Have you ever picked up your phone, only to find that it’s typing and clicking on things all by itself? It’s an odd and frustrating experience, but it’s actually a common problem that affects many smartphone users from all types of phone manufacturers.

In this article, we’ll dive into the causes of this mysterious phenomenon and explore some practical solutions for stopping your phone from pressing buttons on its own.

Whether you’re dealing with the oleophobic coating having worn from your phone’s touchscreen, a software glitch or a hardware malfunction, we’ve got you covered.

So, if you’re tired of fighting against your phone’s unpredictable actions, keep reading to find out what’s happening and what you can do to fix it!

Why Is My Phone Pressing Buttons By Itself?

One of the most common causes of a phone pressing buttons by itself is due to the oleophobic coating wearing off the phone’s touchscreen. An oleophobic coating is applied to the touchscreen to make it resistant to fingerprints and other oily substances. The coating creates a barrier that repels oil and makes it easier to clean the screen. If this coating has worn off you’ll end up getting a lot of ghost touches until you fix the issue.

If the oleophobic coating on your smartphone has worn off, there are a few things you can do to restore it:

Clean the screen: Start by cleaning the screen thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, or other substances that may be clogging the surface. Use a soft brush, microfiber cloth and a gentle cleaning solution, such as distilled water and a small amount of vinegar, to clean the screen. Cleaning the screen will make your phone much more usable in the short term until you fix the screen. 

Buy a solution to reapply or use a DIY one: Probably your best bet is to buy an oleophobic coating solution and follow the instructions to reapply it to your phone’s screen. There are also a variety of DIY solutions that claim to restore the oleophobic coating on a smartphone screen, including using baby powder, baking soda, and cornstarch. Keep in mind that these solutions may not be as effective as a professional coating and may even damage the screen if not used properly.

Apply a screen protector: A screen protector can help to restore the oleophobic coating and protect the screen from future wear and tear. Look for a screen protector that specifically mentions an oleophobic coating.

Have it repaired: If you don’t fancy fixing the screen yourself, you can take your phone to a professional to have the oleophobic coating reapplied. Many phone repair shops offer this service, but keep in mind that it can be expensive and may void your warranty.

It’s also worth noting that over time, all oleophobic coatings will eventually wear off. To help extend the life of the coating, handle your phone with clean hands and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

If the oleophobic coating having worn off the touchscreen isn’t the cause of your phone pressing buttons by itself, there are a number of other potential causes.

Software Glitches

Another common reason why your phone may be pressing buttons by itself is due to a software glitch. This can occur when there is a problem with the operating system or an app that is causing it to behave erratically.

To try to resolve this issue, try restarting your phone. This can help to clear any temporary software glitches and can often resolve the problem. If restarting your phone does not solve the issue, you can try resetting it to its factory settings. This will erase all data and settings on your phone, but can sometimes resolve software problems.

If the problem persists even after a factory reset, you should consider contacting the manufacturer or your carrier for further assistance. They may be able to provide a software update or repair that will resolve the issue.

Ghost Touch

Another term for this issue is “ghost touch.” This is a phenomenon that can occur when there is a problem with the touch sensor or the screen itself, causing it to register touch inputs even when the screen is not being touched. This can result in the phone randomly pressing buttons and can be a sign of a hardware problem.

To fix ghost touch, try restarting the phone, checking for software updates, removing any screen protector or case that may be causing interference, calibrating the touch screen on Android or iOS, or performing a factory reset. If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be a hardware problem and a professional repair may be necessary. Before attempting any fixes, it’s important to back up the phone’s data.

Your Phone’s Touchscreen is too Sensitive

Sometimes manufacturers just make their phones too touch-sensitive. Use a screen protector to prevent touch sensitivity issues. The screens on some smartphones are highly sensitive and over time, the oleophobic coating wears off, causing it to detect unwanted touches from even the lightest of touches.

While a software update from your phone’s manufacturer to reduce sensitivity would be ideal, it may not happen. A screen protector creates a barrier between your finger and the screen, reducing the detection of sweat and smudges, and allowing only finger touches to register.

Related Article: Why Is My Phone Kicking Me Out of Apps? (And How To Stop It)

Hardware Problems

Another reason why your phone may be experiencing ghost touches is due to a hardware problem. This can occur when there is a malfunction with one of the buttons on your phone, or with the device’s touch screen.

To diagnose a hardware problem, you can try using a third-party app, such as Phone Doctor Plus, to test the buttons and touch screen. If the app detects a problem with a particular button or area of the touch screen, then it is likely that there is a hardware issue.

In this case, you will need to have your phone repaired or replaced. You can contact the manufacturer or your carrier for further assistance, or you can take it to a repair shop. Depending on the extent of the damage, the repair may be covered under warranty, or you may need to pay for it.

Dirt or Physical Damage to the Screen

If your phone’s screen is dirty or damaged, it can also cause it to press buttons by itself. Dirt, dust, and grime can interfere with the touch sensor, causing it to malfunction and trigger unwanted button presses.

Another common reason why a phone may press buttons by itself is physical damage to the screen. If your phone has been dropped, bumped, or exposed to water, it’s possible that the screen has been damaged in a way that is causing it to malfunction.

This can result in the screen randomly pressing buttons, which can be a sign that there is a problem with the screen’s touch sensor.

Malware

Another possible cause of your phone experiencing phantom touches is malware. Malware is malicious software that can infect your device and cause it to behave in unexpected ways. This can include pressing buttons, opening apps, and sending messages or making calls without your permission.

To protect against malware, it is important to only download apps from trusted sources, such as the Google Play Store. You should also install a reputable antivirus app and regularly scan your device for malware.

If you suspect that your phone is infected with malware, you should run a full scan using your antivirus app. If the scan detects malware, it will typically provide instructions for removing it. If the malware is particularly persistent, you may need to factory reset your phone to completely remove it.

Background Apps

In some cases, background apps can cause your phone to appear as though it’s pressing buttons.

This can occur when an app is running in the background and sending signals to the buttons, triggering unintended presses. Additionally, some apps may have background services that are designed to run continuously, even when the app is not actively being used.

If you suspect that background apps are the cause of your phone pressing buttons by itself, you should try disabling or uninstalling the app. If this does not resolve the issue, you may need to perform a factory reset.

Screen Protector and Case

If you use a screen protector or case on your phone, it’s possible that it is causing the buttons to press by themselves. This can happen if the protector or case is too thick, causing the buttons to be pressed when you don’t intend to.

In this case, you should try removing the protector or case to see if it resolves the issue. If it does, you may want to consider using a thinner protector or case, or one that is specifically designed for your phone model.

Interference From Bluetooth Devices

If you use a Bluetooth device, such as a headset or keyboard, it’s possible that it is interfering with your phone. This can cause your phone to press itself or to behave in unexpected ways.

To resolve this issue, you should try turning off your Bluetooth device and see if it resolves the problem. If it does, you may want to consider using a different Bluetooth device or one that is specifically designed to work with your phone.

Battery Issues

In some cases, your phone may be pressing by itself due to a battery issue. This can happen if your battery is low or if it is not properly charging. To stop this, you should try charging your phone fully and see if it resolves the problem. If it does, you may want to consider replacing your battery if it is old or damaged.

Conclusion

If your phone is pressing buttons by itself, there are several possible causes, including software glitches, hardware problems, and malware. To resolve the issue, you should try restarting your phone, resetting it to its factory settings, or running a malware scan. If the problem persists, you should contact the manufacturer or your carrier for further assistance.

By taking the steps outlined in this article, you can help to resolve the issue and get your phone working properly again. If you are still having trouble, it may be best to seek professional help, as the problem may be beyond your ability to resolve on your own.