The Best Ways to Fix iPad Screen Rotation That Doesn't Work

While the iPad's default camera orientation is for portrait mode, most people prefer to use it in horizontal mode. It makes sense to use the iPad in landscape mode for web browsing, viewing movies, or checking out the latest TechWiser YouTube videos. When the screen rotation stops working in the first place, the issue develops. Here are some solutions for resolving the iPad screen not rotating issue.

How to Fix iPad Screen Rotation That Doesn't Work

Perhaps you're watching a video in landscape mode and need to select a future Zoom or FaceTime chat on your iPad. You will be left with an unpleasant experience if the screen rotation stops operating.

1. Disable Lock Rotation

You may have locked screen rotation from the Control Centre menu to prevent inadvertent screen rotation. It's time to turn it off.

1. Swipe up from the upper right corner and open the Control Center.

2. Disable Rotation Lock and rotate your iPad screen.

If you have an iPad with a home button, you can launch the control centre by swiping up from the bottom.

2. Remove Thick Screen Protector

Some iPad screen coverings may interfere with essential hardware sensors, preventing the screen from rotating.

Remove the screen protector and rotate the screen to see if that helps.

3. Check with the App

The iPad App Store does not have every app that supports screen rotation. Some apps are only meant to be used in portrait mode. You won't be able to utilise such apps in landscape mode even if screen rotation is enabled.

Try screen rotation in other apps, such as YouTube, and if it works in all supported apps, the problem is with the app you're using.

You can contact the app creator via email or social media to request that the landscape mode be included in the next release.

4. Reset Settings on iPad

A rotation problem on the iPad might be caused by a misconfigured configuration on the device. Thankfully, you can reset all of your iPad's settings from the General menu. To reset all of the iPad's settings, follow the steps below.

1. Open the Settings app on iPad.

2. Go to the General menu and scroll down to Transfer or Reset iPad.

3. Select Reset and tap on Reset All Settings from the pop-up menu.

5. Force a restart of your iPad

When transitioning between portrait and landscape mode, the screen rotation can become stuck at times. On the iPad, none of the touch inputs will work.

You can force restart the iPad and try again in such scenario. Depending on the iPad model, the ability to force restart the device varies.

Follow the steps below for models with Face ID or Touch in the top-bottom.

1. Press and release the volume button nearest to the top button.

2. Press and release the other volume button.

3. Hold down the power button until you see the Apple logo. Pull back on the top button.

The hardware home button is still present on the regular iPad devices. To use them, press and hold both the home and top buttons at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release them.

After you've gone through the steps, launch your favourite app to see if the screen rotation is working.

6. Update iPadOS

It is strongly advised that you update your iPad's operating system. Apple distributes new OS upgrades on a regular basis to provide new features and solve bugs. It's possible that your iPad's screen rotation isn't operating because of an out-of-date iPadOS. Let's get the latest iPadOS installed, shall we?

1. Launch iPad Settings.

2. Go to the General menu.

3. On the iPad, go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the most recent iPadOS release.

Take Advantage of iPad's Improved Orientation

If none of the above methods are successful in resolving screen rotation on the iPad, you should schedule an appointment with your local Apple repair centre. Use the tips above to troubleshoot why your iPad's screen rotation isn't working.