Solved! 12 Fixes for Top of iPhone Screen Not Working

"I have just updated my iPhone to iOS 26, and now the top of iPhone screen can't work. I now cannot access or navigate the app options at the top of the screen. It is a nightmare for me. Please help me fix the issue." - Emma from Apple Community

We have skimmed through most Apple forums, and seemingly many iPhone users, especially iPhone X users, are encountering unresponsive top half of their iPhone screen problem. Ideally, the screen does not respond to swipes or taps, and therefore rendering the iPhone almost useless.

If you are one of them, you have come to the right post! This article will equip you with top solutions that will help fix your top of iPhone screen not working problem and explore why you might be experiencing the issue. Read on!

Why Is the Top of My iPhone Screen Not Working?

Before we dive into the various tips on how to fix your unresponsive iPhone screen, it is imperative to find out the causes of the top of iPhone screen not working problem. Unfortunately, Apple is yet to address this question, but we have done our research, and here is a highlight of some probable underlying causes to the problem.

• 01 Temporary software glitch: Sometimes the touch layer just freezes in one area.
• 02 Screen protector or dirt interference: This is more common than people think. A thick or misaligned screen protector can block touch near the edges/top. Dirt, oil, or moisture can mess with sensitivity
• 03 App-specific issue: If it only happens in certain apps, the app may be buggy or not optimized.
• 04 iOS bug or outdated software: Check if you're on the latest version of iOS. Updates often fix touch issues.
• 05 Physical screen damage: Even if there's no visible crack, the digitizer (touch layer) can be damaged from drops, pressure (like sitting on it), or water exposure.
• 06 Hardware issue (sensor or display connector): If the problem is persistent and always in the same area, it could be a failing display, loose internal connection, and issues around the front sensor area (near the notch/Dynamic Island)

Usually, many iPhone users will jump right into replacing their iPhone screen, while the problem lies with iPhone software and apps. Therefore, to avoid such inconveniences and unnecessary spending, we suggest that you try the solutions below.

Solutions to Fix Top Half of iPhone Screen Not Working

After understanding the possible causes behind the top half of your iPhone screen not responding, the next step is to apply targeted solutions. Below, we'll walk through 12 effective fixes to help restore normal touch functionality.

Solution 1 (Top): Fix Top of iPhone Screen Not Working without Data Loss

As stated earlier, the top of screen not working iPhone issue is prevalently caused by iOS bugs and glitches. Logically, working to fix the software will automatically end your misery. This guide will help you fix iOS issues without data loss using the TunesKit iOS System Recovery software. No matter if you meet the problem that top of iPhone screen doesn't work, or right side of the iPhone screen not working, you can resolve it by yourself at ease.

TunesKit iOS System Recovery is an exquisite professional tool designed to help i-device users fix severe software-related problems on iOS devices. The program can resolve over 150 software-related problems, including blue screen, boot loop screen, screen locked, and unresponsive iPhone screen. Via Standard Repair, users can repair software-linked problems without losing their data or worrying about creating data backups.

Below is a quick tutorial on how to fix the top half of iPhone screen not working problem using the TunesKit iOS System Recovery tool.

Step 1: Download, install and launch the TunesKit iOS System Recovery app on your computer. Next, use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer, and wait for it to detect. Then, click iOS System Repair option to continue. Then click the Start button to move on.

Step 2: Select Standard Repair option as your repair mode option. This mode can fix top of iPhone screen not working without data loss.

Step 3: On the new interface, check to confirm if the firmware package details match your iPhone device info. Please, make the necessary changes so that the details conform. Next, hit the Download button to start the firmware download process.

Step 4: After the download is complete, click on Start Standard Repair option, and the TunesKit iOS System Recovery app will begin to repair the iOS software to fix your top of iPhone screen not working problem. Make sure that your iPhone is connected during the entire process to avoid iPhone bricking problems.

This process should effectively solve your iPhone's unresponsive screen problem. In fact, we have received numerous positive reviews and feedbacks from previous users.

Solution 2: Clean iPhone Screen

It is perhaps one most basic yet hugely overlooked solution to fixing iPhone screen unresponsiveness. Ideally, if your iPhone screen is greasy, wet, or dirty, you will most likely end up dealing with an unresponsive screen. Of course, this will also happen if you are using dirty/greasy hands to operate your iPhone.

Hence, you must first clean and dry your hands and use a soft detergent and a clean piece of woolen cloth to clean your iPhone screen. Do not use water to wipe the screen!

Solution 3: Unplug Your iPhone

In some cases, the top of iPhone screen can't work is likely to be caused by unsuitable or faulty accessories, such as charging cable, charger, or earphones. These accessories may disrupt the touch screen, and make it fail to work. To fix it, you need to unplug all accessories and cables that are connected to your disabled iPhone, and then check whether this method unfreezes your iPhone screen.

Solution 4: Force Restart iPhone

This is a top and possibly the easiest solution for most iPhone problems. Typically, a force restart offers your iPhone a fresh software run, eliminating application bugs and conflicts that may fuel the annoying "top of iPhone screen not working".

The process is pretty straightforward, and here is a quick guide for you!

• iPhone 8, X, and newer models: Quickly press and release the Volume Up and the Volume Down button one by one. Then, press and hold the Side button until an Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Up and the Side button simultaneously until an Apple logo shows on your screen.
• iPhone 6 and older models: At the same time, press and hold the Power button and the Home button until an Apple logo flashes on your screen.

Solution 5: Check Your Orientation Lock

As iPhone's screen rotates almost seamlessly according how you are holding it, you can change the orientation of the iPhone screen away from the top part that is not working. This is only a quick but palliative way if you need to use the top of your screen. If you want to fix the top of screen not working iPhone completely, you need to resort to other methods.

• Step 1. Open the Control Center, and navigate to the icon that looks like a lock.
• Step 2. Then, hit on the icon to disable or enable orientation lock to change your screen orientation that is suitable for you to operate.
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Solution 6: Adjust the Touch Screen Sensitivity Settings

If you are using an iPhone 6 or an older iPhone model, it is possible that the disabled results from a 3D Touch sensitivity issue. Therefore, you can try and adjust the touch screen sensitivity setting and see if the problem will be resolved. Check out the guide below!

• Step 1. Open Settings menu and go to Accessibility.
• Step 2. Tap on the Touch > Haptic Touch options.
• Step 3. Set the Touch Duration to Fast or Slow.
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Solution 7: Update the iOS System

To enhance i-device performance and smooth running, Apple Inc provides regular software updates. Therefore, if you are using an obsolete software, you are more likely to encounter iOS-related issues such as sluggishness, unresponsive apps, and screen.

In that light, updating your system software could go a long way in fixing software bugs and the problems that come along with it. To quickly and effectively update your iOS, we highly recommend that you use the iTunes app option.

• Step 1. Download and install the iTunes app on your computer. If you already have, ensure that it is the latest version to avoid iPhone update errors.
• Step 2. Fire up the iTunes app, and using an authentic Apple USB cable, connect your iPhone to the PC.
• Step 3. Your iPhone will automatically detect on iTunes. Select your iPhone from the list of connected devices and hit the Summary option.
• Step 4. Now, click on the Update option. iTunes will automatically search for the latest available iOS updates. Finally, your iPhone will restart and run the latest iOS version.
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Solution 8: Delete the Problematic App

If the issue started after installing a new app, especially from a third-party source, it may be causing conflicts with the system and affecting touch responsiveness. Although apps from the App Store go through strict review, some may still have bugs or compatibility issues. Removing the app can help determine whether it is the source of the problem.

• Step 1. Locate the recently installed or suspicious app on your Home Screen.
• Step 2. Long-press the app icon until a menu appears.
• Step 3. Tap Remove App, then select Delete App.
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• Step 4. Confirm the deletion and restart your iPhone to check if the issue is resolved.

Solution 9: Remove the Screen Protector

Many iPhone users use screen protectors to protect the iPhone screen against serious damage in the event that it drops. However, if your screen protector breaks off from the screen, the part which it has detached becomes unresponsive to touch, making it difficult for anyone to operate your iPhone.

In such a case, we recommend that you completely remove the screen protector, restart your iPhone, and check to see if the problem is resolved. If the issue is solved, you can always replace the screen protector with a new one.

Solution 10: Reset All Settings

To resolve the problem of top of iPhone screen not working, you can try to fix your iPhone by resetting all settings. This method will be helpful if your problem is caused by a software glitch. Here are the detailed steps that you can follow to reset all settings on your iPhone and fix it.

• Step 1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone, and hit on the General option.
• Step 2. Select the Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset option followed by Reset All Settings.
• Step 3. When the tab asking for your confirmation pops up, tap the Reset All Settings again to confirm.
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Solution 11: Restore the iPhone via iTunes

If none of the solutions have worked so far, you can try restoring your iPhone via iTunes. This is an aggressive solution and, therefore, should be your last option at any one time. Typically, the iPhone restoration process leads to data loss, i.e., media files, apps, and custom settings. Therefore, we kindly recommend that you create a data backup before executing the process.

• Step 1. Download and install the iTunes app on your computer. If you already have it, please check to ensure that it is the latest app version.
• Step 2. Launch iTunes, and using a genuine Apple USB cable, connect your iPhone to the computer.
• Step 3. Click on the iPhone icon and select the Summary option.
• Step 4. Under the Summary plane, hit Restore iPhone option.
• Step 5. The iTunes will automatically reset your iPhone, erase all your data, and finally reinstall the latest iOS version.
• Step 6. After the process is complete, restart your iPhone and check if the top of iPhone screen not working is resolved.
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Solution 12: Contact Apple Support

If nothing seems to work for you, then it is time we took a different approach and sought help from somewhere else, and the Apple tech support desk is the perfect place to start. It is possible that your iPhone may have developed a serious hardware issue.

Therefore, we highly suggest that you contact Apple support or visit your nearest Apple store for corresponding assistance. Please, avoid tampering with your iPhone as it may nullify your active Apple warranty.

Hot Questions About Top of iPhone Screen Not Working

Conclusion

That's it! You now have all the possible fixes for your top half of iPhone screen not working problem. We guarantee that these methods are safe and proven to be effective for unresponsive screen issues. The solutions work perfectly on all iPhone models. However, we highly recommend that you first try using the TunesKit iOS System Recovery tool to fix the problem. All you have to do is trying them out and finding one that works to settle your problem.