Dropping your phone can instantly cause the screen to stop responding to touch, even if the display looks perfectly fine. Sometimes the touchscreen stops working entirely, while in other cases only part of the screen becomes unresponsive. This problem is extremely common on Android phones such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Poco, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, Realme, and even Google Pixel devices.
In this complete guide, you will learn the exact reasons why your touchscreen stopped responding after a drop — and the most effective ways to fix it. We will cover simple solutions, advanced steps, and the signs that point to hardware damage. Follow each method carefully.
Why the Touchscreen Stops Working After a Drop
A drop can damage several components inside your phone. Even if there are no cracks, the impact can affect the following:
- Digitizer damage – the thin layer responsible for detecting touch input
- Loose display connector – the screen flex cable disconnects slightly after impact
- Internal screen cracks not visible from outside
- Motherboard micro-cracks causing touch signal interruption
- Pressure damage from the drop point
- Ghost touch caused by hardware damage
Even a short fall can cause these issues. Now let’s fix them step by step.
Fix 1: Restart Your Phone
If the touchscreen is partially working, try a simple restart. A reboot clears temporary glitches affecting the touch controller.
- Hold the Power Button
- Select Restart
If your screen is completely unresponsive, skip to Fix 2.
Fix 2: Force Restart (Hard Reboot)
If your touchscreen doesn’t respond at all, force the device to reboot. This resets touch functions without deleting data.
Force restart method:
- Samsung: Hold Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds
- Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Hold Power button for 10–15 seconds
- Motorola: Hold Power button for 10 seconds
- OnePlus/Oppo/Realme: Hold Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds
- Pixel: Hold Power button for 10 seconds
If the screen becomes responsive again, the issue was temporary.
Fix 3: Check for Invisible Cracks
Some screens develop micro-cracks that are too small to see. These cracks break the digitizer layer even when the glass looks perfect.
To check for hidden cracks:
- Shine a flashlight on the screen from different angles
- Look for faint lines or discoloration
- Press gently around the edges
If the screen flickers or responds inconsistently, there is internal damage.
Fix 4: Remove Your Screen Protector
After a fall, a damaged screen protector can interfere with touch input.
To test:
- Remove your screen protector
- Clean the display using a microfiber cloth
- Try tapping and swiping again
If touch works normally after removing it, replace the protector with a new tempered glass model.
Fix 5: Remove the Phone Case
Cases can shift after a drop and put pressure on the screen corners, causing unresponsive touch areas.
- Remove the case completely
- Test the touchscreen
If some parts of the screen start responding again, the case was the issue.
Fix 6: Try Pressing Gently Around the Screen Edges
When you drop a phone, the display flex cable can loosen. Pressing around the edges sometimes helps reconnect it temporarily.
Try this:
- Hold the phone with both hands
- Apply gentle, even pressure around the edges
- Do NOT press too hard
If the screen flickers or responds briefly, the connector is loose.
Fix 7: Cool Down or Warm Up the Phone
Temperature changes after a drop can affect the display’s responsiveness.
If the phone feels hot: Let it cool for 10–15 minutes.
If the phone feels cold: Hold it in your hands for a few minutes.
Sometimes, the digitizer starts working again once temperature stabilizes.
Fix 8: Boot Into Safe Mode
If the screen works occasionally but becomes unresponsive while using apps, it may be a software glitch triggered after the drop.
To enter Safe Mode:
- Hold the Power Button
- Long-press Power Off
- Tap Safe Mode
If touch responds normally in Safe Mode, uninstall recently installed apps.
Fix 9: Connect a USB Mouse (Touchscreen Not Working at All)
If the screen is totally unresponsive, you can still control your phone using a USB mouse.
You need:
- USB-C to USB adapter (OTG)
- A regular wired USB mouse
Steps:
- Plug the adapter into your phone
- Connect the mouse
- A cursor will appear on the screen
- Use the mouse to back up data or perform resets
This is extremely useful if your screen is completely dead.
Fix 10: Calibrate Touch Input (If it Responds Poorly)
If the screen is still responding sometimes, try recalibrating touch sensitivity.
Do this:
- Download “Touchscreen Calibration” from the Play Store
- Follow the calibration instructions
This helps if the digitizer is misaligned but not fully broken.
Fix 11: Clear Cache Partition (Samsung & Some Android Phones)
A drop may have caused a system glitch. Clearing cache partitions resets system files without deleting anything.
Steps:
- Turn off your phone
- Hold Power + Volume Up
- Enter Recovery Mode
- Select Wipe Cache Partition
- Reboot
This can restore touchscreen responsiveness if the cause is software-related.
Fix 12: Check for Ghost Touch Issues
A drop can damage the digitizer and cause ghost touches. Symptoms include:
- Screen tapping itself
- Random swipes
- Zooming in/out automatically
- Typing without touching
Ghost touch almost always indicates hardware damage.
Fix 13: Update Software
A system update can fix bugs that affect touch response.
- Go to Settings → Software Update
- Tap Download and Install
Install any available update and restart your phone.
Fix 14: Factory Reset (Software Last Option)
If you think the issue is software-related, try a full reset.
Warning: This erases all data, so back up using a mouse if needed.
- Go to Settings
- Tap System
- Select Reset Options
- Choose Erase All Data
If the touchscreen still doesn’t respond after a reset, the hardware is damaged.
Fix 15: Reseat the Display Connector (For Technicians Only)
The most common hardware issue after a drop is a loose display connector. When the flex cable disconnects slightly, the touchscreen stops responding.
A technician will:
- Open the device
- Disconnect the display flex cable
- Clean the connector
- Reconnect it securely
This fix works in many dropped-phone cases and costs much less than a screen replacement.
Fix 16: Replace the Digitizer
If the digitizer layer is cracked internally, it must be replaced. This is the part that detects your touch.
Signs you need digitizer replacement:
- Screen looks normal but doesn’t respond
- Only half the screen works
- Ghost touches continue after reboot
- Extreme lag in touch response
Digitizer-only replacement is possible on some devices but not all. Many modern phones require full display replacement.
Fix 17: Replace the Entire Screen
If both the digitizer and display are damaged, the whole screen must be replaced.
This is common when:
- The screen has visible cracks
- There are black spots or lines
- The screen flickers constantly
- Only a small area responds
Full screen replacement costs vary by brand but is usually the final fix.
Fix 18: Motherboard Damage
A severe drop can crack solder joints on the motherboard, especially around the display’s integrated circuits.
Symptoms include:
- Touch works randomly
- Screen freezes
- Phone restarts during touch
- Touch works only when pressing hard
This requires a specialist to repair the board using micro-soldering tools.
Fix 19: Use Gravity Method (Temporary Trick)
This trick sometimes helps if the internal ribbon cable is loose.
- Hold the phone firmly
- Tap the back of the phone gently with your palm
This can temporarily reconnect loose components. It is not a long-term fix but can help in emergencies.
Fix 20: Use Voice Control to Operate Your Phone
If the screen doesn’t work at all and you need access:
- Activate Google Assistant
- Use commands like:
- “Open Settings”
- “Turn on WiFi”
- “Call [contact]”
- “Take a screenshot”
This allows limited control without touch input.
Prevention Tips
- Use a high-quality shockproof case
- Apply a good tempered glass protector
- Avoid using the phone with wet hands
- Keep the phone away from edges of tables
Conclusion
If your phone screen is not responding after a drop, the cause is usually a damaged digitizer, internal cracks, or a loose connector. While some issues can be fixed at home, many require a technician to properly reconnect or replace components.
Follow the steps in this guide to diagnose the problem and restore your phone’s touchscreen. If the issue persists, professional repair is the only permanent solution.