Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Cannot slide to answer phone calls

I try to answer call but slider refuses to move fully to right and "fights" against me. Have to try a few times and then sometimes works.

Some observations:
Currently have a 3GS but had same problem on a 3G.
Been through various OS updates with same problem IOS3 IOS4.
Only happens when trying to answer phone "Slide to unlock" always works.
Pressing menu button or turning silent button on/off a few times seems to help but shouldn't need to do this.

Have read other posts about resetting phone and ringtones but only use standard ringtone.

Any ideas?

3GS, iOS 4

Posted on Jun 28, 2010 8:42 AM

Reply
161 replies

Jul 30, 2010 3:33 PM in response to msedaka

I have the same problem with my new iPhone 4. Sometimes the slide to answer will not move at all. Once it moved half way then jumped back (i tried several times).

I have the updated iOS 4.0.1, I didn't have that problem with 4.0 but then I didn't have that version for long.

This problem is very annoying as it makes me look ridiculous trying to answer a call and having to drop it in the end.

This is only with slide to answer, never with slide to unlock or to switch off.

I think it has always happen when someone in my contact list was calling.

Need a solution quickly !

Aug 2, 2010 7:30 AM in response to RalWin

I have seen this problem. I think it has to do with temperature differential. I'm guessing the phone is in my pocket heating the screen to body temperature and pulling it out to answer there is not enough energy differential for the screen to feel the finger swipe.

The problem probably goes away after the glass warms in the air for a few seconds, but when answering we pull out the phone and swipe. That's just a guess.

The point is I too have seen this problem and it is very frustrating to miss a call because of the finger swipe issue. It would be nice if there was a hard button way to answer and ends calls.

Although I enjoy apple products, if the phone stops being a good phone, then all the other stuff is nonsense and I'll have to get another product. This and the speakerphone-only issue are two strikes against this phone.

Aug 2, 2010 7:48 AM in response to smithlc2

I've noticed this on all of the iPhones that I have owned, 2G, 3G and now the 4. To me, it appears it happens after the phone is been in my pocket for a while. I believe the front glass gets heated up somewhat to body temperature and thus has difficulty differentiating the heat from your finger and as a result doesn't recognize your finger as easily.

Aug 3, 2010 4:36 AM in response to qwertzguy

Now that it has been mentionned, the problem has indeed occured when the phone was in my pocket and the weather was very hot. But since I have only had the problem 4 times and cannot reproduce it when i want it is difficult to say if this is the cause.

The first time it occured, the green arrow moved half way and bounced back each time i tried to answer. The next 3 times it didnt even move 1 pixel. It also happend when i received an sms.

Aug 8, 2010 1:47 PM in response to qwertzguy

It happend again today, impossible to move the green arrow to answer a call.

I managed to answer the call after pressing the home button twice. I will do this next time and report here if it works again.

This problem is the worst problem a phone can have. I mean what good is a phone if you cannot answer calls ? This is my first Apple phone and it will be my last if they don't solve this huge issue.

Sep 1, 2010 3:30 AM in response to RalWin

I have the same problem, I have an IPhone four month ago and from the be begining one every ten calls more or less can´t be answered.

The problem happens with iOS 3.1 and with 4.

All the touch screen of my iphone works properly, and the problem only happens when I have an income call. I have never had the problem with the unlock slider (that is in the same position) in any temperature condition. So probably is some bug in the software.

It happens frequently with one of my contacts, but sometimes happens with others.

It is very frustrating, and if not solved is a black point in the phone, because I bought it mainly for be used as a excellent telephone.

And finally, it is the only telephone I have ever heard in which a phone call can not be answered.

Help, Please.

Sep 28, 2010 7:25 AM in response to Sarantonton

Have the exact same problem with iPhone 4. Has happened twice in first month of owning the phone (I had 1st generation iPhone for years and never had the problem) The "slide to answer" sticks or springs back when trying to answer a call. Both times it has happened my phone was in my pocket... makes me wonder if touching the screen in some way when pulling the ringing phone out created the problem?

Cannot slide to answer phone calls

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.