screen locks when trying to edit home screen display

[Android Central Question]

Whenever I press and hold on an empty space on the home screen in an attempt to add widgets, the screen flashes what should normally come up for a second before locking and going black. I have tried it with safe mode and it I am still having this issue.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Which phone?

 

[VidJunky]

Have you tried pinching the screen? Maybe you're incidentally pressing something else or holding it too long.