Solved: How do I fix iPhone or iPad screen not rotate problem?

Apple’s iPhone or iPad is known for its seamless screen rotation feature. Whether you hold it vertically or horizontally, the iPhone or iPad’s screen gracefully adjusts itself, thanks to its gravity sensor. But every once in a while, you might find yourself facing an issue where your iPhone or iPad stubbornly refuses to rotate.

This dilemma isn’t uncommon, and there are various reasons behind it. Sometimes, certain applications simply don’t support screen rotation, leaving your iPhone or iPad stuck in one orientation. To determine if it’s an app-related problem, you can easily put your detective skills to work. Just press the home button on your iPhone or iPad to return to the main screen, and if you’re running an app, try holding your device in a different direction. If the screen rotates as expected, you can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that your iPhone or iPad’s screen rotation feature is still intact.

However, if your iPhone or iPad screen remains fixed in either portrait or landscape mode when it shouldn’t, you’ll need to roll up your sleeves and troubleshoot the issue. A myriad of factors could be at play, from accidentally disabling screen rotation to app-specific glitches or even iOS bugs.

Fear not, for we are here to guide you through the process of reviving your iPhone or iPad’s screen rotation capabilities. Whether you’re watching a video that refuses to go full-screen or encountering persistent screen rotation woes, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unravel the mystery behind iPhone or iPad screen rotation issues and provide you with the necessary solutions to restore your iPhone or iPad’s full screen glory. So, let’s dive in and ensure that your iPhone or iPad always dances to your preferred orientation!

Solution 1: Disabling Screen Rotation Lock

Have you ever found yourself frustrated as your iPhone or iPad screen remains stubbornly fixed in portrait mode when you’d prefer it to seamlessly switch to landscape view? You’re not alone. This common issue often arises due to a feature known as “Screen Rotation Lock.” But don’t worry; you can regain control of your device’s orientation with a few simple steps.

Disabling Screen Rotation Lock on iPhone

Step 1: Begin by swiping down from the top right corner of your iPhone screen (near the notch). This action will reveal the Control Center.

Step 2: Once the Control Center appears, look for the Rotation Lock button. If it’s highlighted in red, it indicates that the portrait orientation is locked.

Step 3: To unlock screen orientation, simply tap the Rotation Lock button. You’ll see a notification at the top that reads “Portrait Orientation Lock: Off.”

Disabling Screen Rotation Lock on iPad

On iPads, the screen can be locked in either landscape or portrait orientation. The process to disable screen rotation lock depends on your iPad’s operating system.

For iPadOS 12 and Higher

Step 1: Swipe down from the top right corner of the iPad screen to access the Control Center.

Step 2: Locate the Rotation Lock button and toggle it off.

Step 3: You’ll see a notification confirming that “Rotation Lock: Off.”

For iPadOS 11

Step 1: Press the Home button to display the App Switcher, which also includes Control Center on the right.

Step 2: Within Control Center, find the Rotation Lock button and toggle it off.

With these straightforward steps, you can wave goodbye to the annoyance of a locked screen and enjoy the freedom of fluid screen rotation on your iPhone or iPad. Say hello to a device that adapts effortlessly to your preferences!

Solution 2: Unlock Screen Rotation Using the Side Switch on Older iPads

If you own an iPad model released prior to the fourth-generation iPad (2012), you may have noticed that the Rotation Lock feature is controlled by a physical side switch, located above the Volume Up and Down buttons. If your iPad’s screen refuses to rotate, this switch might be the key to unlocking its orientation.

Here’s how to disable the orientation lock using the Side Switch on older iPad models:

Step 1: Check Side Switch Functionality
Firstly, ensure that your Side Switch is set to control screen rotation rather than muting the volume. To do this, go to Settings > General > Use Side Switch To. Confirm that “Lock Rotation” is selected.

Step 2: Flip the Side Switch
Now, physically toggle the Side Switch. If it was previously set to lock rotation, flipping it should unlock the screen orientation.

By following these steps, you can make sure your older iPad behaves the way you want it to, allowing you to enjoy your content in either portrait or landscape mode as desired.

Solution 3: Reset Screen Orientation by Turning Off and On

If the Rotation Lock setting isn’t the culprit behind your iPad’s screen orientation issue, you can attempt a simple workaround. Follow these steps to reset the screen orientation:

Step 1: Turn Off the Screen
Begin by pressing the Top/Power button to turn off your iPad’s screen. This will temporarily black out the display.

Step 2: Adjust the iPad Position
While the screen is off, hold your iPad in the orientation you want it to rotate to. Ensure it’s positioned exactly the way you desire.

Step 3: Turn the Screen Back On
After holding your iPad in the preferred orientation, press the Top/Power button again to turn the screen back on.

By performing these steps, you might successfully reset the screen orientation, allowing your iPad to rotate as intended. This quick solution can be effective if the issue is not related to software settings.

Solution 4: Restarting Problematic Apps

Have you ever encountered the frustrating situation where your iPhone or iPad’s screen refuses to switch between portrait and landscape modes? While this issue may seem perplexing, it’s often a glitch within a specific app that’s causing the inconvenience. Luckily, there’s a simple solution: restart the problematic app.

Here’s how to do it:

For iPhones Without a Home Button

Step 1: If you’re using an iPhone without a Home button, start by swiping up from the bottom of the screen. This action will bring up the App Switcher, which displays all your recently used apps. For those with an iPhone or iPad featuring a Home button, press it twice to access the App Switcher.

Step 2: Within the App Switcher, locate the app that’s causing screen rotation issues. Once you’ve identified it, swipe up on the screen to close the app completely.

Now, the app is no longer running in the background. Test whether you can freely rotate the screen using other apps. If the screen rotates smoothly, reopen the problematic app to see if the issue has been resolved.

It’s important to note that certain apps, such as video streaming platforms like Disney Plus and Max (formerly HBOMax), are designed to play videos exclusively in landscape view. While watching a video on your iPhone, you won’t be able to switch to portrait mode. However, on an iPad, you can still rotate the screen while viewing videos. Additionally, specific games may default to either landscape or portrait view, and this orientation may not be changeable.

By following these steps, you can quickly diagnose and potentially fix screen rotation problems caused by troublesome apps, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable device experience.

Solution 5: Updating and Reinstalling Apps

When your iPhone or iPad stubbornly refuses to switch between portrait and landscape modes, it might be due to an outdated or glitchy app. The good news is that this issue can often be fixed with a few simple steps:

Update Your Apps

If you suspect that a specific app is causing your screen rotation woes, the first thing to do is check for available updates. Developers regularly release updates to address bugs and improve app functionality, including screen rotation.

Here’s how to update your apps:

Step 1: Open the App Store on your device.

Step 2: Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.

Step 3: Scroll down to see the list of apps with available updates.

Step 4: If you spot the problematic app, tap the Update button next to it.

Step 5: Alternatively, tap Update All to ensure that all your apps are up to date.

After updating the app, check if the screen rotation issue has been resolved. If not, move on to the next step.

Delete and Reinstall the App

If updating the app doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to take more decisive action. You can delete the problematic app and then reinstall it from the App Store. Here’s how:

Step 1: Find the app causing the screen rotation problem on your device’s home screen.

Step 2: Press and hold the app icon until it starts to wiggle.

Step 3: Tap the X icon in the corner of the app’s icon to delete it.

Step 4: Confirm the deletion if prompted.

Step 5: Now, open the App Store again.

Step 6: Use the search function to find and download the app anew.

Once the app is reinstalled, test it to see if the screen rotation issue has been resolved. In most cases, these steps should help you get your iPhone or iPad’s screen rotation back to normal.

By keeping your apps up to date and willing to take swift actions when issues arise, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable device experience.

Solution 6: Try Restarting Your iPhone or iPad

Sometimes, the simplest solution can be the most effective. If your iPhone or iPad’s screen stubbornly refuses to switch between portrait and landscape modes, it’s worth trying a quick restart. This can help resolve minor issues and glitches that might be causing the problem.

Here’s how to do it:

For iPhone 13 or Higher

Step 1: Locate the Volume Up button and the Volume Down button on the sides of your iPhone.

Step 2: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.

Step 3: Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.

Step 4: Now, press and hold the Side button (formerly known as the Sleep/Wake button) until you see the Apple logo on the screen.

Step 5: Release the Side button, and your iPhone will restart.

For iPhone X, 11, or 12

Step 1: Locate the Side button (formerly known as the Sleep/Wake button) and either Volume Up or Volume Down button on the sides of your iPhone.

Step 2: Press and hold both the Side button and either Volume Up or Volume Down button simultaneously.

Step 3: Keep holding them until you see the Apple logo on the screen.

Step 4: Release both buttons, and your iPhone will restart.

For iPad

Step 1: Locate the Top button (on the upper-right corner, near the edge) or the Side button (on earlier models).

Step 2: Press and hold the Top or Side button until the Slide to Power Off slider appears on the screen.

Step 3: Swipe the slider to the left to turn off your iPad.

Step 4: Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the Top or Side button again until you see the Apple logo on the screen.

Step 5: Release the button, and your iPad will restart.

After the restart, check if the screen rotation issue has been resolved. If not, you can explore further troubleshooting steps. But in many cases, a simple restart can do the trick and get your device back to smoothly switching between portrait and landscape modes.

Solution 7: How to Force-Restart Your iPad

If your iPad’s screen becomes unresponsive or gets stuck, a force-restart can help resolve the issue. However, the process differs depending on whether your iPad has a Home button or not. Below are the steps for both scenarios:

For iPads With a Home Button

Step 1: Locate the Home and Power buttons on your iPad.

Step 2: Press and hold both the Home and Power buttons simultaneously.

Step 3: Continue holding both buttons until the iPad’s screen goes completely dark, and you see the Apple logo.

Step 4: Release both buttons and wait for the Lock Screen to appear.

For iPads Without a Home Button

Step 1: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button on the side of your iPad.

Step 2: Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.

Step 3: Immediately after, press and hold the Power button (located on the top or side of your iPad).

Step 4: Keep holding the Power button until the iPad’s screen goes dark, and the Apple logo appears.

Step 5: Release the Power button and wait for the Lock Screen to appear.

Performing a force-restart should help resolve unresponsive screen issues on your iPad. This method does not erase any data; it simply forces a restart of the device’s operating system.

Solution x: Keeping Your iPhone or iPad Up to Date

If your iPhone or iPad screen remains stuck in one orientation and refuses to rotate as it should, there might be an underlying system issue. One effective way to tackle this problem is by ensuring that your device is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

Here’s how you can update your iPhone or iPad:

For iPhone and iPad

Step 1: Open the Settings app, which you can usually find on your home screen.

Step 2: Scroll down and select the General option from the list of settings.

Step 3: Now, tap on Software Update. Your device will check for available updates.

Step 4: If there are any iOS or iPadOS updates available, you’ll see them listed. Simply tap Download and Install to proceed.

Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the download and installation process.

Step 6: During the update, your iPhone or iPad will automatically restart to ensure that the new software is properly applied.

After the update is complete, check if your device’s screen rotation is functioning correctly. Often, keeping your device up to date can resolve any system-related issues, including problems with screen orientation.

Solution 8: Resetting All Settings on Your iPhone or iPad

If you’ve tried all the previous methods and your iPhone or iPad screen stubbornly refuses to rotate correctly, you can consider resetting all settings. This option will help resolve the problem without erasing your device’s data. However, keep in mind that it will reset various settings, including those related to Apple Pay, Wi-Fi, keys, passes, and more. You’ll need to set up these features and settings again after the reset.

Here’s how to reset all settings on your iPhone or iPad:

For iPhone

Step 1: Open the Settings app, typically located on your home screen.

Step 2: Scroll down and select the General option from the list.

Step 3: Swipe down and choose Transfer or Reset iPhone from the menu.

Step 4: Next, select the Reset option found at the bottom of the screen.

Step 5: Tap on Reset All Settings when the menu appears.

Step 6: You’ll be prompted to enter your iPhone’s passcode.

Step 7: Confirm the reset by tapping Reset All Settings on the verification message that appears.

Your device will then restart, and all settings will be reset to their default configurations. Afterward, check to see if the screen rotation issue has been resolved. This comprehensive reset often corrects persistent problems with screen orientation on your iPhone or iPad.

Solution 9: Factory Reset

If none of the previous methods have resolved the screen rotation problem on your iPhone or iPad, the final option is to perform a factory reset. It’s important to note that a factory reset will erase all data on your device and return it to its original, out-of-the-box settings. However, once the reset is complete, you can restore your iPhone or iPad from a previously created backup.

Here’s how to perform a factory reset:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your device.

Step 2: Scroll down and select the General option.

Step 3: Swipe down and choose Transfer or Reset iPhone (on iPhone) or Reset (on iPad).

Step 4: Select Erase All Content and Settings. You may be asked to enter your device’s passcode.

Step 5: Confirm the reset by tapping Erase Now.

Step 6: Your device will begin the reset process, which may take some time. Once it’s finished, your iPhone or iPad will be restored to its factory settings.

After the factory reset, you can set up your device as a new one or choose to restore it from a backup, if you have one available. Be sure to follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Please exercise caution when performing a factory reset, as it will remove all data, settings, and apps from your device. Only use this option if all other troubleshooting methods have failed to resolve the screen rotation issue.

Dealing with Persistent Screen Rotation Issues? It Might Be Your Gyroscope

In most cases, the methods we’ve discussed should help you resolve screen rotation problems on your iPad. However, if none of these fixes seem to work, and your iPad’s screen remains stubbornly stuck in either landscape or portrait mode, there’s a possibility that the culprit is a malfunctioning gyroscope.

The gyroscope is the internal sensor responsible for detecting your device’s orientation and enabling screen rotation. If it’s faulty, it can lead to persistent rotation issues.

In such situations, your best course of action is to get in touch with Apple Support and schedule a visit to the nearest Apple Store. Apple’s expert technicians can diagnose the problem accurately and provide you with the necessary solutions or repairs to get your iPad back to its normal functioning.

Remember, while the previous methods covered common software-related screen rotation problems, hardware issues like a malfunctioning gyroscope require professional attention. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support if you suspect a hardware problem is at the root of your iPad’s screen rotation woes. They’ll guide you through the next steps to ensure your device works flawlessly once again.

Apps That Lack Screen Rotation Support

In some instances, you may encounter apps that are intentionally designed not to support screen rotation. If you find that the rest of your iPad rotates as expected while a particular app remains fixed in one orientation, it’s likely a deliberate design choice by the app developer. In such cases, your options are limited:

Accept the Limitation: Unfortunately, there may be little you can do to enable screen rotation for this specific app. You might need to adapt to using it in its designated orientation.

Request an Update: If the lack of screen rotation affects your user experience significantly, you can consider reaching out to the app’s developer. Politely request the addition of screen rotation as a feature upgrade in a future app update. Developers often listen to user feedback and may incorporate such changes if there’s enough demand.

While you might encounter apps that don’t support screen rotation, these situations are relatively rare, and most apps are designed to work seamlessly in both portrait and landscape orientations.

Conclusion: Resolving Screen Rotation Issues on Your iPhone or iPad

In conclusion, if you find that your iPhone or iPad screen refuses to rotate as expected, don’t fret. More often than not, the issue is related to a locked screen orientation, and you can easily resolve it by following the troubleshooting steps we’ve outlined above.

These instructions should assist you in regaining control over your screen’s rotation on your iPad. It’s a good idea to remember the simpler fixes, such as checking Rotation Lock, power cycling your device, or toggling screen orientation, as they can come in handy if you encounter similar problems in the future.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your iPhone or iPad screen rotates smoothly, allowing you to enjoy your device to the fullest without any frustrating hiccups in display orientation.