iPhone Not Rotating Screen? Here’s How to Fix It

Few things are as frustrating as trying to watch a video, browse a webpage, or play a game—only to find your iPhone not rotating screen when you turn it sideways. Whether you’re using an iPhone 13 or an older model, screen rotation issues can happen for several reasons.

In this guide, we’ll cover all the possible causes and fixes, from simple toggles to more advanced troubleshooting steps. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to get your iPhone’s auto-rotation working again.

Why Won’t My iPhone Screen Rotate?

Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand why your iPhone screen won’t rotate. Common reasons include:

• Rotation Lock is enabled (the most frequent culprit)

• App restrictions (some apps don’t support landscape mode)

• Software glitches (iOS bugs or temporary system errors)

• Hardware issues (rare, but possible if the gyroscope is damaged)

Let’s explore each of these in detail, along with step-by-step solutions.

Fix 1: Check if Rotation Lock Is On

The #1 reason for an iPhone not rotating screen is accidentally enabling Rotation Lock (also called Portrait Orientation Lock). Here’s how to disable it:

For iPhones with a Home Button

1. Swipe up from the bottom to open Control Center.

2. Look for the lock icon with a circular arrow (🔒↻).

3. If it’s highlighted (white on a dark background), tap it to turn off Rotation Lock.

For iPhones Without a Home Button (iPhone X and newer)

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center.

2. Find the Rotation Lock icon (same as above).

3. Tap it to disable if active.

✅ Test it out: Open Safari or YouTube, rotate your phone sideways, and see if the screen adjusts.

Fix 2: Restart Your iPhone

If Rotation Lock is off but your iPhone screen still won’t rotate, a simple restart can fix temporary software glitches.

1. For iPhones with Face ID:

   • Press and hold the Side + Volume Up buttons until the power slider appears.

   • Slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, then hold the Side button to turn it back on.

2. For iPhones with a Home Button:

   • Hold the Side or Top button until the power slider appears.

   • Slide to turn off, wait, then press the button again to restart.

After rebooting, check if rotation works in a supported app like Messages or Photos.

Fix 3: Check App-Specific Rotation Settings

Not all apps support screen rotation. For example:

• Instagram & Snapchat only work in portrait mode.

• Some games lock orientation to prevent accidental tilting.

✅ Test with a different app: Open Safari, load a webpage, and rotate your phone. If it works there but not in another app, the issue is app-specific.

Fix 4: Update iOS

A software bug in an older iOS version could cause iPhone not rotating screen problems. To update:

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

2. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

After updating, test screen rotation again.

Fix 5: Reset All Settings

If none of the above worked, resetting settings (without deleting data) can help:

1. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

2. Tap Reset > Reset All Settings.

3. Enter your passcode and confirm.

⚠️ Note: This resets Wi-Fi passwords, display settings, and more—but won’t delete photos or apps.

Fix 6: Check for Hardware Issues (Rare)

If your iPhone screen still won’t rotate, the gyroscope or accelerometer (which detect motion) might be damaged. Signs include:

• Rotation issues in all apps

• Other motion-based features (like compass) not working

• Recent drops or water damage

📌 Solution: Visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center for diagnostics.

FAQ: Common iPhone Screen Rotation Questions

Q: Why does my iPhone rotate in some apps but not others?

A: Some apps (like Instagram) are designed for portrait mode only. Try rotating in Safari or Messages to confirm.

Q: Does Low Power Mode affect screen rotation?

A: No, but it can disable background app refresh, which might cause delays in some cases.

Q: Can a case or screen protector block rotation?

A: Extremely rare, but a bulky case might interfere with motion sensors. Try removing it temporarily.

Final Fixes & Next Steps

If your iPhone not rotate screen issue persists, try these last-resort steps:

• Backup & restore via iTunes/Finder (to eliminate deep software issues).

• Contact Apple Support if hardware failure is suspected.

Most rotation problems are fixed by disabling Rotation Lock or restarting the device. If you’ve tried everything and still face issues, let us know in the comments—we’d love to help!

🔗 Related Reading:

• How to Fix iPhone Touch Screen Not Working

• Why Does My iPhone Keep Restarting?

Found this guide helpful? Share it with a friend who’s struggling with the same issue!