How to Lock screen rotation on iPad

The Apple iPad's screen orientation rotates depending on how the device is held, the screen turning from a landscape view to a horizontal view as necessary to maintain optimal visibility. Users may lock screen rotation to prevent any unwanted flipping. However, sometimes the rotation may get stuck due to a variety of reasons.

Switch

1. If you experience problems with your iPad's screen rotation, check the rotation lock switch to determine if it's in the correct position and in proper working order. The rotation lock switch sits on the upper right side of the iPad if you're holding the device in a vertical position with the home button located at the bottom. Moving the switch down locks the current rotation in place. Moving the switch up enables screen rotation. Remove any dirt or debris that could be preventing proper switch function.

Apps

1. Certain iPad apps automatically disable screen rotation to ensure the best possible orientation. For instance, an app may only present a landscape view no matter how you hold the device. Press the iPad's home button to exit the app and then check to see if screen rotation returns. If it does, you know the rotation conflict exists with only that specific app.

Operating System

1. Not all iPads use the side switch to control screen rotation. The switch's exact purpose depends on your iPad's operating system. On iPads using an operating system earlier than iOS 4.2, the switch controlled screen rotation. The iOS 4.2 operating system removed the switch's screen rotation control, instead making it a mute button. For iOS 4.3, Apple provided users with the choice, letting them choose whether the switch locks screen rotation or mutes sound depending on the device settings. If you find your iPad screen no longer rotates and that the side switch only affects volume, enter the "Settings" area and select "General." Look for the "Use Side Switch to" setting and make certain to check the "Lock Rotation" option.

Power Off

1. If your iPad's screen rotation remains stuck, power off the device entirely. Press and hold the "Sleep/Wake" button on the upper right corner until the "slide to power off" option appears onscreen. Slide the bar to the "Off" position to completely shut down the iPad. Now, with the device off, press the "Sleep/Wake" button again to turn on the iPad and reboot the operating system. If this still doesn't correct your iPad rotation lock problems, contact the Apple customer support for further assistance.

   Trouble rotating an iPad screen is a common issue that’s usually easy to troubleshoot. But sometimes, you might need advanced fixes to get a screen stuck in portrait or landscape mode to rotate correctly.

   Work your way through the suggestion and solutions below to fix an iPad, iPad Air, or iPad Pro screen that doesn’t auto-rotate.

   Table of Contents

   

   1. Check Screen Orientation Lock

   First, check whether Rotation Lock is active on your iPad. You—or someone else with access to your iPad—may have turned it on accidentally. This is also a fairly common problem on iPhone, iPod touch, and even Android. If Rotation Lock is on, turn it off to get your iPad’s screen to start rotating again. 

   To do that, swipe down from the upper-right corner of the iPad’s screen to open Control Center. On an Apple iPad running iOS 10 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom of the screen instead. If the Rotation Lock button appears active (red lock icon on a white background), tap to disable it.

   

   2. Use Side Switch to Disable Rotation Lock

   If you use a fourth-generation iPad (2012) or older iPad model, Rotation Lock appears as a physical side button/switch above the Volume Up and Down buttons. If your iPad screen is not rotating, use it to deactivate the iOS device’s orientation lock.

   3. Turn Screen Off, Then On

   If Rotation Lock isn’t the problem, here’s a quick fix you can try. Start by turning off the iPad’s screen (press the Top/Power button). Then, hold the iPad in the position you want it to rotate and turn it back on. 

   No luck? Move on with the rest of the fixes.

   4. Force-Quit App

   Rarely an app can bug out and prevent your iPad’s screen from auto-rotating. To fix that, try force-quitting the app. So, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and briefly hold your finger to invoke the App Switcher. Then, drag the app card—e.g., Safari—up and out of the screen. 

   

   If the iPad’s Home Screen starts to rotate as usual after that, re-launch the app and check if the issue recurs.

   5. Some Apps Don’t Support Rotation

   Rarely will you run into apps that don’t support screen rotation by design. That is likely the case if the rest of your iPad rotates as usual. You can do nothing about it except requesting the functionality as a feature upgrade from the app’s developer.

   6. Power Off and Restart iPad

   The following fix involves rebooting your iPad. To do that, open the Settings app and tap General > Shutdown. Then, drag the Power icon to the right to shut down the device. Once the screen goes dark, wait for 30 seconds. Then, press and hold the Power button until you see the Apple logo.

   

   7. Force-Restart iPad

   If the screen on your iPad appears unresponsive or stuck, you must force-restart it. However, the process differs between models with a Home button and models that don’t.

   Force Restarting iPads With a Home Button

   
   
   Source: Apple

   1. Press and hold the Home and Power buttons simultaneously. 

   2. Keep holding both buttons until the screen goes dark and the Apple logo shows up.

   3. Release both buttons and wait for the Lock Screen.

   Force Restarting iPads Without a Home Button

   
   
   Source: Apple

   1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.

   2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.

   3. Immediately press and hold the Power button.

   4. Keep holding the button until the screen goes dark and the Apple logo shows up.

   3. Release the button and wait for the Lock Screen.

   8. Update System Software

   If the issue persists and causes the iPad’s screen to freeze or continuously get stuck in portrait orientation lock or vice-versa, it’s a good idea to update the system software. That’s the best way to resolve any known technical problems with auto-rotate.

   To do that, open the Settings app and go to General > Software Update. Then, tap Download and Install to install the latest iOS or iPadOS version for your iPad. Learn what to do if you have trouble updating your iPad.

   

   9. Update All Apps

   The system software aside, we also recommend updating all apps on your iPad. To do that, long-press the App Store icon and select Updates. Then, swipe down the Account pop-up pane to scan for new app updates and tap Update All.

   

   10. Reset All Settings to Defaults

   Corrupt system settings on the iPad can also play a factor, so the following fix involves resetting them to their defaults. However, that will cause you to lose saved Wi-Fi networks and privacy preferences, so prepare to spend time re-configuring your iPad afterward.

   To reset all settings on your iPad, open the Settings app and go to General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset All Settings. Then, enter your iPad’s device passcode and tap Reset to confirm.

   

   iPad Screen Rotation Issues Fixed

   The above instructions should help you get a stuck screen to rotate again on the iPad. Don’t forget to commit the more straightforward fixes to memory (checking Rotation Lock, turning the screen off/on, restarting the iPad, etc.) in case you run into the same problem later.

   However, if none of the fixes work or the iPad’s screen gets stuck in landscape or portrait mode all the time, the problem could lie with a faulty gyroscope. Your best option would be to contact Apple Support and book a visit to the closest Apple Store. But if you’re up for it, you can perform additional troubleshooting yourself by factory resetting the device or reinstalling the firmware in DFU Mode via iTunes.

   How do I stop my iPad screen from rotating?

   Make sure Rotation Lock is turned off: swipe down from the top right-hand corner of your screen to open Control Centre. Then tap the Rotation Lock button to make sure it's turned off.

   Where is rotation lock in settings?

   To change your auto-rotate setting, follow these steps:.

   Open your device's Settings app. ..

   Select Accessibility..

   Select Auto-rotate screen..

   How do I lock my iPad to landscape or portrait?

   Lock iPad in portrait or landscape mode.

   Double tap the Home button..

   Scroll all the way to the left on the multitasking bar at the bottom of your iPad's screen. ... .

   Tap the Lock button to lock the screen after you have it in your preferred orientation..