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Why won't my iPad turn?

Published in iPad Screen Orientation 2 mins read

Why Won't My iPad Screen Rotate?

The most common reason your iPad screen isn't rotating is because the Rotation Lock feature has been activated.

The Primary Culprit: Rotation Lock

Your iPad's screen orientation is usually designed to adjust automatically as you turn the device, switching between portrait and landscape modes. However, the device features a built-in Rotation Lock specifically designed to keep the screen from changing orientation based on how you hold it. This feature is incredibly useful for maintaining a consistent view, for instance, when reading in bed.

As highlighted in the reference, it's quite common for users to accidentally turn on this feature because of how easily accessible it is. A quick swipe and tap can enable the Rotation Lock without you even realizing it, leading to the frustrating experience of a screen that won't rotate.

How to Check and Disable Rotation Lock

Disabling the Rotation Lock is a straightforward process that takes just a few seconds. Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

  1. Access Control Center:

    • On iPads with a Home button (e.g., iPad Air 3rd Gen, iPad 7th Gen), swipe up from the very bottom edge of the screen.
    • On iPads without a Home button (e.g., iPad Pro, iPad Air 4th Gen and later, iPad mini 6th Gen), swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen where the battery icon is located.
  2. Identify the Rotation Lock Icon:

    • Within the Control Center, look for an icon that resembles a padlock with a circular arrow around it.
    • If this icon is highlighted (often red or white with a colored background, depending on your iOS version), it means Rotation Lock is enabled.
  3. Toggle the Feature Off:

    • Tap the Rotation Lock icon to disable it. The icon should dim or change color, indicating it's now off.
  4. Test Your Screen Rotation:

    • Exit the Control Center by tapping outside it or pressing the Home button.
    • Rotate your iPad to see if the screen now adjusts its orientation.

Quick Troubleshooting Summary: Rotation Lock

For a quick reference, here's a summary of the common issue and its simple solution:

Problem Most Common Cause Solution
iPad screen not rotating or turning Device's Rotation Lock is enabled Disable Rotation Lock via Control Center