How Do I Rotate My iPhone Or iPad Screen?

You’re flipping your iPhone or iPad sideways, but the screen stubbornly stays vertical. Frustrating, right?

To rotate your iPhone or iPad screen, you need to disable orientation lock, and make sure you’re using an app that supports rotation.

This issue is more common than you think. Whether you’re watching a video, browsing the web, or playing a game, screen rotation problems often have a simple fix. Let’s break it down.

How do I get my iPad screen to rotate again?

Your iPad used to switch between portrait and landscape modes effortlessly, but now it seems stuck. What happened?

If your iPad screen doesn’t rotate, check if orientation lock is enabled, and make sure the app you're using supports landscape mode.

Here’s what to do:

1. Check Orientation Lock

   • Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen (Control Center).
   • Look for the padlock with a circular arrow.
   • If it's red or white, tap it to turn off orientation lock.

2. Use a Compatible App

   • Not all apps support landscape mode (e.g., some iOS home screens or games).
   • Try rotating the iPad while using Safari or YouTube.

3. Restart the Device

   • A simple reboot can fix rotation bugs caused by temporary glitches.

4. Check Side Switch (Older iPads)

   • Some older models have a hardware switch for rotation on the side.
   • Flip it to see if it unlocks rotation.

If All Else Fails

• Go to Settings → Display & Brightness, and adjust view settings.
• If rotation still doesn't work, your gyroscope or accelerometer might be malfunctioning.

I once had a client who thought her screen was broken—it turned out she had a magnetic iPad case that interfered with the sensors.

How do I get my iPhone screen to rotate again?

You’re watching a video and want the full-screen view, but your iPhone won’t switch from portrait. What should you check?

To get your iPhone screen to rotate again, turn off portrait orientation lock and make sure you’re not on the home screen or using an app that doesn’t support landscape mode.

Step-by-step:

1. Swipe Down for Control Center

   • iPhone X and later: swipe down from top-right.
   • iPhone 8 and earlier: swipe up from the bottom.

2. Tap the Lock Icon

   • If it’s highlighted, it’s enabled. Tap it to disable.
   • A message will confirm “Portrait Orientation Lock: Off.”

3. Try in Safari or Photos

   • The home screen doesn’t rotate on many iPhones.
   • Open YouTube, Safari, or Camera for rotation testing.

Extra Tips

• Make sure Display Zoom is not enabled in Settings > Display & Brightness.
• Restart the phone if it's still stuck.

Many times, customers bring in “stuck” phones to our shop, but we fix it in seconds by turning off the lock. A surprisingly common mistake!

How do I enable screen rotation?

Maybe you disabled screen rotation earlier, and now you want it back. Where’s the switch?

To enable screen rotation, disable orientation lock in Control Center and use an app that supports landscape mode.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Open Control Center

   • Swipe down from top-right (Face ID devices)
   • Swipe up from the bottom (Touch ID devices)

2. Disable the Orientation Lock

   • Tap the icon with the padlock and circular arrow.
   • When it’s off, your screen will rotate automatically when you turn the device.

3. Make Sure Rotation Is Supported

   • Apps like Messages, Instagram, or many home screens don’t support rotation.
   • Test with Photos, Notes, or YouTube.

Troubleshooting Tips

I always recommend trying it without a case first. You’d be surprised how many magnetic covers cause sensor interference.

Why won't my iPhone 16 rotate the screen?

The iPhone 16 is supposed to be the most advanced model, yet the screen won’t rotate? It seems odd—but here’s what could be going wrong.

If your iPhone 16 won’t rotate, check for system settings like orientation lock, and make sure iOS is updated. Some third-party apps or accessories might also block rotation.

Here’s what I’d do:

1. Check the Basics Again

   • Orientation lock: off
   • Try Safari or Photos
   • Remove any magnetic or folio case

2. Check Display Settings

   • Go to Settings → Display & Brightness → Display Zoom
   • If “Zoomed” is selected, switch to “Standard”
   • Restart your phone afterward

3. Test the Sensor

   • Open the Compass app and tilt the device
   • If the motion isn’t detected, the gyroscope might be faulty

4. Update iOS

   • Go to Settings → General → Software Update
   • Install the latest version to fix bugs

In rare cases, hardware damage from drops can affect internal sensors. In my wholesale business, we often test accelerometers and gyros before shipping out refurbished devices, especially to clients who do their own repairs.

Conclusion

If your iPhone or iPad screen isn’t rotating, the fix is usually simple: turn off orientation lock, restart the device, or remove accessories. A few quick steps can get everything moving again.