An iPhone 8, 8 Plus or SE (2nd or 3rd generation) whose screen is too sensitive or responds intermittently should follow Apple's article in order: restart, make sure the screen is clean and free of debris or water, disconnect any Lightning accessory and try a different outlet, cable or charger, and remove the case and screen protector. If the screen is dead, force restart with volume up, volume down, then hold the side button. These phones have LCD panels above a Home button that carries Touch ID, so the Home button and the screen can fail separately; a dead button on a working screen is a different repair. Apple's US screen estimates are $149, $169, $129 and $129.
Differential
Likely causes of “Apple iPhone 8 and SE family screen or touch input is not working correctly”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A temporary software fault
What separates it Touch fails suddenly during use and returns after a restart, then fails again later
How to confirm Restart, or force restart if the screen is dead
- 2
Water or debris on the screen
What separates it Touch misfires or triggers itself, opening apps and typing letters without being touched
How to confirm Apple says to make sure the screen is clean and free of debris or water
- 3
A connected accessory or charger
What separates it Touch fails or misbehaves only while the phone is charging and works fine unplugged
How to confirm Apple says to disconnect Lightning accessories and try a different outlet, cable or charger
- 4
A case or screen protector
What separates it Touch is patchy near the edges of the screen while the middle of the display responds normally
How to confirm Apple says to remove any case or screen protector and test
- 5
A damaged panel or swollen battery
What separates it Lines, dead patches or a lifting edge appear on the display and touch is unreliable there
How to confirm Stop using the phone and get service; see the screen fees below
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which of the four phones you have and its iOS version
- Whether the Home button responds separately from the screen
- Whether the screen is cracked or lifting
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedRestart
ReversibleRestart the phone. If the screen is dead, force restart: volume up, volume down, hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Clean the screen
ReversibleWipe with a dry, soft cloth and make sure it is free of debris and water.
Disconnect accessories
ReversibleUnplug any Lightning accessory and try a different outlet, cable or charger, changing one thing at a time so you can tell what fixed it.
Remove the case and protector
ReversibleApple says to remove any case, screen protector or accessory and test touch again, since a poor fit can block the screen.
Test the Home button separately
ReversibleIf the screen works and the button does not, note that for the service booking.
Look for damage
ReversibleCheck for cracks, lines or a lifting edge and stop charging if the screen is lifting.
Get service
ReversibleIf it persists, Apple can repair the screen; see the repair fees in the notes on this page before you book, and back up first.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Screens by model
- iPhone 8, SE (2nd and 3rd generation): 4.7-inch, 1334 by 750. iPhone 8 Plus: 5.5-inch, 1920 by 1080. All Retina HD LCDs with True Tone, per Wikipedia.
- Ratings
- All four are rated IP67, per Wikipedia. Water resistance fades with wear and repairs.
- Part numbers
- Model numbers such as A1863 (8), A1864 (8 Plus), A2275 (SE 2nd generation) and A2595 (SE 3rd generation). Apple does not ask owners for a screen part number.
- Tools and supplies
- A dry soft cloth, a certified Lightning cable and charger and a flashlight to see cracks and lifting edges.
- Repair cost
- iFixit's table of Apple's US estimates lists screen replacement at $149 (8), $169 (8 Plus), $129 (SE 2020) and $129 (SE 2022), and a $69 battery for all four.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone SE (2nd generation).
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If touch is still faulty after a restart, a clean screen and removing accessories, get service from Apple
- !If the screen is cracked, has lines or lifts at an edge, do not delay service
- !If the phone will not turn on at all, force restart and charge it for an hour as Apple describes before booking service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Restart, clean screen, accessories, case and protector, and service.
Volume up, volume down, then hold the side button; iPhone SE (2nd generation) is in its list of models.
iPhone 8 and 8 Plus batteries, LCD displays, A11 chip, IP67, Qi charging and iOS support.
SE 2 battery, A13 chip, Wi-Fi 6, IP67, 18W fast charging and iOS 27 support.
SE 3 battery, A15 chip, Wi-Fi 6, IP67, 18W fast charging and iOS support.
Table of Apple's out-of-warranty screen costs by iPhone model.
Exact questions
Common questions
Can a screen replacement affect Touch ID?+
Apple does not say in the articles used here. Ask the service center whether the Home button will be kept, and note that the Home button is a separate part from the screen.
What does a screen repair cost on the SE?+
iFixit's table of Apple's US estimates lists $129 for both the SE (2020) and SE (2022), against $149 for the iPhone 8 and $169 for the 8 Plus.
What are the displays?+
Wikipedia lists a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD for the iPhone 8, SE (2nd generation) and SE (3rd generation) and a 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD for the 8 Plus.
Are the phones water resistant?+
Wikipedia lists IP67 for all four, but water on the glass can still cause false touches.
Is the SE screen the same as the 8's?+
Wikipedia says the SE (2nd generation) uses the same HD Retina display as the iPhone 8, with the same 1334 by 750 resolution.