iOS 11.4 iMessage keyboard and screen problems spreading system wide

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iOS 11.4 iMessage keyboard and screen problems spreading system wide

Since installing iOS 11.4 my iPhone SE has problems with the iMessage app.

While typing a message the keyboard starts behaving strangely, becoming unresponsive and misaligned with where I tap it. Then the problem spreads to the whole screen and then system wide, with the iPhone opening apps all by itself.

I use the Gboard keyboard and uninstalling this has lessened the problem a lot.

But today, after receiving a quick sequence of messages, the problem reoccurred while using the standard keyboard. However, this time thing got better when I left the phone alone for a minute. (That was not the case while I still used the Gboard keyboard. Even a reset could not solve the problems then.)

iPhone SE, iOS 11.4

Posted on Jun 3, 2018 1:40 AM

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Answer 1

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ProustGiulio

Level 10

208,031 points

Jun 3, 2018 2:23 AM in response to dsojourner

Well, if a forced restart is not helpful (I would give it try again), the next step is to install a fresh copy of iOS on your SE.

To do it, make a full backup of your device (via iTunes or via iCloud): How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When done, restore your device to factory settings, and, at the end, set it up as new:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

After setting it up as new, test it for a while, without restoring your data from backup. If it works fine, you can exclude a hardware problem.

If it doesn't work, have your iPhone inspected at your most convenient Apple store or Authorized Service Provider: Apple - Find Locations - Location Selector

If it works, you can restore your data for your previously made backup:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support

If the issue comes back, you data could be corrupted, and you have to restart this procedure (restore to factory settings) from the beginning, installing one app at a time, and test it).

Regards and best of luck

Giulio

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Answer 2

ProustGiulio

Level 10

208,031 points

Jun 3, 2018 1:51 AM in response to dsojourner

When you're talking about a reset, do you mean a "forced" restart of your device?

Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo.

Regards

Giulio

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Answer 3

dsojourner Author

Level 1

13 points

Jun 3, 2018 2:00 AM in response to ProustGiulio

Yes, a hard reset. When I used the Gboard keyboard and the problems started, a hard reset didn’t help. Switching the iPhone off did strangely, but it was difficult to do because the ’off’ slider could hardly be toggled with the screen being unresponsive.

So, since removing Gboard the problems are less severe, but still there.

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Answer 4

dsojourner Author

Level 1

13 points

Jun 4, 2018 12:15 PM in response to ProustGiulio

Hi Giulio!

Still trouble...

I've restored the iphone with itunes.

Tested a clean install. Same problem.

Downgraded to ios 11.3, clean install, same problem.

That would indicate a hardware problem. But.

-Problems started right after installing 11.4

-It has to do with the message app and only the message app. How can that be hardware?

When I don't use the message app, everything's fine. Then, when a message comes in, the screen becomes overly sensitive so that when I hover my thumb over the bottom of the screen (not touching it) apps in the middle of the screen get triggered.

Very very strange!

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Answer 5

ProustGiulio

Level 10

208,031 points

Jun 4, 2018 10:35 PM in response to dsojourner

Sorry about that, dsojourner.

But I'm afraid that (if you followed all the truobleshooting steps I provided, and reading also your last post, even the strange property of your thumb) I can't find a good solution for you (and this is quite frustrating), but I must admit that I don't see any reasonable further step to suggest. So, let me embark on flights of fancy...

Are you using a screen protector on your device? Try to remove it.

Do you have a case? remove it

Does it happen everywhere, or only at home, at work, close to something emitting radio waves?

What happens if you turn your airplane mode on, and start typing a text message?

Flights ended.

If nothing changes, have your iphone checked.

And please, keep me informed.

Regards

Giulio

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Answer 6

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,377 points

Jun 4, 2018 1:41 PM in response to dsojourner

Sounds like it could be a screen digitizer issue. I recommend in addition to what ProustGiulio stated and make a Genius Bar appointment at the nearest Apple Store to have the device examined by Apple. They will explain your options from there.

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Answer 7

ProustGiulio

Level 10

208,031 points

Jun 4, 2018 2:04 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

Ciao Chris. Yes, it might be "the" answer.

Can that issue produce such unpredictable behaviors? Only while texting?

(to be honest, I'm not so tech savvy to understand / iterpret the symptoms).

Thanks for your assistance.

Giulio

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Answer 8

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,377 points

Jun 4, 2018 2:09 PM in response to ProustGiulio

Maybe, but generally all of the strange actions on the screen are due to digitizer problems. Either way, if it is not working with the restore, the Genius Bar is the next step, no matter what the issue is. It helps if they can duplicate the problem in the store.

And as always, you are welcome. Appreciate all you do.

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Answer 9

dsojourner Author

Level 1

13 points

Jun 4, 2018 11:33 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

Thank you both for looking into my problem!

My theory:

My phone is second hand. I don't know the history.

Could it be that the screen was replaced by a non-original one and that the non-standard digitizer is giving trouble?

The trouble started after the 11.4 update (but persists after downgrade) and only occurs when the Message app is active.

The Genius bar is too far away and too busy here in Holland, no time for that, so I'm thinking about having the screen replaced with an original one at a shop here in town. But is it worth the bet? hmmm

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Answer 10

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,377 points

Jun 5, 2018 6:51 AM in response to dsojourner

While it is possible that there was service done on the phone, no one would know. However, you say you wish to have it replaced by a shop in town. Is it an Authorized Apple Service provider? If not, then they are not going to have an original screen, as Apple does not sell parts. Only Apple, or an Authorized Apple service provider will have OEM equipment and parts.

At this point, if the Genius bar does not seem to be an option, you can arrange to send the phone in, or deal with it in your own fashion. Good luck.

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