
"I have just updated my iPhone X to iOS 15, and now the top of iPhone screen not working. 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 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 X screen not working" problem and explore why you might be experiencing the issue. Read on!
- Part 1. Why Is the Top of My iPhone Screen Not Working?
- Part 2. Solutions to Fix Top of iPhone Screen Not Working
- Solution 1 (Top): Fix Top of iPhone Screen Not Working without Data Loss [Hot]
- Solution 2: Clean iPhone Screen
- Solution 3: Force Restart iPhone
- Solution 4: Adjust the Touch Screen Sensitivity Settings
- Solution 5: Update the iOS System
- Solution 6: Delete the Problematic App
- Solution 7: Remove the Screen Protector
- Solution 8: Restore the iPhone via iTunes
- Solution 9: Contact Apple Tech Support
- Part 3. Bonus Tips: How to Avoid the Top of iPhone Screen Not Working Problem
- Part 4. Conclusion
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.
1. Physical damage to the top half of the iPhone screen.
2. Apps conflicts and freezing.
3. You are likely to experience this problem if the "digitizer" stops working.
4. iOS software glitch.
5. Greasy screen.
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 highly suggest that you try the solutions below.
Solutions to Fix Top of iPhone Screen Not Working
Solution 1 (Top): Fix Top of iPhone Screen Not Working without Data Loss
As stated earlier, the "top of iPhone screen not working" problem is prevalently caused by iOS bugs and glitches. Logically, working to fix the software will automatically end your misery. And while most tutorial guides will recommend that you restore your iPhone, this guide has a particularly different approach, one that allows you to fix iOS issues without data loss using the TunesKit iOS System Recovery software.
The TunesKit iOS recovery tool is an exquisite professional tool designed to help i-device users fix severe software-related problems on iOS and tvOS devices. The program can resolve over 150 software-related problems, including blue screen, boot loop screen, screen locked, and unresponsive iPhone screen. Via "Standard Mode," users can repair software-linked problems without losing their data or worrying about creating data backups.
Besides being an ideal fix for your "top of iPhone screen not working" problem, you can use the iOS recovery tool to fix iTunes errors and downgrade your iOS version if necessary. TunesKit iOS Recovery software is 100% safe, malware-free, and easy to use.

Characteristics of TunesKit iOS System Recovery:
- Fix top of iPhone screen not working without data loss
- Repair different tvOS/iOS issues by yourself
- Provide Standard Mode and Advanced Mode
- Easy to use with friendly interface
Below is a quick tutorial on how to fix the "top 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 "Start" option to continue.
Step 2: Select "Standard Mode" option as your repair mode option and hit the "Next" button. Now, follow the instruction provide to put your iPhone into DFU mode and after that, click "Next" button to proceed.
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 "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. Pleasing, ensure 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: 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" problem.
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 button one by one. Then, press and hold the Wake 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 4: Adjust the Touch Screen Sensitivity Settings
If you are using an iPhone 6 or an older iPhone model, it is possible that the screen unresponsiveness problem could be resulting 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 "General" > "Accessibility".
Step 2: Tap on the "3D Touch" option and adjust the pressure required to trigger 3D Touch using the slider.
Step 3: If the adjustments do not work, you can turn off the feature and check if the issue is resolved.
Solution 5: 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 "Check for Update" option. iTunes will automatically search for the latest available iOS updates. Finally, hit "Update" option to update your iPhone software.
Solution 6: Delete the Problematic App
To protect its clients from insecure applications, Apple has a pretty rigid iOS and app store. All app store applications have undergone strict scrutiny to meet Apple's security and performance requirements. Hence, it is implausible to download problematic apps from the Apple App Store.
In most instances, problematic apps are often third-party applications, and therefore if you recently installed a third-party, you try and uninstall and see if that will fix the "top of iPhone screen not working problem.
To uninstall, simply long-press on that app and tap on the cross symbol on the app's icon peripheral to permanently delete the app.
Solution 7: 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 8: 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" 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 problem is resolved.
Solution 9: Contact Apple Tech 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 call customer support or visit your nearest Apple store for corresponding assistance. Please, avoid tampering with your iPhone as it may nullify your active Apple warranty.
Bonus Tips: How to Avoid the Top of iPhone Screen Not Working Problem
An Unresponsive is arguably one of the most annoying iPhone problems as it makes it impossible for one to access or operate iPhone apps or functions. So, it would be best to make sure this does not happen to you in the first place, and here are a few tips that can help avoid the top of iPhone screen not working problem.
1: Avoid using your iPhone while charging. Often it will get unusually hot and possibly develop an unresponsive screen problem in the long run.
2: At least, make sure you have a 3D or 5D screen guard protector to protect your screen from physical damage.
3: Avoid sitting down with your iPhone in the back pockets; this habit can eventually damage your iPhone screen.
4: Carefully hold and handle your iPhone to avoid unnecessarily dropping it in water or knocking it on hard surfaces.
5: Always seek professional help if your iPhone develops any hardware problem. Avoid opening up your iPhone as you may unknowingly damage your screen or LCD cable, which could eventually cause unresponsive screen problems.
6: Make it your job to regularly update your iPhone software. It helps fix occurring bugs/glitches that may cause screen sensitivity problems.
7: Refrain from installing third-party applications on your iPhone.
8: Do not jailbreak your iPhone. It only leaves you vulnerable to malware attacks that often cause sluggish iPhone performance and screen unresponsive behavior.
9: Avoid using your iPhone with dirty/greasy hands and always regularly wipe your iPhone using a soft detergent. Do not use water to clean your iPhone screen.
Conclusion
That's it! You now have all the possible fixes for your top of iPhone screen not working problem. We can confidently guarantee that the methods are safe and have proven to be excellent solutions for unresponsive screen problems. The solutions work perfectly will all iPhone models. All you have to do is try them out and find one that works to settle your problem.
However, we highly recommend that you first try using the TunesKit iOS System Recovery tool to fix the problem. It is a pretty effective, fast, and safe solution to fix iOS bugs that may be causing the unresponsive touchscreen problems, among another underlying iOS-related issues. As a bonus, we have also featured a few tips on how you can avoid the top of iPhone screen not working problem altogether.

Brian Davis has covered tech and entertainment for over 10 years. He loves technology in all its forms.