Ghost Touch is an abnormal phenomenon on touchscreen displays, characterized by the screen automatically triggering operations (such as random taps, swipes, or jumps) without any physical contact, as if being controlled by a “ghost.” This phenomenon may be caused by hardware malfunctions, software conflicts, or environmental interference.
You can troubleshoot the issue using the following methods:
1. No grounding or improper grounding.
When a touchscreen is not properly grounded, it can accumulate static charge, interfering with the device's ability to detect touch input. This can occur when a self-service terminal is not assembled correctly, or when the grounding mechanism becomes damaged or disconnected over time.
How to test
The most accurate and effective method is to use a multimeter, which can measure electrical characteristics such as voltage, resistance, and continuity.
If you cannot find a multimeter nearby, there are other methods to test the grounding:
Turn off all kiosks or devices near the screen and enjoy discounted power. Connect the touchscreen's power supply to another properly grounded source, then connect the display's USB to another laptop or PC. Check if this resolves the ghost touch issue.
In this case, contacting a qualified technician or electrician for assistance in identifying and resolving the issue may be helpful.
Ensuring the touchscreen is properly grounded to avoid potential electrical hazards and ensure safe and reliable operation is crucial.
2. Unwanted objects on the screen
Water, heavy moisture, or other objects adhering to the display (touchscreen) area of the monitor will cause ghost touch.
How to fix:
It's simple: remove any non-abrasive objects like water or clean the touchscreen glass and display surface, check if any objects are still attached, remove them, and check again.
3. Software issues
Try closing all background applications or turning off and then back on the touchscreen to verify if there are any software issues.
4. Static electricity or interference
Check if the touchscreen USB cable is interfering with other cables connected to the computer. The touchscreen USB cable should be kept separate or isolated.
Check the back of the touchscreen display device for strong magnetic environments, especially around the edges of the touchscreen controller.
How to fix:
If you are concerned about any type of interference, it is recommended to disassemble the touchscreen panel or display and perform another test in a simpler environment. If you can move or distance yourself from the interference source, this is an easy problem to resolve. However, if you cannot change the environment, it is best to contact your touchscreen solution partner to see if there are any solutions to improve interference resistance.
5. Touchscreen settings
Touchscreen software issues may also be the cause. Please contact your touchscreen supplier or IC supplier for assistance with updates or restoring factory settings.
6. Replace the controller
Most ghost touch issues can be resolved through step-by-step troubleshooting. If the issue persists, the likelihood of hardware failure is high, and professional intervention is required.