Why does my phone go weird when charging on a train?

Troubleshooting Erratic Phone Behavior While Charging on Trains

When using a phone while charging on a train, users may encounter strange touchscreen behavior. This issue has been widely reported, with users experiencing difficulties such as flickering screens, unresponsive touch, and even complete loss of functionality.

Possible Cause:

The precise cause of this issue remains uncertain. However, one plausible explanation is related to the auxiliary power units (APUs) on trains. APUs are responsible for providing backup power to critical systems when the main engine is turned off.

When a train stops at a station or momentarily loses power, the APU is activated. The frequent restarts of the APU can lead to fluctuations in the electrical supply, which in turn may disrupt the phone’s charging process. This disruption can cause erratic touchscreen behavior.

Solutions:

Unfortunately, there is no definitive solution to this problem at present. However, some users have reported temporary relief by:

• Using a different charging cable: Some charging cables may be more susceptible to interference than others. Trying a different cable may help.
• Plugging the phone into a different outlet on the train: The electrical current on different outlets can vary. Switching to a different outlet may provide a more stable power supply.
• Restarting the phone: If the touchscreen becomes unresponsive, restarting the phone may resolve the issue.

Additional Considerations:

• Phone age and model: Some older phone models may be more prone to this issue.
• Train type: The problem may be more prevalent on certain train models or lines.
• Time of day: The frequency of APU restarts may vary depending on the time of day and passenger traffic.

It’s important to note that these solutions may not completely eliminate the problem. However, they may help mitigate the symptoms and improve the overall charging experience while on a train.

If the issue persists, it is advisable to contact the train operator or manufacturer for further assistance. They may be able to provide additional guidance or technical support.