Tips On Keypad Problems

‘Keypad jam’ is a term used to describe a situation whereby the alphabets or numeric on a mobile or cell phone will refuse to take commands. Any of the following could create this problem.

1. Dropping the set or a fall.

2. Contact with Water.

3. Dust buildup.

4. If a screw or clip is loose.

5. If wrong housing /fascia/ casing is used.

6. If for any reason the ground pins for keypads are not properly contacting or damaged.

7. Firmware bug or viral attack could cause this problem.

8. Damaged keypad could also create this situation.

9. Defect in the main board.

SOLUTIONS

My first advice is that if you do not have the capacity to handle the problem, take the phone to a certified technician or back to the source especially if the phone is still under the warranty period.

If the phone had a fall, this will create DISALIGNMENT and functionality will be restored if this is arrested. Check for loose screws, catches, breakages or missing components. Carefully align the parts and you are back on track.

A previous post has dealt with what to do if it is‘water’ induced problem.

If the problem is created by dust, a little clean up of the keypad and the electronics will do the trick. If you cannot deal with it, send it in. Remember, if you are under warranty, any seal broken will void it. If you want to do it yourself, restrict your operation to the visible areas immediately after the covers. Any attack on the chassis by an untrained hand might create more problems-earths may be displaced; Camera button or Bluetooth contact among others may be affected. Some manufacturers now put foam around the screen to prevent dust from getting in.

Swappable covers must be properly ‘sited’. Care must be taken while unscrewing fascias and release catches with care where applicable, using an implement with a blunt blade around the edges, turning the blade now and then. Make sure that everything is reconnected properly and do not break any bits to avoid problems later.

Do not put painted housing on your phone because the paints may come off gradually, leaving debris on contact points between keypad and the next plate and this could lead to inability of keypad to execute commands later.

If the problem is on account of firmware bug/virus, debugging will suffice.While some mobile phones will require flashing to get going, remember to have your firmware updated regularly.

If the keypad is damaged, have it replaced and you are ready to go.

It is always advisable to source phones from authorized dealers or networks so that if any problem arises, you can reach them for possible assistance. Main board problems are better handled by service providers. Sometimes, phones with main board problems are recalled.