How to fix Apple Watch ‘ghost touches’ – and which smartwatch versions are affected

Apple continues to investigate an issue relating to ‘ghost touches’ on displays of some of its smartwatches – but there are a couple of steps you can perform to try and remedy the problem.

For context, these display jitters were confirmed by Apple in a memo to Authorized Service Providers (ASPs) back in February, with the company stating it was aware of ‘false touches’ on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and looking into the problem.

Courtesy of an updated memo sent to ASPs this week, seen below, it would appear that the problem is also present in the Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch Series 8, and the Apple Watch Ultra.

This has JUST been extended to series 7, series 8, as well as ultra 1 just FYI

Apple has advised us not to replace watches for this issue and to tell people to basically force restart the watch by holding both buttons together for 10 seconds and also keep your watches up-to-date https://t.co/klrVeYhkD0

— Stella – Fudge (@StellaFudge) April 10, 2024

Apple also appears to be sticking with its advice to ASPs that affected units don’t need to be replaced, and instead suggests that users update their device and reset it. Below, we’ll show you how.

Hopefully, one of these two solutions will solve your problem.

Rest assured, though, you’re not the only one suffering from it – the Apple Watch subreddit is teeming with users experiencing phantom touches, particularly on the passcode screen. 

Solution 1: Update your Apple Watch

We have an extensive guide covering everything you need to know about updating the Apple Watch – including performing a download with or without an iPhone present – but we’ll stick to the brief steps below.

If your settings allow it, you should receive prompts to update automatically, but, if not, remember to check for new software regularly. Any minor rollout could include a fix to ghost touches once and for all.

Update your Apple Watch to fix ghost touches:

1. Ensure your Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi.

2. Find the Apple Watch’s Settings app.

3. Tap ‘General’, then navigate to ‘Software Update’.

4. If an update is available, tap ‘Install’ and follow the instructions.

Solution 2: Restart your Apple Watch

We also have a full guide with steps covering how to restart the Apple Watch, but, again, we’ll provide just the basics below.

And though it’s not necessarily necessary or advisable here, there is always the option to reset the Apple Watch, as well.

Restart the Apple Watch to fix ghost touches:

• Hold the side button and Digital Crown for around 10 seconds, only releasing when the Apple logo appears