Touchscreen not working during phone calls

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iPhone 11

Released September 20, Apple's mainstream 2019 iPhone comes with a 6.1" LCD touchscreen, dual cameras, and six available colors. Successor to the iPhone XR.

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Charles C @charlesc14786

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Posted: Jul 9, 2026

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Touchscreen not working during phone calls

I recently replaced my phone screen. Whenever I make a call, the digitizer stops working and continues to not work after the phone call. Buttons still work always. The digitizer works again after a hard reset. It sometimes works during and after the call if you swipe out of the call before connection to the other cell. I suspect it’s something to do with the earpiece but I’m honestly pretty lost. I’ve already checked software settings and it all looks fine. Any tips?

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ktel m @ktelm Rep: 1 3 · Answer 1 · 2026-07-12T08:54:55-07:00

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ktel m @ktelm

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Posted: 6 days agoJul 12, 2026

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Since the problem started immediately after the screen replacement, I'd be looking at the display or the top earpiece/proximity sensor assembly first.

During a call, the proximity sensor becomes active. If it's malfunctioning or the replacement screen isn't aligned properly, it can cause strange behavior like the touchscreen becoming unresponsive. The fact that a hard reset restores touch also suggests it's being triggered by the call process rather than a permanently failed digitizer.

If the phone is generating any panic logs or other hardware errors, run an iPhone panic log analysis. It can help identify whether the issue is related to the proximity sensor, display communication, or another hardware fault before replacing more parts.

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Jerry Wheeler @dadibrokeit Rep: 98.1k 154 83 118 · Answer 2 · 2026-07-12T09:22:53-07:00

Jerry Wheeler @dadibrokeit

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Posted: 6 days agoJul 12, 2026

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I agree with @ktelm that the likely source of your issues is the proximity sensor, located on the earpiece speaker assembly. One problem we see when things start malfunctioning after a screen replacement is the failure to remove protective plastic film from the openings on the rear side of the screen. That includes microphones, cameras and importantly, proximity sensors.

Unfortunately, you'll have to open the phone back up to check. Step 33 of the iPhone 11 Earpiece Speaker and Front Sensor Assembly Replacement guide shows exactly where the proximity sensor is, and the opening on the screen where you should look for any leftover plastic film.

Good luck, and be sure to come back and let us know what you find!

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Opened it up—there was no plastic film I could see. Is there supposed to be a bit of adhesive keeping the sensor attached to the screen? There is none on mine. Also, should the sensor be able to “open”? Like there is a ribbon cable on the side which allows for it to be opened. Not sure if I’m explaining it well.

4 days agoJul 14, 2026 by Charles C

@charlesc14786 ... One, yes, there should be an adhesive strip going around the edges that contact the screen on the frame. The second one should be answered by the guy that posted this answer. Also, try to look closely and see if there is a black strand going along the edges of the phone's frame or the screen.

4 days agoJul 14, 2026 by Theo Grefalda

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iPhone 11

Touchscreen not working during phone calls

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