Ghost Touch problem on Android Phone

An unresponsive or malfunctioning touch screen makes it impossible to use our Android smartphone. It is extremely frustrating and annoying. One of the most common touch screen problems is that of Ghost Touch. If you are experiencing automatic touch and taps on your screen or some unresponsive dead area on the screen, then you might be a victim of Ghost Touch. In this article, we are going to discuss this problem in detail and also look at various ways to get rid of this annoying problem.

What is Ghost Touch?

If your Android smartphone starts responding to random taps and touches that you are not making, then it is known as ghost touch. The name comes from the fact that the phone is carrying out some actions without someone touching it and it feels as if a ghost is using your phone. Ghost touch can take several forms. For example, if there is a particular section of the screen that is completely unresponsive to touch, then it is also a case of Ghost Touch. The exact nature and response to Ghost touch differ from one device to the other.

Another very common instance of Ghost touch is when your phone screen automatically unlocks in your pocket and starts performing random taps and touches. It might lead to opening apps or even dialling a number and making a call. Ghost touches also occur when you increase the brightness to the maximum capacity while you are outside. Using your device while charging can give rise to ghost touches. Certain sections might become unresponsive while others start responding to taps and touch not made by you.

What is the reason behind Ghost Touch?

Although it seems more like a software glitch or a bug, the Ghost touch problem is mainly a result of hardware problems. Some particular smartphone models, like the Moto G4 Plus, are more likely to experience Ghost Touch problems. You might have also experienced Ghost touch problems if you have an old iPhone, OnePlus, or Windows smartphone. In all these cases, the problem lies with the hardware, more specifically in the display. In that case, there is nothing that you can do apart from returning or replacing the device.

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Additionally, Ghost touch problems can also be caused by physical elements like dust or dirt. The presence of dirt on your fingers or the mobile’s screen can interfere with the normal functioning of the device. This could create the impression that the screen has become unresponsive. Sometimes, the tempered glass that you are using might cause Ghost Touch problems. If you are using a poor-quality screen guard that does not fit properly, then it will affect the responsiveness of the screen.

As mentioned earlier, a lot of Android users face the problem of Ghost Touches while charging. This happens more so often if you are using a faulty charger. People generally tend to use any random charger instead of their original charger. Doing so might lead to Ghost Touch problems. Finally, if you had recently dropped your phone, then it could have damaged the digitizer, and that is causing Ghost Touch problems.

How to Fix Ghost Touch Problem on Android Phone

Ghost Touch Problems are seldom the result of a software glitch or a bug, and thus there is hardly anything that you can do to fix it without tampering with the hardware. If you are lucky, then the problem might be due to simple reasons like dust, dirt, or poor-quality screen guard as these problems can be easily fixed. In this section, we are going to start with simple fixes and then move on to more complex solutions.

#1. Remove Any Physical Obstruction

Let us start with the simplest solution on the list. As mentioned earlier, the presence of dirt and dust could give rise to Ghost Touch problems, so start with cleaning the screen of your phone. Take a slightly moist cloth and clean the surface of your mobile. Then follow up with a clean, dry cloth to wipe it clean. Also make sure that your fingers are clean and there is no dirt, dust, or moisture on them.

If that does not fix the problem, then it is time to remove your screen guard. Carefully peel off the tampered glass screen protector and again wipe the screen clean with a piece of cloth. Now check if the problem still persists or not. If you see that you are no longer experiencing Ghost Touch, then you can proceed to apply a new screen guard. Make sure that this one is of good quality and try to avoid any dust or air particles from getting trapped in between. However, if the problem continues even after removing the screen guard, then you need to proceed to the next solution.

#2. Factory Reset

In case the problem is software related, then the best way to fix it is by resetting your phone to the Factory Settings. A factory reset to wipe everything from your device, and it will be just the way it was when you switched it on for the first time. It will return to its out of the box condition. Opting for a factory reset would delete all your apps, their data, and also other data like photos, videos, and music from your phone.

Due to this reason, you should create a backup before going for a factory reset. Most phones prompt you to backup your data when you try to factory reset your phone. You can use the in-built tool for backing up or do it manually, the choice is yours. Once your device restarts after Factory Reset check if you are still facing the same problem or not.

#3. Return or Replace your Phone

If you are experiencing a Ghost Touch problem on a newly purchased phone or if it is still within the warranty period, then the best thing to do would be to return it or get a replacement. Simply take it down to the nearest service center and ask for a replacement.

Depending on the warranty policies of the company, you might get a new device in replacement or they will change your display which will fix the problem. Therefore, do not hesitate to take your phone down to a service center if you are facing Ghost Touch problems. However, if the problem starts after the warranty period then you won’t be getting a replacement or free service. Instead, you will have to have to pay for a new screen.

#4. Disassemble and Disconnect your Screen

This method is only meant for those who have some kind of experience with opening up smartphones and are confident enough. Of course, there are a lot of YouTube videos to guide you as to how to open a smartphone but it is still a complicated process. If you have the proper tools and experience, you can try to disassemble your phone and slowly remove the different components.

You need to disconnect the touch panel or touch screen from the data connectors and then reconnect it after a few seconds. After that simply assemble your device and set everything in its place and switch on your mobile. This trick should fix the problem of Ghost Touch on your Android phone. 

However, if you don’t want to do it yourself, you can always take it down to a technician and pay them for their services. If this works then you can save a lot of bucks that would have been spent in purchasing a new screen or smartphone.

#5. Use a Piezoelectric Ignitor

Now, this trick comes straight for the internet suggestion box. A lot of Android users have claimed that they were able to fix Ghost Touch problems with the help of a piezoelectric ignitor found in a common household lighter. It is the thing that generates a spark when you press the top of it. Surprisingly enough it has been seen that this ignitor can help fix dead zones and even revive dead pixels.

The trick is simple. All that you need to do is dismantle a lighter to extract the piezoelectric ignitor. Then, you need to place this ignitor close to the screen where the dead zone is and press the lighter button to create a spark. It might not work in a single try and you might have to press the ignitor a couple of times in the same region and that should fix the problem. However, we would like to warn you to try this at your own risk. If it works then there is no better solution than this. You won’t even have to steps out of the house or spend big money.

#6. Replace the Charger

As mentioned earlier, using a faulty charger can cause Ghost Touch problems. If you using your phone while charging, you might experience Ghost touch problems, especially if the charger is not the original charger. You should always use the original charger that was in the box as it best suits your device. In the event of the original charger getting damaged, replace it with an original fast charger purchased from an authorized service center.

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We hope that you find this information helpful and you were able to fix the Ghost Touch problem on Android phone. Ghost Touch problems are more common in some smartphone models than others. As a result, manufacturers had to recall or stop producing a particular model due to faulty hardware. If you happen to purchase one of these devices, unfortunately, then the best thing to do would be to return it as soon as you start experiencing this problem. However, if the problem is due to the old age of the phone, then you can try these fixes mentioned in the article and hope that it eliminates the problem.