G1 Touch Screen Problems

[Sheraz150]

Just got a G1 yesterday and am loving it! But all day today, theres been moments where the touch screen just doesn't respond until I restart the phone. It mostly occurs during the unlocking pattern screen. Has anyone else had this problem? And is it a software or hardware issue?

[Maximosis]

Return that G1 its probably broken this is the most responsive screen i ever put my fingers on.

[Sheraz150]

Return that G1 its probably broken this is the most responsive screen i ever put my fingers on.
Well when it works it is super responsive, I kinda have a feeling its a software issue.

[nottarockstar]

I've actually noticed this as well - only when unlocking and it's only happened a couple of times.

[oomikeyboy]

yeah, i think what your experiencing is the software lagging a little bit. I think if it was a screen issue, it would either work, or not work at all.

[Sheraz150]

Damn, well its happening way more often then it should. Is there anyway I can do a full software restore? I'm pretty dissapointed since I cant even access my phone more then half the time.

[s15274n]

why not cut off the unlocking pattern? Do you really need it? Would that resolve your lag? I have the pattern on and there is no lag. This phone is super responsive, very impressed over other phones (including other HTCs).

[Sheraz150]

why not cut off the unlocking pattern? Do you really need it? Would that resolve your lag? I have the pattern on and there is no lag. This phone is super responsive, very impressed over other phones (including other HTCs).
Your right, its not really necessary but it does make unlocking fun haha. I'm gonna take it off and see what happens. But honestly this shouldn't even be an issue in the first place.

[TheBlur]

Your right, its not really necessary but it does make unlocking fun haha. I'm gonna take it off and see what happens. But honestly this shouldn't even be an issue in the first place.

So funny, that's the only reason why I have a pattern too. Pretty much anyone around me know what my patters in. But it's so cool to use it.

[Sheraz150]

Can anyone tell me how to do a full software restore? This is pissing me off.

[djwaz]

Settings > SD card & Phone settings > Factory Data reset....

This will erase all installed apps you have on the phone and return it to its original shiping state. Basically a clean sweep

[Sheraz150]

Settings > SD card & Phone settings > Factory Data reset....

This will erase all installed apps you have on the phone and return it to its original shiping state. Basically a clean sweep
Thanks for your help, hopefully this will make it a little better. If not I gotta get this swapped out.

[juice]

So funny, that's the only reason why I have a pattern too. Pretty much anyone around me know what my patters in. But it's so cool to use it.


You know you can make it invisible right? Instead of it showing the pattern.

[Sheraz150]

K my touchscreen has completely stopped working so I cant even click restore. I'm thinking I have to take this phone to get replaced. Do I get a new one on the spot or what?

[Sheraz150]

Am I really the only one with this issue?

[l0r3zz]

Nope. I got a similar problem. I got mine on the 22nd, worked great for days, then I noticed that sometimes I had a hard time with getting into the phone with the entry pattern, but a reboot seemed to fix it. Now when I plug the phone in to charge it up, the touchscreen STOPS WORKING ALL TOGETHER! IF I reboot it without having power attached the screen works great but within a few seconds of plugging in the phone to recharge it (and you have to recharge these boys a couple of times a day ;) The screen stops working, unplugging doesn't help and you have to reboot it. The screen freezing just started happening today, and I noticed that the bottom of the phone is running hot. I think it has power problems and I think this is definitely a hardware issue. I'm going to return it tomorrow, I haven't had it 30 days and I have a brand new account (switched from another carrier) so they better give me a new phone :(
UPDATE (10/31)@10:45PDT): So I noticed that when I plug the phone into my computer via the usb cable, the phone charges no problem, and the screen doesn't freeze and I can use the phone just fine, so right now, I'm assuming that my provided recharger must have gone bad, (I've left it plugged in for days even with no phone attached). So for now, I'm not going to return the phone, but maybe I'll return the charger :) In any event I'll monitor the situation for 24 hours and then see what's up.

[lifeinacoustic]

I'm having the same thing. T-Mobile's troubleshooting didn't really help...The charger solution didn't work for me. :-( If you come up with any solution let me know.

[Sheraz150]

If I take the phone to T-Mobile and show them the problem, will they just give me a new phone on the spot? Or how does this work?

[lifeinacoustic]

Not if you ordered it online. If you went to the store, then you should be able to. Good luck if you ordered online, they told me they didn't know when I could get a replacement.

[Sheraz150]

Not if you ordered it online. If you went to the store, then you should be able to. Good luck if you ordered online, they told me they didn't know when I could get a replacement.
Nope, I went into the store and bought it. Gonna hopefully go in today and get a new one, this issue is unacceptable.

[lifeinacoustic]

I'm really curious to see if this is a hardware or software issue. I'm aiming towards hardware but, I'm so disappointed right now.

[Sheraz150]

I'm really curious to see if this is a hardware or software issue. I'm aiming towards hardware but, I'm so disappointed right now.
Tell me about it, I sold my iPhone to get this defective piece.

[lifeinacoustic]

I'm screwed for X amount of time till they get more instock.

[lifeinacoustic]

Has anyone tried letting the battery completely die?

http://androidcommunity.com/forums/f41/phone-problems-if-you-let-battery-run-out-5667/index2.html#post60362

[lifeinacoustic]

Nevermind. Stupid Idea.

[lifeinacoustic]

Ok, so my touchscreen started working again after I took out the battery and sim card and held the power button with the battery removed to drain the phone. THEN, I powered the phone back on without my sim card and it works.

[DreamcastDC]

It sometime happens during the unlock screen, its seem like it is like this because it is loading the OS or something.

[Sheraz150]

Ok, so my touchscreen started working again after I took out the battery and sim card and held the power button with the battery removed to drain the phone. THEN, I powered the phone back on without my sim card and it works.
Wait so your using the phone without a sim card? Kinda useless then haha.

[lifeinacoustic]

Nooo. afterwards I put the SIM card back in and it's been working ever since.

[lifeinacoustic]

Well, that latest long...touch screen died.

[Sheraz150]

Haha, mine was working for like half an hour and I got all happy...then it stopped again.

[lifeinacoustic]

Same here. About the time frame too.

[lifeinacoustic]

let me ask all who are having problems. Did your G1 come with RC28 update?

[Sheraz150]

Nope, I have RC19 on my phone. I'm going to T-Mobile today and trying to get a new one, I'll let you know how it goes.

[lifeinacoustic]

def, I'm still going to try and pinpoint what is causing this. It has to be a bug in the software or the screen wouldn't work at all.

[lifeinacoustic]

Could it be a specific app that is causing it?

[lifeinacoustic]

Nope. I got a similar problem. I got mine on the 22nd, worked great for days, then I noticed that sometimes I had a hard time with getting into the phone with the entry pattern, but a reboot seemed to fix it. Now when I plug the phone in to charge it up, the touchscreen STOPS WORKING ALL TOGETHER! IF I reboot it without having power attached the screen works great but within a few seconds of plugging in the phone to recharge it (and you have to recharge these boys a couple of times a day ;) The screen stops working, unplugging doesn't help and you have to reboot it. The screen freezing just started happening today, and I noticed that the bottom of the phone is running hot. I think it has power problems and I think this is definitely a hardware issue. I'm going to return it tomorrow, I haven't had it 30 days and I have a brand new account (switched from another carrier) so they better give me a new phone :(
UPDATE (10/31)@10:45PDT): So I noticed that when I plug the phone into my computer via the usb cable, the phone charges no problem, and the screen doesn't freeze and I can use the phone just fine, so right now, I'm assuming that my provided recharger must have gone bad, (I've left it plugged in for days even with no phone attached). So for now, I'm not going to return the phone, but maybe I'll return the charger :) In any event I'll monitor the situation for 24 hours and then see what's up.


Any word on an update?

[lifeinacoustic]

Could it be the SIM card, I have an old bad SIM card that allows the phone to be powered on but doesnt allow me to press ANY buttons after that. Could, by chance it be a SIM card issue? Just a thought.

[Sheraz150]

Could it be the SIM card, I have an old bad SIM card that allows the phone to be powered on but doesnt allow me to press ANY buttons after that. Could, by chance it be a SIM card issue? Just a thought.
I don't think its a sim card issue because I was given a brand new one when I got the phone.

[Sheraz150]

Took the phone in to T-Mobile this morning and showed them the problem, gave me a new phone on the spot. Woohoo!

[lifeinacoustic]

Well, just spoke to CS and I will have my new one in 2 days. The credited me already for the return shipping and sending me a brand new one, not even refurbed. All they have is the black G1's though, which is fine because that is what I had already. So those of you that need a replacement, call in now so you don't have to wait.

[TheGoOse]

I have exactly the same problem. I live in Spain and I don't have a USA to Spanish charger adapter, so I'm using a standard USB charger.

If I use the standard USB cable with my computer, it works fine, but if I use it with my USB charger... boom! The screen turns unusable :(

My USB car charger works fine, by the way. I think the phone uses the USB voltage as a reference for screen calibration, and not every charger works fine for that. Could it be?

Maybe I should return my phone, but I've bought it from the USA by eBay, and that's not easy for me to do it :(

[TheGoOse]

Problem solved: I was using a 400mA USB wall charger, while the official one is 1000mA.

I've bought a USA to Europe plug adapter, and now I'm using the HTC wall charger.

So, if you use USB adapters, take a look at the intensity :)

[lawa1996]

Hi,
This is my first post. Hello to everyone in this great community!!

I recently adquired a g1, and although it is a great terminal I am a little bit dissapointed with it because I am experiencing this problem too.
It happens not only when charging up, but also randomly when it´s not connected to the power charger.
The symptoms are:
- Touching in any part of the screen and telephone responding as touching in the bottom of the screen. Sometimes it keeps on "touching" in the botton of the screen by itself, without any user interaction.
- Trying to flip to the second or third screen in home and telephone only going half way and starting tilting.
- After booting up SIM unlocking screen not responding. Sometimes you enter the PIN (using the keyboard, otherwise impossible using the touch-screen as it doesn´t respond properly) and the telephone keeps on saying "Unlocking SIM" for minutes. If you press red telephone and then menu twice the telephone is already SIM unlocked and you can use it.

I have tried using different ways of charging (computer USB, HTC 500mA charger, HTC 1000 mA charger...) but it makes no difference... it never responds at the time of charging up... and it keeps on failing many times whenever not connected to charger.

To be able to use the telephone I just use the trackball, trying to avoid touchscreen... but it is really not the solution for this issue.

I have also tried hard and soft reseting the device... but no results.
I don´t know whether it could be fixed with firmware upgrade. My telephone info is as follows:

Build description: kila-user 1.0 TC4-RC30 116143 ota-rel-keys,release-keys
Build ID: TC4-RC30
Build date: Fri Oct 31 19:00:53 PDT 2008
Linux kernel version: 2.6.25-01843-gfea26b0 android-build@apa27 #6 Mon Oct 6 14:13:36 PDT 2008
Baseband version: 62.33.20.08_1.22.12.29

Anyone knows whether it is the last one? I wouldn´t mind trying a newer one... if it is available.

I bought this phone in ebay, and as I live in Spain I don´t have direct access to Tmobile. If I have to I will send the phone back to its former owner... but you always have the uncertainty of receiving it back again...

If anyone could tell me how to fix it by my own it would be great!
Thanks,
lawa1996

[Dominek]

i had the same problem. sent it in and got a new one...haven't had problems since

[elenaran]

I have the exact same problem, however my phone is unlocked, so of course T-mobile wants nothing to do with it. I tried everything, including getting a new SIM card, using different chargers, hard & soft factory data resets and forcing OS updates. Calling HTC support, they say that T-mobile is solely responsible for returns and support.

However, I called HTC Repairs and they say that if it wasn't something that caused damage to the phone after it was bought, they'll fix it/replace it free of charge (except for shipping). I'm shipping mine today, so we'll see what happens.

[lawa1996]

Mine is also unlocked, and I am not a T-mobile customer. I use it with another telephone company in my country.
Are you a T-mobile customer? If not, what address are you going to send the phone to? It would be great if I could do the fix directly with T-mobile, as I really don´t trust my ebay seller anymore...

Thanks,
lawa1996

[elenaran]

I'm not a T-mobile customer either. I called HTC Repairs dept and they gave me an RMA number and an address to ship to "Customer Care." My phone should arrive there on Monday - I'll let you know what they say.

[martin3z]

Same issue here...hoping htc repairs can do something for us because I'm not on tmobile either..any news on this??

[martin3z]

???? any news at all?

[elenaran]

I called HTC today since I hadn't heard from them yet. They said they received my phone on the 6th and repaired it on the 7th, and that it should be shipped within the next 24-48 hours. They said they replaced the "touch panel" under warranty. (YAY!)

I'll post after I get it back to let you know if it's working properly.

[jikiboyo]

Yea, i ordered my phone on the 8th. Got my phone today on the 12th. Great experience when the screen worked. So I decided "hey, my battery is starting to die, how about I charge the phone up." So I charge my phone and almost instantaneously the touch screen stops working. So I turn off the phone, then turn it back on and it still does not function. Went home from work, had the phone off for 20 minutes, called up the t-mobile tech, and the screen magically works when I am on the phone with the tech. So he assures me that the first charge may take out the touch screen but only for a short period. So I hang up, tool around with the phone for about 20 minutes and the screen fails. I get back on the phone again, and oh man, my heart nearly exploded talking to the t-mobile people. 1 hr later, and 5 redirects to "the sales department" and i finally get them to send me another new g1 unfortunately at the cost of the new phone (discounted down to 179) which is to be credited back to me upon receipt of the defective phone. I had to call them and verify that I was getting a new replacement, and not a refurbished phone.

Sad thing is I just became a t-mobile customer, and already my image of them is already shattered. I liked the phone a lot when the phone was fully functioning (after the hard reset, could not proceed further with the phone due to not being able to touch the android to proceed). I now have to wait until thursday to even receive the phone. :mad: I am saddened and angered by them.

[elenaran]

ok got my phone back today, with the replaced screen under warranty. everything is working perfectly so far, so for those of you who aren't on T-Mobile and are having this problem, calling HTC Repairs seems to be the way to go.

I'll post again in a few days to confirm it's still working, as when I first got it, it took 2-3 days before the screen went out.

[elenaran]

3 days later and the screen is still working perfectly. I think that pretty much seals it that it was a hardware issue, not a firmware/software issue.

To recap, for any future users who have unresponsive touchscreens on their G1, you have two options to fix it:
1) Return it to T-Mobile for a new phone (only if you're a T-Mobile customer and bought the phone from them)
2) Call HTC Repair at 1-888-617-1113 between the hours of 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday. They will have you send your phone in to have the touch panel replaced under warranty. You'll be without your phone for a week or so, but this is your only option if you're not a T-Mobile customer.

[daniel1823]

when you start phone up hold the home key and the power key then a menu comes up hit alt + W to wipe it clean

[wildrain32]

Ya'll r cracking me up... Honestly, this #%$&*#! phone has almost been thrown out the window because of the screen issues. I'm over it!!! It's like G1 on speed everytime I try to use the touchscreen. It just flickers and shakes. I try to hit the "a" button and the "p" pops up.

[aye_captain]

I have the exact same problem on my g1. The problem occured apparently after it was charged using a usb cable to my computer a few days ago. I live in Indonesia and I bought this phone from an ebay seller when I'm in Germany last May. It is U.S. version not German (German version has this QWERTZ keyboard) and it is unlocked, so it doesn't have T-mobile warranty. G1 phones are not available in Indonesia, but we have HTC service centre here. What should i do? Thanks.

[cybergeneral]

My G1 has the same problem. I'll buy a new touch screen on DealExtreme, link> http://www.dealextreme.com/p/genuine-replacement-touch-screen-digitizer-for-htc-dream-g1-black-54852?r=39649809

Does it change the touch screen will solve the problem?

I live in Brazil.

[LaTrip1369]

I have had my Tmobile G1 for 3 yrs now going on 4. I have on my phone literally 15-20 hrs EVERYDAY for the last 3 yrs and have dropped my phone in sweet tea, water, kool aide, dr pepper, muddy puddles, my bubble bath, and have dropped it and had the entire phone come apart and the battery fell out upon impact. I have thrown my phone across the room at people who got mouthy and had it break apart when it hit the wall. I have also dropped it on a rock and it hit so hard dented the battery through the back of the phone. So the back panel & battery have the same dent in the same spot. I love my G1. My touch screen went out two weeks ago. I haven't been able to figure out how to fix it or who to take it to. Thank you for posting htc's number. I am going to call them to see if they will fix the screen. The screen itself isn't scratched or crack at all. My phone seems to be virtually indestructable. Best phone I've ever owned & I've been a tmobile customer for 9 yrs. Everything else on my phone works properly. Sorry you all have had issues. I love my phone. It's the best! Just gotta fix my touch screen and I'll be happy as can be. Don't wanna have to replace my baby! It's been good to me all these yrs even through all the abuse. Lol!