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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

Best 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 17, 2020 4:25 AM in response to Arkenu

I don't think I've seen anyone cut any slots out of their case, but some users have put aluminum foil into their case, installed their phones, and wrapped the foil around the sides/back and it fixes the problem.

Nov 17, 2020 4:51 AM in response to Rastajafarian

Problems here as well. Lock screen is mostly unresponsive, and answering calls or using flashlight/camera is utter pain. Also when typing passcode the third number keeps erasing away and need to type it 4-5 times until it stays.

I'm using the mini without a case but with a screen protector. Cant remember the name of the protector though...

I have an EU-version (?), bought from Finland, if the information is any helpful

Nov 17, 2020 5:15 AM in response to Rastajafarian

I am having the same issue! I can’t answer calls with my thumb swipe or shut my alarm off. It took me forever to turn on the camera and flashlight when I was playing around with my phone. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one but want to know what Apple is going to do about this!

Nov 17, 2020 5:43 AM in response to Rastajafarian

Same problem, called Apple Support was on the line with 1st and 2nd Level Support for one hour and explained the issues.

New product, new problems and we are doing the greenfield User Acceptance Test for Apple and paying for that.

I hope they will get this resolved quickly, I can not understand if so many people have this issue how did the product pass the quality controls???

Let us see how long it will take to get it resolved, good luck to all of us....

kwd1414

Level 1

14 points

Nov 17, 2020 5:52 AM in response to Jayjoejackson

I can confirm that on my iPhone 12 Mini the combination of tempered glass screen protector and phone case results in the "frozen" lock screen. When I remove either the case or the screen protector, the phone works as nornal.

Nov 17, 2020 6:58 AM in response to Brkfstgrl

Today a courier picked up my Belkin screen protector which Apple 🍎 says is the reason my iPhone mini was not working properly he said yesterday he picked up six iPhone mini up that people have returned with the same swipe problems we all seem to be suffering isn’t about time Apple 🍎 admitted there’s a problem

Nov 17, 2020 8:42 AM in response to manjith257

Latest update: I just got off the phone with customer service again asking for an update. Apple does admit there is a issue - so everyone who is saying they aren’t admitting it.. will they do admit it. There is no solution yet but they are working on it.

zammir

Level 1

8 points

Nov 17, 2020 9:46 AM in response to SC_Beardo

Same exact thing for me. I've learned that if you tap with the tip of your finger, it will do the job (i.e. don't press hard). I wouldn't send it back because it's a great phone. An update will likely fix this soon!

Nov 17, 2020 9:53 AM in response to Adeson

It’s different from representative to another.. I spoke to two of them and they both advised to just “force restart” to solve the problem, I tried it 6 times, I feel that I’m gonna wipe the hardware eventually lol

he confirmed though (after lying) that I can return it Jan/8th.. I’m gonna use the **** out of it till the last day!

here is the follow up :

Hello,

I have left detailed case notes about your display. Your case number is 101241071008.

Please make sure you follow the instructions for a force restart and also update to the operating system before you return the phone and screen protector.

Make sure that you have a current backup through icloud or on a computer, know you apple id and password and have taken out the SIM card before returning the phone.

Thank you for chatting into Apple Support.

Nov 17, 2020 9:56 AM in response to Adeson

Why haven’t they sent this message out to everyone that’s brought a new iPhone mini instead of when you get in touch with them they make out nothing wrong they had me take the case off reset on settings then take the Belkin screen protector off then because it worked without the screen protector on they put the blame on that and have now offered to replace it with a new one which they know full well will stop the swipe working because it’s the phone that’s at fault really poor customer service you would think apple would be above that

Nov 17, 2020 12:04 PM in response to Rastajafarian

Exactly the same i am facing with my 12 mini Purchased on 13/11/2020.

Hopping apple to do the best for there customers.

It's actually a very big problem to use the iphone without cover or screen protector.

And i am sure apple will find the resolution within upcoming 24 hours

after all its apple and they are very serious for every single issue.

Nov 17, 2020 12:21 PM in response to Jayjoejackson

The lack of official communication at this point is quite embarrassing for the company with the biggest market cap in the world.

I can’t be bothered anymore with these issues. I have returned the mini and purchased a regular Iphone 12. Form factor is not that bad, bigger display and above all, bigger battery. And it is completely flawless, which is what you expect when paying 900 bucks for a phone.

chunias

Level 1

4 points

Nov 17, 2020 1:08 PM in response to Rastajafarian

Same thing here. It’s not only the torch or camera button, but actually the whole screen is not properly detecting taps... for example, trying to unlock my phone by typing the passcode can take me up to a minute! Pretty annoying when you are trying to answer a call 😡

Nov 17, 2020 1:26 PM in response to chunias

Yep, exactly that. I couldn’t answer a call earlier and blamed the screen protector, then could make a call. Then when opened a contact I could message, FaceTime, but not actuate the call button. It was specific to that tiny area of screen.

Then the problem disappears, then returns. I sometimes couldn’t even slide to power off in case that was the issue.

Fittes is a Rhinoshield bumper and screen protector front and back. Problem began immediately after fitting.

Salmany

Level 1

4 points

Nov 17, 2020 2:08 PM in response to Rastajafarian

I’m having the same issue. In my case, it only happens when I try to swipe up to with my thumb. It’ll work if I switch over to my index finger. That doesn’t make any sense.

I’ll also have issues typing in my sign in password. After I’m able to swipe up or type my password, I don’t have anymore issues. I hope this is something apple can fix with an update.

iPhone 12 mini touchscreen issues