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iPhone 12 mini touchscreen issues

Is anyone else having intermittent touchscreen issues with their iPhone 12 mini where it randomly won’t register touch input?

TLDR: my phone screen stops registering touch input randomly only when inside of a case and also with a screen protector on. With just the case on, the screen is fine, and with just the screen protector on the screen works fine. It’s only when they’re combined that my screen goes all janky.

I got my 12 mini today, went to Bestbuy to pick up a screen protector, installed the screen protector, put the phone in the Silicone MagSafe case and set everything up. Everything seemed fine until I noticed that the touchscreen was not responding like it should to touch input. I noticed that the screen would only act up if I had the case on. When I took the case off the screen was responding exactly as it should so I figured it was an issue with the case. However, my sister had also gotten her iPhone 12 mini today and we tested the MagSafe case on her phone but hers didn’t exhibit the same problem.

At this point I decided to pull the screen protector off and test again with and without the case on, and the touch input issues were gone altogether. So I figured, “okay, maybe I got a bad screen protector,” so I went back to bestbuy, returned what I thought to be a faulty screen protector, purchased a Zagg Invisible Shield screen protector, and had them install it for me. But when I powered my phone back on in the car, the screen still wouldn’t register touch input correctly with the new screen protector while in the MagSafe case. I can still take the case off and the screen works fine, but inside the case with a screen protector on, the screen starts acting up.

Finally, I decided to try a different case altogether. We went to Target and I put on a generic non-MagSafe case and the screen issues returned. I’m not sure why but it seems like the issue only pops up when a case is on the phone while also having a screen protector on. If I take one or the other off everything works perfectly. Does it seem like my device might be faulty?

iPhone 12 mini, iOS 14

Posted on Nov 13, 2020 6:36 PM

Top-ranking reply

Rastajafarian Author

Level 1

28 points

Posted on Nov 14, 2020 5:56 AM

Check the link that was posted above. I think they’ve narrowed the problem down to a grounding issue. If you touch any part or the metal chassis of the phone, the lock screen touch input starts working normally again.

For now, I’ve found that touching the camera rings while unlocking fixes the problem. It’s not a great solution but at least it’ll get me by before I can get my phone looked at. There’s no way I’m going without a case or screen protector so this will have to do for the time being. I have an appointment to get it looked at tomorrow so I guess we’ll see.

Hopefully this helps someone

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615 replies

Nov 19, 2020 9:15 AM in response to ReneeHalle

Also having an issue with the flashlight and camera buttons. Even when I touch any metal part of the phone or take the case off, those two buttons don't work.

If it is a screen protector issue then why does the Apple Store sell screen protectors that are too thick? Cause that's where I got mine. It's also the exact same type of protector I had on my iphone 7 and it worked fine without issues for many years. This is a problem with the phone hardware or software itself.

JJ_Mini

Level 1

4 points

Nov 19, 2020 9:38 AM in response to Lod728

Hi,

I cannot find the correct one on Amazon. I am from Poland and on my market it is available in many stores.

Here is an old example on amazon for iP7 : https://www.amazon.com/BENKS-KR-Screen-Protector-iPhone/dp/B01LY0M80B

Cannot find on amazon for mini....

Here is my exactly example: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001679375883.html

Try to find it on some your local reseller...

Manges_D

Level 1

4 points

Nov 19, 2020 9:55 AM in response to ReneeHalle

So wait... I’ve used plenty of screen protectors on plenty of phones... but this one isn’t compatible with the mini? Definitely sounds like a problem with the mini. If it’s a screen protector issue, why does everything work once the phone is unlocked? Why is it intermittent? Why does it work when the case is removed? Your screen protector argument doesn’t follow any troubleshooting sense.

Nov 19, 2020 10:12 AM in response to Manges_D

This is not at all Screen Protector or Case issue. its an issue with iPhone, its manufacturing glitch and Apple should acknowledge it. their is no point to discuss of using any thin or thick screen protector etc. Apple will have to acknowledge it and fix it asap as customers are bearing the pain even after spending/investing good amount with the Brand for their services.

tien299

Level 1

11 points

Nov 19, 2020 10:21 AM in response to Rastajafarian

I called the Apple support yesterday instead of chatting with them online. The Apple support guy had to ask his supervisor and the answer they gave me was “Apple is aware of the situation. They are doing their best to come up with a solution. A software update should come out soon to fix the problems.” So basically, I have to wait patiently for them.

Today when I went to software update, there is a new software update 14.2.1. So maybe try updating and see if it helps. I am going to try updating my phone now.

Nov 19, 2020 10:52 AM in response to Rastajafarian

I just went crazy with this but this article helped. I thought it was SPECIFICALLY my RIGHT THUMB lol! No, here’s the issue

My right thumb won’t work on my iPhone 12 mini when:

1) A case is on and

2) A screen protector is on and

3) The meat/palm of my right HAND is touching or very near that 5G mmWave antenna looking screen thing on the right side!

Workaround: “YOU’RE HOLDING IT WRONG!” LOL 😂

I just have to now BARELY be holding it when I want to use my right thumb so that my right palm isn’t accidentally touching the side. This doesn’t just look like the iPhone 4 🤣

Nov 19, 2020 11:09 AM in response to JOe21569

It’s all done and dusted now, friends.

ios 14.2.2 is here and it’s addressed this issue. Using it for the past half an hour. And it’s butter smooth just as an iPhone should be.

So this thread shall soon be marked as ‘Solved’.

Nov 19, 2020 11:42 AM in response to Rastajafarian

Just a reminder to everyone. You have until Jan. to return the mini (if you change your mind or Apple doesn’t come up with a fix). I just got off the phone with customer service and any purchase (or pre-order pick up) made on or after Nov. 13th qualifies for the holiday return window, instead of the usual 14 day return window.

Knowing this I can breathe a little easier and wait to see what solution Apple comes up with. If I don’t like the solution then I can return the mini until Jan. 8th 2021. Good to know.

DDDavie

Level 1

4 points

Nov 19, 2020 12:00 PM in response to Saurabh_Misal

OK I just answer my own question. I checked for updates and the 14.2.1 is available.

So you all think this update will fix the issue and I can use the thicker Zagg invisisheild screen protector. I guess made of thicker tempered glass?

Arkenu

Level 1

9 points

Nov 19, 2020 1:02 PM in response to DDDavie

It seems to be working correctly now. At least it looks like it now knows what my thumbs are. I guess that we just have to keep using it and keeping our eyes open for glitches to repetir. Hopefully there are none.

Nov 19, 2020 1:19 PM in response to Rastajafarian

Yes the 14.2.1 update has fixed our problems too. Thanks to everyone for posting and Apple for the relatively fast response. I was hopeful they were on top of it as they were continuing to sell the phones.

Nov 19, 2020 4:53 PM in response to Rastajafarian

It’s fixed now! Apple just released iOS 14.2.1 which takes care of the lock screen sensitivity issue among other things. You can download the update in System Settings->General->Software Update.

-David

JOe21569

Level 1

11 points

Nov 20, 2020 4:12 AM in response to dimas225

Haven't you read any of the posts in this thread regarding these issues with the 12 mini?

I don't mean to come off wrong towards you, but you should read the thread before posting.

There is a software update from 14.2 to 14.2.1 which addresses these issue with the 12 mini.

Nov 20, 2020 5:16 AM in response to Rastajafarian

Hi All,

I had the same issue as reported earlier, just got new software update from apple 14.2.1 and it seems it fixes the issue..

I just updated my Mini and don't see the issue happening.

I can now use lock screen smoothly with a protection glass on the screen...

Anyone having this issue, please give it a try it might help others here....

Nov 20, 2020 5:16 AM in response to Rastajafarian

Hi All,

I had the same issue as reported earlier, just got new software update from apple 14.2.1 and it seems it fixes the issue..

I just updated my Mini and don't see the issue happening.

I can now use lock screen smoothly with a protection glass on the screen...

Anyone having this issue, please give it a try it might help others here....

iPhone 12 mini touchscreen issues