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Touchscreen freaks out/registers touches without touching it.

Called Apple and they have not heard of this so wondering if I've got a one-of-a-kind problem here. Couldn't find another report of this anywhere. Please let me know if you are experiencing the below behavior:

After the screen gets excessively dirty with fingerprints the touchscreen will start registering touches without actually touching the screen. Safari will quickly zoom in/out, keyboard will open/close rapidly, links will be clicked at random bringing up new tabs, etc. etc. This all happens very quickly and is the best example but it happens in all applications.

If I sleep, hit the power button, and let it sit for 60 seconds then it will stop for a few minutes but ultimately comes back. Cleaning the screen does not always prevent it but cleaning the screen and rebooting (power off) does seem to stop this behavior until the screen gets dirty again.

When it is having a fit like this the screen seems to be overly sensitive. I can click on links by coming very close to the screen without actually touching it.

Anyway, when the iPad is having one of it's "fits" then it is basically unusable. Anyone seen this behavior? Or is it time to replace my iPad?

Thanks

iPad, Mac OS X (10.6.3)

Posted on Apr 26, 2010 11:53 AM

Reply
67 replies

Feb 16, 2017 1:36 PM in response to ipeverywhere

I have the exact same problem, I don't know what to do about it but if you called Apple and they said they've never heard about it maybe I should call too.... I try turning off/on my phone and restarting it too and sometimes it helps but it still happens all the time and it's now getting worse and just harder to deal with. Maybe try getting a screen replacement? That's what I'm gonna try and do

Mar 19, 2017 9:20 AM in response to aehovey

My iPhone 6 Plus 128GB has the ghost touch as well. Twice in the last month I've been on business trips and my iPhone wigs out. It acts like a toddler is pushing buttons on the screen as fast as he can. It is completely debilitating and ruins my ability to conduct business.


I purposely bought the largest iPhone as an investment to last me 4-5 years, and I'm no where close to that now. My phone is in great condition, and should last me at least a couple more years.


Both of the business trips where the phone has gone bonkers we're at sporting events in arenas with several thousand people, however the issue continued in my hotel room a significant drive (20 minutes) from the venue.


The problem occurred on and off networks (LTE/WiFi). I powered off/on several times, moved in/out of airplane mode, and plugged/unplugged from a charger. Last night I did see some functionality improvement while the phone was charging. If the phone was not charged, the issue would come back. The issue would also get worse with increased usage/frequency.


THEORIES:

I think static electricity may be the issue. How would this be tested?


The issue severity seems to decrease (not disappear) if I move at a slower pace. Perhaps the issue is related to hardware performance capabilities and software coding.


The issue is new (past 5 weeks), but I've had the phone for more than 2 years. Perhaps it's a result of wear and tear on the screen, although no visible indications exist.


Anyone else have issue with their iPhone 6 Plus 128GB?

Apr 28, 2010 2:03 AM in response to ipeverywhere

Hi, I exactly encounter the same issue! It freaks me out. I've troubleshooted by all means. So you think it's the fingerprints which cause this behaviour? I'll check if that can be the cause in my case.

Can you tell me what you've done to solve this? If you went to Apple, have they acknowledged this and gave you a new iPad or have they sent it in for repair?

I'd really like to know 'cause I live in The Netherlands and the iPad was sent from The States (obviously). So I need to know what to do 🙂

Thanks in advance for your reply!

Kind regards,
Roeland

Apr 28, 2010 8:30 AM in response to ipeverywhere

Encountered exactly the same problem.

I am from Singapore, and I've got my iPad from one of those "parallel import" set from the local shop. Fortunately, the shop did a 1 to 1 change for me (with much complaint though, haha).

I was suspecting the followings:
1. Some of my iPhone Apps not compatable with iPad
Conclusion: This can't be the cause, I had removed all iPhone Apps, and left only with the pre-installed iPad Apps, such problem still persisted.

2. My iPad case internal magnets cause some interference magnetic field
Conclusion: Can't be the cause. I had removed iPad from the case, the problem persisted.

3. My iPad screen protector, that may trap some dirt that generate some interference to iPad
Conclusion: Can't conclude, I did not have chance to remove the screen protector. Personally, this is unlikely.

I've tried various methods over 2 days such as reset iPad, reinstall iPad, clean the screen, etc. In the end, I still think the prime suspect is still hardware defect.

I think you should proceed to change it with Apple, since you got it from Apple. For people like us that outside of US will surely have some headache here.

Nevertheless, still love my iPad, what a wonderful and beautiful device. Well done! Apple.

May 11, 2010 5:21 PM in response to jg16

jg16 wrote:
This is happening to me constantly. I am uploading a youtube video that shows the issue in action. Has anyone had Apple acknowledge a problem here? Any luck at the Apple store with getting a replacement?


If there is a problem with your iPad and you can reproduce it at will, I'm sure the Apple store would replace it for you right away.

Touchscreen freaks out/registers touches without touching it.

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