Xperia z3 Compact top and bottom Touch screen not responding

[Johnalds81]

Hi Sony,

I've got this touch screen iresponsive on the top and bottom. I was not able to pulldown the notification and shortcuts menu when in portrait mode. Now even the bottom part of the screen starting become iresponsive. Pressing the back/menu/taskmenu starting to mulfunction.

Please help me fix this issue.

[Ex-Sony]

Just to add another voice hear from South Africa - same problem and same sentiments.

Tried Sony Z3 as a fresh alternative, but this screen problem leaves a bad taste with a otherwise perfect 2,5 year old phone.

Goodbye Sony.

[Rygerlaksen]

I had this problem with my screen, and was frustrated for a whole day, trying to fix it. For others in the same situation - I turned on the function for gloves. Now the screen is working alright again.

[paraben]

After almost 3 years I have replaced my Xperia Z3 Compact. A few months ago the top of the screen (5 mm) became unresponsive. This started with random typed characters by the keyboard app. A display test with the Diagnostic app showed that this had to be a hardware failure. I used a "Status bar drop down" app to deal with this problem. Unfortunately, a month after that the 3 buttons at the bottom became unresponsive. The "back" button only responded after 10 - 15 taps. I used a "Back home button" app to deal with this, but it was no fun using the phone that way... Last week, the unresponsive area at the top increased to 10 mm, again "announced" by random typed characters.

Before these problems I have used the Z3C with great pleasure, and never felt the need to change it. Perhaps I could have it repaired, but as it was almost 3 years old, I decided to buy an new one. After a few days research I was sure, and I bought the Xperia X Compact. I can recommend this phone to every Z3C user! Same nice size, but with new technology. The X Compact costs much less than the Z3C did, and the only thing it misses (but I don't) is the waterproof case. The pro's of the XC: Faster, a fingerprint sensor, a much better camera, Android 7 (Nougat), smarter battery features, and due to its design probably more resistant to screen damage than the Z3C    The X Compact is placed in the market as a "midrange premium" phone, but it feels to me like having a nice upgrade for less money.

[archibalduk]

I just registered to say I have exactly the same issue with my Z3C. This is actually my second Z3C as the first one was replaced under warranty after ten months as it had the battery/hardware issue which meant it would freeze and never turn on. I have had my second Z3C for nearly two years and now I have the issue with the top 5mm being unresponsive (checked with the Sony screen diagnostic test). So now I cannot use the settings pull down. By the sounds of this thread I'll eventually lose my buttons too.

There is also an issue with my Z3C camera where all photos have appeared steamy since the past year. My friend had the same issue with a newer Xperia. Changing camera apps didn't fix it for either of us.

This phone has been riddled with serious issues. I'll go with Samsung or Google from now on.

[_mian_]

Good evening at all.

Here is another with the same problem (Top and bottom of screen not working) ...

I am a Z3 Compact owner, a beautiful phone but ... with whom I had several problems, practically since the first day I bought it (taken in a store, I noticed only at home that did not close the door of the charging).
Then I had to replace the touchscreen for a malfunction (about a year later).
After another 12 months I returned the phone for a problem with headphone output and sd card support that was no longer closed.
Now, it's been around for another 12 months, and after I did not use the cellphone in December 2016, I took the Z3C and, without even touching it in the meantime (it was jealously put in his original box, since I could not use it) now the screen does not work again.

I put it in the box that worked and ... once rested after a few months, here's the bad news...

I have already done a hardware test and the touchscreen is no longer working on both above and below.
It's a shame that unfortunately the warranty has expired and then we have a further expense for repair.
I've always been very careful and never fallen in the meantime. In this case it even stopped working after it was shut down that it worked regularly.

I have repaired the software through Companion but nothing has changed. But I noticed this: Forward/Backward buttons on the bottom of the screen worked smoothly as if the problem was limited to the operating system and not entirely to the hardware.

Sony, I'm sorry. You made a crystal phone and ... you've treated your clients badly.
Personally I will NEVER recommend anyone delicate phone like Sony...

I am a very dissatisfied customer!!!

[Lili_Ana]

Same issue:

bought the phone in 01/2015 and since 1 week the lower part of the display doesnt work anymore, especially the "f" and "c" key. Of course I am out of warranty already but it's a shame, as the phone itself is fast and works still great. I really like this phone but cannot use it as is anymore.

I tried all repairing, resetting, glove mode, .... nothing helps.

I get also the "steamy" pictures out of the camera, they are not clear anymore since a few weeks.

Question is if it is worth to repair or just buy a new one as Sony had decided that Z3C is not getting anymore updated.

[Papadeltasierra]

Another customer who won't be buying Sony again. Same as everyone else, bottom and top of screen no longer registers.  Interestingly before I tried sending if for repair, I used the diagnostics and the diagnostics would exit happily with  an 'OK' so the bottom of the screen was registering enough to run the diags (I took a YouTube video of this and sent the link to Sony).  The phone was returned (unrepaired - £150, I can get a replacement Samsung for that, and have!) and now the diagnostics won't exit either so the screen is even worse than before I sent it away.

I don't have a problem with paying for a screen if I drop it etc but this phone simply died!  Sadly I can't check the screen using the standard 'test touch screen' apps as they don't 'hide' the Android buttons, and it's that bit fo the screen that appears to be broken.

[Emir1]

Hi Everyone, I am very sorry to hear about this. 

If it persists even after a software repair using Xperia Companion and the previously suggested troubleshooting steps in this thread, then I am sorry to say that it would be best to have the device sent to an authorized service center so that a technician may examine it for you. The easiest way to have it sent in would be to get in touch with your Local support so that they may assist you, as service routines, warranty terms and consumer laws vary on a market to market basis. 

I understand some users here have had their device sent to an authorized service center and still experience similar behaviour, in such cases it would be best to raise your concerns with your Local support for further assistance. As I am situated in Sweden, I am sorry to say that I am unable to assist on a local level since I am not familiar with the local service routines, consumer laws and warranty terms for your markets.

[Neresus]

I noticed that touchscreen starts failing.. On the top of the screen have some broken parts that not responding. Can be fixed somehow? 

[MadsenDenmark]

Same problem for me...I've come around it installing an app called "Simple control". It's not a permanent solution though.

Anyway...I've seen this so many times...Planned obsolescence...A new update and our "old" but perfectly fine hardware magically "breaks". Then no remedy is provided, and we are more or less forced to buy new hardware...which perhaps is what it was all about to begin with...Sony wants us to buy new Sony phones. Samsung did the same 3 years ago with the Galaxy S3...after an update it suddently couldn't charge and became useless. No fixes were released and Samsung responded with complete silence. Just like Sony does now.  Back then I swore newer to buy Samsung products again...and I haven't. Sony needs to fix this...asap.