Your ONN tablet is supposed to be reliable for browsing, reading, gaming, or anything, but what happens when the screen stops working? A malfunctioning screen can be frustrating, rendering the entire device unusable. But before you panic or rush to the nearest repair shop, you can take several troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue yourself.
This guide covers common and complex fixes and walks you through various steps and scenarios to get your ONN tablet’s screen working again.
Understanding the Possible Causes
The first step in troubleshooting a tablet screen issue is understanding the potential reasons behind it. Several things could cause the screen to malfunction, including:
- Physical damage (cracks or drops)
- Software glitches (firmware issues, outdated software)
- Hardware malfunctions (faulty screen, damaged internal components)
- Battery-related problems (low battery, charging issues)
- Operating system issues (bugs, incomplete updates)
By diagnosing the root cause, you’ll understand which steps to follow in the troubleshooting process.
Perform a Soft Reset
A soft reset is one of the quickest ways to troubleshoot your ONN tablet’s screen not working. This method is safe and quite effective in dealing with minor software glitches. A soft reset involves simply rebooting the device without erasing personal data, making it a go-to first step. Think of it as a refresh button for your tablet’s System, allowing the hardware and software to recalibrate themselves without requiring drastic measures.
Detailed Steps:
- Start by holding down the power button for ten to twenty seconds. In many cases, you’ll screen will power down before rebooting.
- If the device doesn’t reboot automatically after turning off, manually press the power button again to restart it.
- Once your tablet restarts, check if the screen issue is resolved.
This process often works because it forces the operating System to reload, clearing out any temporary bugs or processes that might be causing the screen to freeze or become unresponsive. Many users overlook this quick fix, but it can solve most minor problems quickly.
Check for Physical Damage
Physical damage is another common cause of screen malfunctions. Tablets are prone to accidental drops or impacts, which can cause visible cracks, even if the screen is protected by tempered glass. Inspecting your ONN tablet closely for any signs of physical damage that could be the root of the issue is essential. Cracked screens are more than just a cosmetic problem—they can affect the tablet’s touch sensitivity, responsiveness, and display quality.
Detailed Checklist:
- Look for small cracks that might not be immediately visible. Use a light source to examine the screen from different angles for hidden damage.
- Test the screen’s touch functionality. Sometimes, a screen will respond partially, with specific areas registering touch and others remaining unresponsive.
- Check for display distortions, such as flickering, horizontal lines, or color, often indicating underlying hardware damage.
If you notice physical damage, your options are limited. While software fixes won’t resolve the problem, screen replacement is feasible. Buy a replacement screen online and handle the installation based on your technical abilities. However, if you need to be better-versed in tablet hardware, having a professional take care of the repair is usually a good idea.
Perform a Hard Reset (Factory Reset)
A rigid or factory reset is a more drastic solution to resolve deeper software issues causing the screen to malfunction. This method erases all data from the tablet and restores it to its state when first purchased. It’s effective in dealing with corrupted software, persistent glitches, or malware that might interfere with the tablet’s screen. However, since this process erases all personal data, you must back up your files before proceeding.
Detailed Instructions:
- Begin by turning off the tablet completely. If the screen is unresponsive, press and hold the power and volume up buttons simultaneously.
- When the ONN logo appears, navigate the recovery menu using the volume buttons to select “Wipe data/factory reset.”
- Confirm your selection using the power button and wait for the device to reset.
The hard reset works because it eliminates any third-party applications, corrupt settings, or bugs that could be causing the screen to fail. Once reset, your tablet will be restored to factory conditions, which should resolve any underlying software problems. Remember that this should only be a last resort, as all your personal settings, apps, and data will be erased.
Check for Software Updates
Another possible reason your ONN tablet’s screen isn’t working as expected could be outdated software. Sometimes, manufacturers like ONN release software updates to address bugs and improve system performance, including fixing screen-related issues. An obsolete or corrupt operating System version can cause your device to behave unpredictably, leading to screen freezing, delayed touch responses, or even a completely black screen. One easy thing you can do as part of the troubleshooting process is to see if there are any software upgrades available and install them.
Steps to Update:
- Open Settings on your tablet, then navigate to System.
- From there, choose Software Update and check if any updates are available.
- If an update is available, download and install it. During the update process, ensure your tablet is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and has sufficient battery life.
Software upgrades frequently include patches for known defects or compatibility problems that might be the source of the screen’s malfunction. By keeping your tablet updated, you can avoid many potential issues related to screen performance. In some cases, even if the update doesn’t immediately fix the problem, reinstalling the latest software can eliminate the possibility of outdated or faulty firmware being the culprit.
Calibrate the Touch Screen
Touchscreen sensitivity issues can also prevent your ONN tablet screen from functioning as expected. Over time, the screen’s touch calibration can drift, leading to inaccurate touch responses or screen areas not registering touch. In these cases, recalibrating the screen can solve the problem by restoring the screen’s accuracy and responsiveness.
How to Calibrate:
- Head to Settings and look for the Display
- Within the display settings, you should find an option for Touch Calibration or Display Calibration (depending on your tablet’s software version).
- Follow the on-screen instructions to recalibrate the screen. This usually involves tapping on specific screen areas to realign touch sensitivity.
Calibration is instrumental if your screen is only partially responsive or touches seem inaccurate. For example, if you tap in one area and the tablet registers the touch in another, recalibration can help. This step is often overlooked, but it’s crucial to restoring your ONN tablet to optimal functioning if the screen sensitivity needs to be corrected. After recalibration, your tablet should respond more accurately to touch inputs.
Charge the Tablet Fully
A tablet that isn’t charged correctly can also cause a screen not to work, flicker, or freeze. When the battery level gets too low, the tablet may not have enough power to run all its functions properly, and the screen is often the first component to experience issues. Even though it might seem too simple to be accurate, a low or unstable power source can sometimes cause screen problems, and fully charging the device could resolve them.
Steps to Ensure Proper Charging:
- Connect your tablet to the original charger that came with the device. Third-party chargers may need to provide the correct voltage or current, leading to improper charging.
- Plug the charger into a reliable power outlet and leave the tablet to charge for at least 30-60 minutes, even if the screen doesn’t immediately respond.
Once charged, attempt to power the tablet and check the screen functionality. Battery-related issues are often overlooked but can be a simple fix. Tablets sometimes enter a low-power mode where the screen dims or becomes unresponsive to save energy. A full charge will give the tablet enough power to resume normal operations. If the screen responds after charging, you’ve identified the problem as a power issue.
Check for App Conflicts or Bugs
Third-party apps can sometimes interfere with the functionality of the ONN tablet, especially if they have compatibility issues with the operating System. Certain apps may cause the screen to freeze, become unresponsive, or display incorrectly. If the screen issue started after installing or updating an app, there’s a strong chance that the app is to blame.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- You can boot your tablet into Safe Mode by holding the Power button and selecting the Safe Mode option when it appears.
- In Safe Mode, only essential system apps will run. This diagnostic mode lets you check whether a third-party app is causing the issue.
- If the screen functions well in Safe Mode, an updated or newly installed software is probably the source of the issue. Uninstall any apps you suspect might be the cause, then reboot the tablet normally.
App conflicts are common, especially with free or poorly optimized apps that must be fixed with the latest software updates. If uninstalling apps fixes the issue, only install trusted apps from reputable sources, and always read user reviews and update logs to avoid future conflicts.
Inspect the Charging Port and Cables
Indirect screen troubles can also result from hardware faults like broken cords or malfunctioning charging ports. If the tablet isn’t charging correctly, it may intermittently lose power, causing the screen to flicker, freeze, or become unresponsive. Dust, grime, or debris in the charging port may also affect the tablet’s functionality, including the screen, preventing it from charging correctly.
How to Inspect:
- Check the charging port carefully for evidence of debris, lint, or dust. After that, please thoroughly clean the brush or compressed air.
- Test the charger and cable on another device to ensure they work correctly. Replacing the cable or charger
could solve the issue if the cable or charger is damaged.
- Think about switching to a different tablet-compatible charging cable or adapter. This will help to eliminate the charging device as the potential cause of the issue.
Charging problems often go unnoticed, but they can directly impact the tablet’s overall functionality, including the screen. If cleaning or replacing the charger resolves the issue, you’ve pinpointed the problem to the charging components rather than the tablet itself.
Contact ONN Support or Seek Professional Repair
If none of the above steps have resolved your ONN tablet’s screen issue, it may be time to contact ONN support or seek professional repair services. While many screen problems are software-related and can be fixed with troubleshooting steps, hardware malfunctions or more complex software issues may require expert attention. If your tablet is still under warranty, contacting ONN support is the best course of action to get the help you need without incurring additional costs.
When to Seek Help:
- If there is no visible damage, but the screen remains unresponsive despite troubleshooting.
- The device may have internal hardware damage that requires professional repair, primarily if the issue lies with the display controller or other internal components.
- If your tablet is under warranty, ONN might cover the repair or replacement at no cost.
ONN’s customer support team can guide you through advanced troubleshooting steps, provide information on service centers, or advise you on shipping the device for repair. Sometimes, even when the problem seems unsolvable, a professional can identify and fix hardware issues beyond DIY repair. When dealing with hardware problems, it’s always preferable to get expert help rather than risk more damage by trying to solve it yourself.
FAQs
Why is my ONN tablet screen not responding?
It could be due to a software glitch, physical damage, low battery, or app conflicts. Start by performing a soft reset.
How do I reset my ONN tablet if the screen isn’t working?
Hold the power button for 10-20 seconds for a soft reset. If needed, perform a hard reset by pressing the power and volume buttons together.
Can I fix my tablet screen? It’s physically damaged.
If the screen is cracked, it may need to be replaced. DIY kits are available, or you can seek professional repair.
Will a factory reset fix the screen issue?
A factory reset can resolve software-related problems but will erase all data. Back up your files before proceeding.
What should I do if I need to do something else?
If troubleshooting doesn’t help, contact ONN support or professional repair service.
Conclusion
A non-functioning screen on your ONN tablet can feel like a severe issue, but it’s often a fixable problem with the proper troubleshooting steps. From soft and hard resets to inspecting for physical damage, updating software, and even checking app conflicts, you can try several potential solutions before seeking professional repair. This post will guide you through resolving the issue and restoring optimal functionality to your tablet’s screen.
If these troubleshooting tips don’t solve the problem, contact ONN support or consult a professional for further assistance.