What's the best way to detect a 'touch screen' device using JavaScript?

Question

I\'ve written a jQuery plug-in that\'s for use on both desktop and mobile devices. I wondered if there is a way with JavaScript to detect if the device has touch screen capa

Answer 1

No, it's not possible. The excellent answers given are only ever partial, because any given method will produce false positives and false negatives. Even the browser doesn't always know if a touchscreen is present, due to OS APIs, and the fact can change during a browser session, particularly with KVM-type arrangements.

See further details in this excellent article:

http://www.stucox.com/blog/you-cant-detect-a-touchscreen/

The article suggests you reconsider the assumptions that make you want to detect touchscreens, they're probably wrong. (I checked my own for my app, and my assumptions were indeed wrong!)

The article concludes:

For layouts, assume everyone has a touchscreen. Mouse users can use large UI controls much more easily than touch users can use small ones. The same goes for hover states.

For events and interactions, assume anyone may have a touchscreen. Implement keyboard, mouse and touch interactions alongside each other, ensuring none block each other.