Why is my iPhone 6 typing and opening apps by itself?

Why is my iPhone 6 typing and opening apps by itself?
I am having a frustrating issue with my iPhone 6 where it seems to have a mind of its own. Without any input from me, it starts typing random characters and messages. Also, it opens apps by itself, which leaves me puzzled and concerned. This problem happens unpredictably and disrupts my daily use of the device. I’ve noticed that it occurs more frequently when I hold the phone in a specific way or sometimes even when it’s just sitting idle on a flat surface. I’ve tried cleaning the screen and restarting the phone, but nothing seems to solve the problem permanently. I’m worried that this might be a bigger issue with the phone’s hardware or software. What could be causing my iPhone 6 to behave this way?
8 Answers

In my experience, issues like this can sometimes be caused by dirt or moisture interfering with the touchscreen. Here’s how I resolved a similar problem:
1. Power off your phone and clean its screen with a soft, damp cloth.
2. Remove any screen protector or case to see if they are contributing to the issue.
3. If these steps don’t help, visit an Apple Genius Bar. Often, they can run diagnostic tests and determine if the screen needs replacement.

Considering environmental factors might also be useful. Extreme temperatures or high humidity can affect the touchscreen’s performance. Ensure that you use the phone within its recommended temperature range (32° to 95° F) and keep it dry. If you notice that the issue improves when the phone is used in a different environment, this might be the contributing factor.

One common cause for an iPhone typing and opening apps by itself could be a hardware malfunction, particularly with the device’s digitizer. The digitizer interprets touch input, and if it becomes damaged or starts to fail, it may lead to ghost touches. This issue can often be traced back to general wear and tear or any accidental drops the phone might have suffered. You might need to consider getting the screen or digitizer replaced if this is the case.

Your problem might stem from a swollen battery. If the battery swells, it can press against internal components and cause erratic behavior. To check:
1. Look at the phone’s side to see if the screen looks like it’s bulging out.
2. If you observe any swelling, stop using the phone and turn it off immediately as it can be dangerous.
3. Take it to an authorized service center or Apple Store for battery assessment and replacement.

You could be experiencing a software glitch. Smartphones occasionally suffer from bugs that unintentionally create problems like the one you’re describing. To troubleshoot, try the following steps:
1. Force restart your iPhone by holding the Power and Home buttons until the Apple logo appears.
2. Update to the latest iOS version as updates often contain bug fixes.
3. Reset all settings via Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This will not delete your data but will revert system settings to default.

A corrupted app could be the culprit. To troubleshoot:
1. Put the phone into Safe Mode by holding down the volume button as it reboots to allow only essential apps to run.
2. If the issue stops in Safe Mode, a third-party app is likely causing the problem. Uninstall apps one by one to identify the troublemaker.
3. Avoid reinstalling any app found to be the cause or find an alternative.

Although rare, malware or unauthorized access can cause such issues. To protect your device:
1. Use a trusted security app to scan for malware.
2. Change your Apple ID password and enable two-factor authentication.
3. Restore your iPhone using iTunes and set it up as a new device to avoid reintroducing potential malware from backups.