My screen has a dead area preventing me from typing

sounds like a defect screen on the phone

if it was me then I would

try restarting the ios device Force restart iPhone - Apple Support and check if it resolved it

if it did not then I would try Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

if that did not resolve it then I would contact apple about repair Apple Service and Repair for iPhone - Apple Support

1. Force Restart

1. Press and quickly release Volume Up.
2. Press and quickly release Volume Down.
3. Press and hold the Side Button until the Apple logo appears.

2. Quick Fixes to Type Right Now

• Remove your screen protector: a damaged or misaligned glass protector can cause dead zones.
• Rotate the screen: turn your iPhone sideways (landscape mode) to move the keyboard away from the dead area.
• Use Voice Dictation: tap the microphone icon on the keyboard to speak your text instead of typing.

3. The Diagnosis

If the force restart doesn't work, the touch screen digitizer is physically damaged (likely due to wear, a drop, or a swollen battery pushing against the screen). The only permanent fix is a screen replacement.

Welcome and thank you for reaching out. 🤗

There appears to be a problem with the internal display panel. Only a certified Apple technician can determine the cause and offer a complete solution.

Therefore, I recommend service.

Service Checklist:

• iPhone service pricing.
• Check AppleCare Coverage.
• Get your iPhone ready for service.

Service Appointment:

• Start a Service Request.

Contact Information:

• United States: 1-800-APLCARE.
• Contact Support.

Additional Support:

• iPhone Support.
• iPhone User Guide.
• Check Repair Status.

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer

Worth a few tries with a Forced Restart, but this really sounds like a screen replacement will be needed.

If the Forced Restarts do not help, it's off to the shop.

About $200-225 (U.S.) assuming that a new battery is not needed. Add $80-90 for a new battery.

You can find a list of authorized service shops in your area using this link:

Find Locations - AppleAppleFind Locations

Your call, but the money might be better spent on a new phone.

rattanaargh ~ As your iPhone XR could be >7 years old, it's worth checking for a weak, aging battery (which can cause various issues.) So...

Does your iPhone XR still have its original battery?

And what's the Maximum Capacity % here?...

Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging

õ¿õ¬

Bob Timmons wrote:

...

About $200-225 (U.S.) assuming that a new battery is not needed. Add $80-90 for a new battery.

...

Absolutely, and it will be worth $20 and almost obsolete .