llllllllllllllllllmy android phone is llllllllllll imagining phantom presses!

December 11, 2012 8:31 AM

My android phone apparently has developed an invisible defect in its screen coating. Small amounts of dirt or skin oil will cause the touchscreen to repeatedly 'fire' in that specific spot as though I was rapidly tapping my finger there. Wiping it clean fixes it, but the problem often recurs within a day. Can you guys think of any better or longer-lasting fixes?

(FYI - it's a sprint photon, and it's out of warranty.)

posted by kickingtheground to Technology (6 answers total)

Maybe try a screen protector, one of those thin sheets of adhesive plastic? Might provide enough barrier between the defective part of the screen and any dirt or oils left by your fingers to stop the problem in its tracks. Of course it will make the entire screen just a bit less sensitive, so quick and light touches may not register - so depending on how your use your phone you may need to adjust your touch style.
posted by trivia genius at 8:35 AM on December 11, 2012

Yeah, get a screen protector.
posted by EndsOfInvention at 8:36 AM on December 11, 2012

Ibid; I just bought three off Amazon for twenty-five cents plus a buck shipping. Make sure you get one made specifically for your model of phone, and ideally get a couple because they can be kind of tricky to put on, so if you mess up the first try, you'll have a backup or two.
posted by tapir-whorf at 10:28 AM on December 11, 2012

I tried the cheap route for my Droid Incredible once, and the protector lasted all of one day in my jeans pocket. Then I went and bought a high-tech one for nearly $20 and it is still going strong after half a year of daily use. It seams as if it heals itself. So once your test shows that the protector works, maybe shell out some bucks for a decent one.
posted by nostrada at 12:32 PM on December 11, 2012

If the screen protector doesn't work, some Android phones (like the Droid Incredible) have screens you can replace in an hour or so for about $20.
posted by cnc at 1:07 PM on December 11, 2012

Best answer: You could try a liquid screen protector. I haven't tried it personally, but it looks interesting.
posted by sarah_pdx at 3:40 PM on December 11, 2012