Why is the back button on my phone so unresponsive?

[runamuck83]

Been having similar troubles. It started with the search button (Cortana). I couldn't tap it, unless I hit the home button first. Now the back button is doing it too.

Argh, wtf.

I also notice the lights on the buttons randomly decide not to turn on

 

[eman006]

I noticed the same issue with the Search/Cortana button on my L830 with a Skinomi screen protector on it - sometimes would work (10% of the time). Took it back to AT&T, and they said it could be the screen protector brand. So, the rep peeled off the Skinomi, and we both confirmed that the search button works fine without the Skinomi. The rep then put on a Zagg Dry screen protector which is "guaranteed" to work with any phone (I had to pay for it). Same thing happened with the Zagg: search button worked sometimes. So, AT&T switched out my phone with a new one, put on another Zagg Dry, and same issue happened. Since it works fine without the protector, I decided to get a free Zagg replacement and install it myself since the AT&T did a crappy job (air bubbles and dust). Before I applied, I used a hole puncher to punch a hole in the protector where the Search button is located. Works much better now; however, I still do see issues of it not registering my touch at times. I would say it works 80-90% of the time now. Sometimes going back to the home screen via Windows or Back button and then hitting Search resolves the issue. I have talked with others who have the phone, and they have noticed the same issue even without screen protectors. Windows and Back buttons work perfectly fine for me with the protector on. Hopefully, this is just a firmware fix that is in the works, but it does seem like an issue affecting a lot of phones. The only good thing that came out of my experience is now have screen protector replacement for 2 lifetimes - one from Skinomi and one from Zagg. :eck:

 

[sahib lopez]

I wonder if its an ATT phone batch thing because I don't have that issue on my 830. in fact it works well that I hover my finger over the search button and it activates.
my phone is not from att but the "prototype" from ebay last October. its the RM-985 running lumia denim on unbranded firmware with wp8.1.1( 8.10.14203.306) . also I have a screen protector on my 830.

 

[Basiluzzo]

I wonder if its an ATT phone batch thing because I don't have that issue on my 830. in fact it works well that I hover my finger over the search button and it activates.
my phone is not from att but the "prototype" from ebay last October. its the RM-985 running lumia denim on unbranded firmware with wp8.1.1( 8.10.14203.306) . also I have a screen protector on my 830.

Someone made the point that the next batch to be received by AT&T may not have the problem, so I'm not in a hurry to exchange mine - given that I have NO other problems with it. And of course if I take the screen protector off and the button works, I'll have no case to make an exchange anyway.

 

[flapadlr]

Just chiming in with another example of the back button being barely responsive. It hardly worked with a screen protector on (dry) and does work better without it, but it doesn't work well. I may swap the phone out. I got it at a Microsoft Store so I expect no issue. This Saturday is two weeks since purchase.

 

[Basiluzzo]

Just chiming in with another example of the back button being barely responsive. It hardly worked with a screen protector on (dry) and does work better without it, but it doesn't work well. I may swap the phone out. I got it at a Microsoft Store so I expect no issue. This Saturday is two weeks since purchase.

Has anyone swapped a phone out over this issue, and if so, has the new phone behaved better?

 

[jeffy912]

I had an 830 with a Search/Cortana button that didn't work at all. I swapped it at AT&T and the new one works better, but it's not perfect. As with other's experiences, sometimes I have to press the Home or Back buttons first (which work perfectly) before the Search/Cortana button will work. Pressing the other buttons first seems to "wake" it up.

 

[df608]

I have the same issue or had. May be to early to tell for sure but what I did was push hard on the three captive buttons a few times until they started to work then repeated a few more times. Now they seem to be working with a soft touch. I also have a screen protector on.

 

[df608]

I have the same issue or had. May be to early to tell for sure but what I did was push hard on the three captive buttons a few times until they started to work then repeated a few more times. Now they seem to be working with a soft touch. I also have a screen protector on.

Yah, that lasted a day. wth! If I had known I would have stayed with my 920 or upgraded to the 1520. I did buy the replacement from Ms so If this is related to hardware I can always swap it out. Hopefully it is just software related.

 

[sanshiro]

My 830's search button was not working. I changed the Touch sensitivity from 'High' to 'Normal' and now it's working 80% of the time (sometimes it requires two taps). Note: I have a screen protector.

 

[pankaj981]

Re: Back button unresponsive

Works for me on first attempt, I've a screen protector from Skinomi and also set the screen sensitivity to normal

 

[runamuck83]

Re: Back button unresponsive

Today my search/cortana button has just completely stopped working.

Hard reset has not fixed it. No screen protectors or anything. Looks like I need to try and get an exchange.... Ugh

 

[tersagun]

Re: Back button unresponsive

I've noticed the same behaviour but it's the case with all 3 buttons.
I'm making side-to-side comparisons with my old L920 and while L920 only missed once in about 40 touches, L830 ignores about 30% of the soft touches. Either the sensitivity (no matter which option chosen on the settings) is extra low on L830 or there is something wrong.

 

[kristalsoldier]

Don't see to have any such problem on my 830 - touch wood!

 

[mildor]

Someone have tried... IDK, maybe... DON'T USE a screen protector?
It's so weird to hear this... at least in my country is relatively hard to find screen protector because no one uses them anymore, it's 2015....
I mean, I have never used SP in my galaxy S3, ipod touch 4g and 5g, iPhone 4 or iPhone 4s... and they never got scratched, maybe just one or two almost invisible scratches after 2 or 3 years of use... Don't really understand why people keep using these things EVEN when the phone have issues, is just unbelievable, just don't put a knife in the screen and you're ready, is not 2008 anymore guys

 

[Derausgewanderte]

Someone have tried... IDK, maybe... DON'T USE a screen protector?
... just don't put a knife in the screen and you're ready...

tell that my wife or kids :devil:

 

[Gkaarl]

I thought it was just mine that was so unresponsive.
Sometimes it doesn't work even if Jesus returns from heaven, but if you press the Home (Windows) button, the Back button returns to full functionality. Try it.

 

[mildor]

well... that's a point, hehe
But I don't have a wife or a child to prove that (Thank god I don't! hehe)

 

[BSobotta]

Someone have tried... IDK, maybe... DON'T USE a screen protector?
It's so weird to hear this... at least in my country is relatively hard to find screen protector because no one uses them anymore, it's 2015....
I mean, I have never used SP in my galaxy S3, ipod touch 4g and 5g, iPhone 4 or iPhone 4s... and they never got scratched, maybe just one or two almost invisible scratches after 2 or 3 years of use... Don't really understand why people keep using these things EVEN when the phone have issues, is just unbelievable, just don't put a knife in the screen and you're ready, is not 2008 anymore guys

I don't use screen protectors. I also don't let anyone else use my phone... kids or wife. So no worries on other people screwing up my phone.

 

[DallasXanadu]

A Bing search for this issue brought to this page just today. My 925 died yesterday, replaced it with an AT&T 830. Love it so far, except for the fact my attempt at the back button is successful around 30% of the time. Frustrating. It's either something they haven't fixed, or they've sold so few this is still from the initial batch.