Smartphone Touch Gestures: Tap, Long-Press, Swipe and Pinch

Before you start

Do not begin with a broad reset. Check the following first so you can isolate the problem and avoid unnecessary data loss or reconfiguration.

• Check that the screen is dry and the protector is not lifting
• Use the pad of your finger rather than a fingernail
• Test another area or app to see whether the issue is general

Understand the process

Safe step-by-step procedure

Work from the top and stop as soon as the issue is resolved. Read every confirmation screen before moving to a higher-impact action.

1. 1
   Tap once lightly; pressing harder normally does not help.
2. 2
   Long-press the same spot for about a second, then release when a menu or edit mode appears.
3. 3
   Swipe while keeping contact with the screen to move a list or page.
4. 4
   Spread two fingers to zoom in and pinch them together to zoom out.
5. 5
   To drag, long-press an item and move it without lifting your finger.

Actions to avoid

• Repeated taps can trigger the same action more than once
• Long-pressing a link by accident while scrolling
• Assuming a fault when a page simply does not support zoom

Prevention and preparation

• Pause and read the screen before confirming important actions
• Change touch-sensitivity settings only when needed, such as with a screen protector