Playing Pokémon Go has become a beloved pastime for many, combining the thrill of catching Pokémon with real-world exploration. However, there’s nothing more frustrating than your touch screen not working when you’re trying to throw a Poké Ball or navigate through the app. If you find yourself facing this issue, don’t worry; you’re not alone. This article will delve into the reasons behind a malfunctioning touch screen and provide you with comprehensive troubleshooting steps to get you back to catching Pokémon in no time.
Understanding the Touch Screen Issue
Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, it’s essential to understand what could be causing your touch screen not to respond while using Pokémon Go. There may be various reasons for this malfunction, ranging from hardware problems to software glitches.
Hardware Issues: Sometimes, the physical touch screen of your device may be unresponsive due to damage or wear and tear. Additionally, moisture or contaminants on the screen can affect its performance.
Software Glitches: On the software side, issues may arise from app updates, operating system incompatibilities, or bugs within the Pokémon Go app. These can cause the touch interface to respond erratically or not at all.
Device Compatibility: Pokémon Go continuously updates its software, and there are times when older devices or operating systems may struggle to keep up, leading to various performance issues, including touch screen unresponsiveness.
Running Background Applications: Background apps consuming significant system resources may directly impact Pokémon Go’s functionality, including its touch responses.
Troubleshooting Your Device
The following section will guide you through various troubleshooting methods to solve the touch screen issue in Pokémon Go. Each step aims to isolate the problem—be it hardware-related or a software glitch.
1. Check for Physical Damage
Start by inspecting your device’s touch screen for any visible damage. Look for cracks, scratches, or any signs of wear that might affect touch responsiveness. If your device has been exposed to liquid, this could also impact screen functionality.
2. Clean the Touch Screen
Sometimes, the simplest solutions work best. Accumulated dirt, smudges, or moisture can lead to touch screen issues. Use a microfiber cloth to gently clean your screen, ensuring there are no obstructions interfering with the touch functionality.
3. Restart Pokémon Go
A quick restart can resolve many minor software glitches. Close Pokémon Go completely and reopen it. To ensure it’s fully closed, you can swipe it away from your recent apps list.
Steps to Restart the App
- For Android: Open the recent apps menu by tapping the square button. Swipe Pokémon Go off the screen.
- For iPhone: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-click the Home button on older models) and swipe away Pokémon Go.
4. Restart Your Device
If restarting the app doesn’t work, try rebooting your device. Restarting can often fix temporary glitches and refresh the device’s system, which can make a significant difference.
5. Update Pokémon Go and Device Software
Outdated software can often lead to compatibility issues. Check to see if there’s a new version of Pokémon Go available in the App Store or Google Play Store. Also, ensure your device’s operating system is up to date.
- For Android: Go to Settings > About Phone > System Updates and follow the prompts.
- For iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update and check for updates.
6. Check Device Settings
Sometimes, specific settings on your device can interfere with an app’s functionality. For example, ensure that any battery saver mode or security settings are not affecting Pokémon Go’s performance.
7. Free Up Device Storage
Low storage can significantly impact your device’s performance. Check how much storage is available and clear up some space if needed. Prioritize unnecessary files and apps that you no longer use.
8. Clear the App Cache (Android only)
If you’re using an Android device, clearing the app cache might help to resolve the touch screen issue. Here’s how to do it:
How to Clear Cache
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Find and select Pokémon Go from the list.
- Tap on Storage > Clear Cache.
9. Reinstall Pokémon Go
If all else fails, uninstalling and reinstalling Pokémon Go can be a solution. This process will delete any corrupted files that may be causing the touch screen issues and give you a fresh version of the app.
Steps to Reinstall
- Uninstall Pokémon Go from your device.
- Revisit the App Store or Google Play Store, search for Pokémon Go, and download it again.
Additional Considerations
If your touch screen still doesn’t respond, consider the following:
1. Test Your Touch Screen
To confirm whether the issue is with the Pokémon Go app or your device, test the touch screen functionality in another app. Open a messaging app or game to see if the screen responds normally. If it doesn’t, your device may be the problem.
2. Contact Support
If the touch screen issues persist after all troubleshooting steps, it might be time to seek professional help. Contact your device manufacturer’s support team or visit a local repair shop for further assistance.
3. Check for User-Reported Issues
Sometimes, widespread issues with Pokémon Go can affect multiple users. Monitor social media platforms or forums like Reddit for any reported problems. Niantic, the game’s developer, often communicates with players regarding ongoing issues and outages.
4. Consider Device Upgrades
If your device consistently struggles with running Pokémon Go and other apps, it may be worth considering a hardware upgrade. An updated device can enhance your gaming experience, as newer models are designed to handle the latest applications more efficiently.
Conclusion
Experiencing touch screen issues while playing Pokémon Go can be frustrating, but with careful troubleshooting, most problems can be resolved swiftly. Remember to check for physical damage, keep your software updated, clean your screen, and free up storage. If the issue persists, seek professional assistance, and don’t hesitate to explore user communities for shared experiences and solutions. By following these steps, you’ll be able to get back to your Pokémon adventures without missing a beat. Happy catching!
What should I do if my touch screen is unresponsive while playing Pokémon Go?
If your touch screen becomes unresponsive, the first step is to restart your device. To do this, hold down the power button until the option to power off appears, then select it. Wait a few moments before turning your device back on. This can clear temporary glitches that might be causing the screen to be unresponsive. After rebooting, try launching Pokémon Go again to see if the problem persists.
If the issue continues after restarting your device, check for any updates to the Pokémon Go app. An outdated app can sometimes cause performance issues, including touch screen responsiveness. Go to your app store and search for Pokémon Go to see if there is an available update. If so, download it, as the latest versions often include bug fixes and enhancements that can resolve touch screen issues.
Could my phone’s system settings affect the touch screen functionality?
Yes, certain system settings can impact your device’s touch screen performance while using Pokémon Go. First, check if screen sensitivity options are enabled. Some devices offer settings to adjust touch sensitivity or to enable a ‘one-handed mode’ that can inadvertently affect how your screen responds to touches. Navigate to your device’s settings and look under Display or Accessibility options for any such settings.
Additionally, consider whether your device is in battery saver mode. When battery saver is activated, certain functionalities may be limited, including touch responsiveness to conserve power. If your device is using battery saver mode, try turning it off and see if the touch screen works correctly again. Having full functionality can sometimes resolve these types of performance issues.
Can environmental factors interfere with my phone’s touch screen?
Absolutely, environmental factors can interfere with your phone’s touch screen. For instance, if you are in a humid or wet environment, moisture on the screen can cause it to misinterpret touches or become unresponsive. It’s advisable to wipe your screen dry and try using the app again. Additionally, direct sunlight can create glare that makes interacting with the screen challenging, so consider moving to a shaded area.
Other environmental factors might include the use of screen protectors or cases, which can also reduce touch sensitivity. If you have a thick screen protector or a case that presses against the screen, it may hinder its responsiveness. Try removing the screen protector or case and check if the touch screen functions properly afterward.
What if the touch screen works for other apps but not Pokémon Go?
If your touch screen responds well with other applications but not with Pokémon Go, the issue may be specific to the app itself. Start by clearing the cache for Pokémon Go to ensure it’s not a cache-related issue. You can do this by navigating to your device’s settings, finding the apps section, selecting Pokémon Go, and choosing ‘Clear Cache.’ This action can resolve any temporary files that might be causing performance issues.
Also, consider reinstalling Pokémon Go. Sometimes, a corrupted file could result in the app misbehaving. Uninstall the app and then download it again from your app store. This process will ensure that you have the latest version and a clean installation that might resolve any issues related to the touch screen functionality.
Could a recent software update be causing touch screen issues?
Yes, recent software updates can introduce bugs or compatibility issues that affect how your touch screen behaves. If you noticed touch screen problems after a system update, it might be worth checking online forums or the official support page for any reports from other users experiencing similar issues. If it’s a widespread problem, a future update may fix it.
In the meantime, you can check if your device offers a rollback option for system updates. In some cases, reverting to an earlier version of the operating system can temporarily resolve the issue. However, this should be done cautiously and ideally with backup data, as it could affect the overall performance of your device or result in losing data.
What are some hardware-related reasons for my touch screen not working?
Hardware issues can indeed impact your touch screen’s performance. If your device has sustained physical damage, such as a cracked screen or internal components affected by water or impact, this can lead to unresponsiveness. In such cases, it’s crucial to assess the condition of your device carefully and determine if the touch screen needs repair or replacement.
Another hardware-related issue could be a malfunctioning digitizer, which is the part of the screen that detects touch. If this component is damaged, it can lead to sporadic or complete loss of touch functionality. If you’ve ruled out other troubleshooting steps, consider visiting a professional technician to diagnose and potentially repair any hardware issues.
How can I improve the touch responsiveness of my Pokémon Go experience?
To improve touch responsiveness during your Pokémon Go sessions, you can begin by adjusting your device’s display settings. Increasing the touch sensitivity settings, if available, and ensuring your screen is clean and free from smudges can enhance responsiveness. It may also help to disable any unnecessary background applications that could be consuming resources on your device.
Additionally, ensuring you have adequate storage space available can also be beneficial. A device low on storage can experience sluggish performance across all applications, including touch responsiveness. Regularly clearing unused apps, photos, or files can help maintain overall device performance, ultimately enhancing your gaming experience in Pokémon Go.