I'm going to second @strongbow's opinion that you're probably in the market for a new screen.
But it's actually the screen not fitting correctly that's concerning me before you get to the point of addressing the touchscreen.
First of all, you had the phone open, correct? What condition is the battery in? The symptoms you describe are all consistent with a swollen battery; the screen not fitting and generally the swollen battery will be exerting pressure on the screen from the inside, interfering with its operation. So check the battery and make sure it's not puffy or pillowy; the outside casing should be wrapped tightly on the battery so it looks like a brick, not a pillow.
If the battery is okay, the next thing I'd make sure of is that the case isn't bent or distorted. Most of the time you can bend the case back into its proper shape, although you have to be careful when grabbing the outside of it to avoid cosmetic damage. Use a straight edge and check all four edges as well as diagonally to make sure the frame is square and flat. Worst case you would have to replace the midframe if it's distorted enough that it can't be straightened sufficiently.
Back to the touchscreen, there are delicate electrical connections where the flex cable is basically glued onto the digitizer glass. Those connections can easily be broken due to shock and the damage is generally not visible and isn't repairable.
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As Nigel said, screens for the 5S are getting to be dirt cheap these days; if you shop around you can find them for around $15 USD. They're available at all the big retailers like eBay, Amazon and AliExpress.
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As Nigel said, screens for the iPhone 5 are getting to be dirt cheap these days; if you shop around you can find them for around $15 USD. They're available at all the big retailers like eBay, Amazon and AliExpress.
I'm going to second @strongbow's opinion that you're probably in the market for a new screen.
But it's actually the screen not fitting correctly that's concerning me before you get to the point of addressing the touchscreen.
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First of all, you had the phone open, correct? What condition is the battery in? The symptoms you describe area all consistent with a swollen battery; the screen not fitting and generally the swollen battery will be exerting pressure on the screen from the inside, interfering with its operation. So check the battery and make sure it's not puffy or pillowy; the outside casing should be wrapped tightly on the battery so it looks like a brick, not a pillow.
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First of all, you had the phone open, correct? What condition is the battery in? The symptoms you describe are all consistent with a swollen battery; the screen not fitting and generally the swollen battery will be exerting pressure on the screen from the inside, interfering with its operation. So check the battery and make sure it's not puffy or pillowy; the outside casing should be wrapped tightly on the battery so it looks like a brick, not a pillow.
If the battery is okay, the next thing I'd make sure of is that the case isn't bent or distorted. Most of the time you can bend the case back into its proper shape, although you have to be careful when grabbing the outside of it to avoid cosmetic damage. Use a straight edge and check all four edges as well as diagonally to make sure the frame is square and flat. Worst case you would have to replace the midframe if it's distorted enough that it can't be straightened sufficiently.
Back to the touchscreen, there are delicate electrical connections where the flex cable is basically glued onto the digitizer glass. Those connections can easily be broken due to shock and the damage is generally not visible and isn't repairable.
As Nigel said, screens for the 5S are getting to be dirt cheap these days; if you shop around you can find them for around $15 USD. They're available at all the big retailers like eBay, Amazon and AliExpress.
Hi John,
I'm going to second @strongbow's opinion that you're probably in the market for a new screen.
But it's actually the screen not fitting correctly that's concerning me before you get to the point of addressing the touchscreen.
First of all, you had the phone open, correct? What condition is the battery in? The symptoms you describe area all consistent with a swollen battery; the screen not fitting and generally the swollen battery will be exerting pressure on the screen from the inside, interfering with its operation. So check the battery and make sure it's not puffy or pillowy; the outside casing should be wrapped tightly on the battery so it looks like a brick, not a pillow.
If the battery is okay, the next thing I'd make sure of is that the case isn't bent or distorted. Most of the time you can bend the case back into its proper shape, although you have to be careful when grabbing the outside of it to avoid cosmetic damage. Use a straight edge and check all four edges as well as diagonally to make sure the frame is square and flat. Worst case you would have to replace the midframe if it's distorted enough that it can't be straightened sufficiently.
Back to the touchscreen, there are delicate electrical connections where the flex cable is basically glued onto the digitizer glass. Those connections can easily be broken due to shock and the damage is generally not visible and isn't repairable.
As Nigel said, screens for the 5S are getting to be dirt cheap these days; if you shop around you can find them for around $15 USD. They're available at all the big retailers like eBay, Amazon and AliExpress.
Good luck; let us know what you find.