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Level 1

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iPhone 3GS 32GB touch screen randomly stops/starts working

I am a previous 3G owner, and a few days ago got the 3GS. I've noticed that the touch screen will become completely unresponsive at seemingly random intervals. At first I thought it was something with the new oleophobic screen, but I can't see any correlation between how I touch the screen and when the touch fails to work, so maybe it's software.

A great example of the problem is when I'm playing some game (Tap Tap Revenge for example). I'll be touching the screen literally hundreds of times, and then it will stop responding. Sometimes it begins working again quickly, but other times I need to lock/unlock it for it to work again (though, the lock/unlock might not have any effect-- maybe it's just the added time of doing it that allows the screen to work again).

Of note, the iPhone operates normally in all other functions (ie. the phone doesn't lockup, and applications continue running normally, I just can't tough anything).

Someone else posted something I thought was a similar problem, but they said turning off notifications would solve it, though it hasn't helped at all for me.

Anybody else having this problem?

iPhone 3GS 32GB BLACK, iPhone OS 3.0

Posted on Jun 28, 2009 8:55 PM

64 replies

gtskhaki

Level 1

0 points

Jul 6, 2009 11:00 AM in response to CelticWench

I'm having this problem too on my 16GB 3GS, usually a few times a day with average use. Too bad the nearest Apple retail store is two hours away. I guess it's too much to hope for that this is some kind of software issue?

Jul 6, 2009 11:16 AM in response to gtskhaki

My Apple store is also 2 hours away. Bu it's worth the trip as long as you go through the proper restore procedure ahead of time. That way they can't blame any app or configuration change you have done. I had to go on a Sunday just to get he exchange done due to a couple of very busy weekends. It's worth the trip.

Poptarts

Level 1

0 points

Jul 6, 2009 11:22 AM in response to NHonko

Instability proably, the iPod touchs were horribly unstable at 32 gb that's why 16 is the biggest I would go.

tagger9

Level 1

0 points

Jul 7, 2009 9:51 PM in response to NHonko

Same problem here - when watching YouTube videos the touchscreen is pretty much dead most of the time. I'll touch it, and nothing happens. It's very frustrating, especially when its a dud video and you want to stop it. This is my first experience with apple, was really expecting more. I hope its a software problem that they fix soon.

Maxtoid

Level 1

18 points

Jul 15, 2009 8:48 AM in response to NHonko

Hello. I am a previous 3g owner and I loved the phone. I was a little rough on it, I dropped it a lot but there were never even any marks to show, great phone. I just got the 3gs 16gb white yesterday and I've had it freeze like that 6 or 7 times already, once when I went to answer a call.

I thought at first it was because of the 3.0 because the 3.0 would cause my 3G to actually freeze for up to 10 seconds at times, but this error is def. the same as the one you guys are describing. I was able to trigger the frozen screen by shaking the phone once, but I can't seem to do it again.

If I can get it to be a little more predictable then I'll take it to the apple store (an hour away) and hopefully they can fix it or replace it. I'm discouraged by the fact that none of the apple stores in michigan seem to have my iphone in stock... apple needs to make more white ones lol

rzfrenz

Level 1

0 points

Jul 16, 2009 6:20 AM in response to NHonko

I am having the same issue. Went to the Genius Bar and was told to restore. I did that and the problem continues. I have an appointment this Saturday. Hopefully they'll give me a better solution or a replacement. This problem is really frustrating.

quinty

Level 1

0 points

Jul 17, 2009 12:08 PM in response to rzfrenz

3GS 32gb....'bout two weeks old. Entire touchscreen fails to respond, intermittently. Missing a lot of incoming calls because I can't slide bar to answer. Happens while running various apps, but also just when trying to wake unit and enter passcode. Power cycle makes it work again, but after a few minutes, touchscreen fails again.
Will go to Apple store point of sale and ask for replacement.

Jul 17, 2009 12:16 PM in response to NHonko

UPDATE: Did a full restore and was able to replicate the intermittent issues with the touch screen failing to function until LOCKED then UNLOCKED. Upgraded to 3.1 beta in hopes it might fix. No dice.. have appointment for tomorrow at Apple Store in hopes of getting replacement hardware. Other people that I know with 3GS both 16/32GB do not have this problem, so perhaps we all share a "bad batch"?

Jul 17, 2009 2:35 PM in response to NHonko

Yes, it's a big problem. Of course no one at the Mac store has ever "heard of it." Whenever there is an issue with Mac products they are suddenly so arrogant to help out.

Anyway, here's a video of the issue.

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=9d4c998e4e7140b21bee9a6e9edd9c76e04e75f6e8ebb 871

I took mine in and got it replaced today after arguing with the Mac guy. It hasn't frozen all day. Hopefully it never does again.

Maxtoid

Level 1

18 points

Jul 17, 2009 7:38 PM in response to Mr. Crumbles

Has Apple nothing to say on the matter?? It's so abundantly clear that they Screwed Up with the iPhone 3G S, we all have the problem of the loose touchscreen connection (I know it's not software because if I shake the phone it does it sometimes or if I push on the sides of the screen from bottom to top it does it, even vibrating does it)

Not only that but the light sensor error, (not discussed here yet) and a number of other problems with the manufacturing of the iPhone 3G S. I do not believe that I should have to spend $25 in gas to drive to the nearest apple store just because I want them to "look at" the phone that Apple didn't build correctly. I think Apple should put a replacement service in place for the large number of users that received bad iPhones.

Say Something Apple!~!

I also noticed that something is loose in my iPhone, I just got it and haven't given it the chance to drop yet so I know it's nothing I did... perhaps the machine that solders the parts together on this phone wasn't functioning right for a short period of time? Well maybe they should at least investigate the $600 phones we all paid for.

quinty

Level 1

0 points

Jul 17, 2009 9:46 PM in response to Maxtoid

Very frustrating to say the least. Was hoping this would have been addressed here by now.
Guess it's either replacement (so glad I'm still in warranty) via mail or else make the trek to the Apple Store (again)... This will be second replacement (other issue was mic problem). (( Also, gets scarily hot to the touch if downloading purchased music via 3G (yes, even in the shade, not in the car and not during heavy solar flare activity)...and have to power cycle at least a few times a day due to freezes and sluggishness...))

iPhone 3GS is a marvel, yes, absolutely. But starting to wonder if this trouble is worth the puffy pricetag for both phone and plan.

simeylad

Level 1

20 points

Jul 18, 2009 5:58 AM in response to NHonko

i have a similar prob with my 16GB 3GS (o2 UK), where certain apps will not open/respond when i touch their respective icon, as if that part of the touchscreen has died.

only seems to happen with compass, maps and facebook.

lock/unlock fixes this.

weird.

Jul 19, 2009 7:42 PM in response to NHonko

Same problem. Exactly like explained.

It happens numerous times a day, only way to work-around the issue is to lock and unlock the phone, and occurs during every aspect, feature, and app on my phone (so it isn't confined to when I'm just doing a certain thing). I've tried resetting the phone, restoring the phone, and everything else I could do.

What steps do I take next? Call apple? I hope they don't leave me without a phone if I need a replacement.

What a major buzz kill, though. I was more excited than anything for my phone to come in and as luck would always have it--mine is faulty when I get it.

I also seem to have the problem that my phone will not respond when I flip it from vertical to horizontal when surfing webpages or typing messages. I will flip it. And nothing will happen. Sometimes after a long delay it with flip, other times it won't flip at all.

Message was edited by: DonnyDarko420x

Message was edited by: DonnyDarko420x

quinty

Level 1

0 points

Jul 20, 2009 3:05 PM in response to DonnyDarko420x

I called Apple's support, described the problem and they're shipping me a replacement.
If you're under an AppleCare Protection plan, they waive the $29.00 advance replacement fee.

I'm a little edgy about them putting a $699 hold on my cred card until they receive the original phone...but...I understand why they have to do it.

sigh Ah well... Hopefully the replacement won't have any issues.

Good luck to everyone else w/ this touchscreen issue. I recommend calling in for a replacement if you're still within warranty and/or under the AppleCare Protection plan.

wmwalker

Level 1

0 points

Jul 24, 2009 7:00 AM in response to NHonko

I've been having the same issue. It's progressively getting worse. I'm about to print this entire thread and march down to the Apple Store.

iPhone 3GS 32GB touch screen randomly stops/starts working