How to Control Display Rotation on iPhone [Easy Methods]

Part 1. What is Display Rotation on iPhone? What is it used for?

Display rotation on an iPhone lets you switch the screen between landscape (horizontal) and portrait (vertical) orientations. This feature allows you to view content in different ways. For instance, landscape mode will enable you to view a website in a wider format, or it offers a cinematic view while watching movies.

Display rotation is used for:

• Viewing Content

Rotating the iPhone can provide a larger screen area while viewing videos, reading ebooks, and running apps. This feature makes it easier to see and interact with content.

• App-Specific Features

Some apps, like Maps or Calculator, display additional features when the iPhone display rotation is on.

• Navigating the Home Screen

In the latest iOS, the iPhone home screen doesn't rotate by default anymore. It used to rotate on bigger iPhone models, allowing users to use landscape mode, which was useful for things like using the phone in a car.

• Accessibility

Display rotation is also helpful for users who prefer visual clarity or ease of use.

Now that you know what display rotation on iPhone is and why it's useful. Let’s look at how you can actually use it on your iPhone.

Part 2. How to Rotate the Screen on iPhone?

Screen rotation on iPhone is easy. All you have to do is tilt your iPhone to rotate the screen to your desired orientation. However, if it doesn’t work, try the two methods below.

Method 1: Enable Screen Rotation from the Control Center

The Control Center lets you rotate the screen on your iPhone. To do this, disable the Portrait Orientation Lock by following the steps below.

Step 1. Swipe down from the top-right of your iPhone screen to open the Control Center. If your iPhone features a Home button, swipe up from the bottom.

Step 2. Find the icon that shows a lock inside a circular arrow. If it's highlighted, it means Portrait Lock is on.

Step 3. Tap the icon once. You'll see a message saying, "Portrait Orientation Lock: Off." That means it's now disabled.

After that, your screen will rotate automatically when you turn your iPhone—if the app supports it. If you ever want to turn off auto-rotation, just tap the Portrait Orientation Lock again.

Method 2: Turn on iPhone Screen Rotation Via Assistive Touch

Another method to turn on screen rotation on your iPhone is using Assitive Touch. Here is how:

Step 1. Open the Settings application on your iPhone.

Step 2. Scroll down and choose Accessibility.

Step 3. Select Touch, then tap AssistiveTouch.

Step 1. Next, toggle on AssistiveTouch.

Step 2. Select Double-Tap or any unused custom action you prefer under Custom Actions.

Step 3. On the resulting menu, choose Lock Rotation, and you’re good to go.

If you want to turn screen rotation on, double-tap the AssistiveTouch circle. If you've set a different custom action, do the respective touch to turn screen rotation on or off.

Now that you know how to turn on screen display rotation on iPhone. Let’s look at how to stop it when you no longer need it.

Part 3. How to Stop Auto Rotation on iPhone and iPad?

If your screen rotates on its own when you tilt your hand, enable the screen rotation lock to stop it. An iPhone or iPod Touch keeps the screen in portrait mode. On an iPad, it locks the screen in the position it's currently in—whether that's portrait or lanadscape.

Step 1. Open the Control Centre. To do so:

• On an iPhone with Face ID and iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner of screen of your iPhone.
• Swipe up from the bottom of the screen on an iPhone with a Home button.

Step 2. Choose the rotation lock button to activate the lock.

Done with rotation lock and want your screen to move freely again? Let’s see how to unlock it.

Part 4. How Do You Unlock Screen Rotation on an iPhone/iPad?

Sometimes, your screen won't turn because the rotation is locked. Just switch the lock off, and it will move depending on how you hold your phone or iPad. It's a simple fix and works on both devices. To unlock screen rotation on an iPhone, follow the steps below.

Disable the Screen Rotation Lock on an iPhone With the Home Button

Step 1: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen of your iPhone to open the Control Center.

Step 2: Look for the rotation lock button. It's usually the one on the far right. If it’s on, tap it to turn it off.

Step 3: Close the Control Center, then try turning your phone sideways to see if the screen rotates.

Disable the Screen Rotation Lock on an iPhone Without the Home Button

Step 1: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open the Control Center.

Step 2: Check the rotation lock icon. If it’s red, tap it once; it should turn white, which means rotation is now unlocked.

Step 3: Exit the control center and turn your iPhone sideways. The phone screen should rotate freely now.

Now that you’ve unlocked screen rotation, here’s a quick bonus tip you might find handy.

Part 5. Bonus Tip: How to Unlock the Screen on iDevices?

It is common to forget the passcode on your iPhone or iPad. When that happens, you might think their device is done for. But that's not the case. You don't have to give up on it. That's where an iPhone unlock tool can really help. Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS) is one such option. It's designed to unlock iPhones, iPads, and even iPod Touch devices without needing the passcode, making it easier to get back in and use your device again.

Plus, it bypasses MDM and screen time without data loss. You also don't need to be a tech expert to use this tool. The best part is that it is compatible with iOS 18/iPadOS 18 and iPhone 16 Series.

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Steps to Unlock an iOS Device Without a Passcode with Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS)

Step 1: First of all, download and install Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer. Access Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS to launch the Screen Unlock tool in a new window.

Step 2: Select the Unlock iOS Screen button in the new window to continue unlocking your iOS device.

Step 3: Click Start on the next screen to initiate the unlocking process. Ensure that the battery level is up to par.

Step 4: Now, put your iDevice in recovery mode. Follow the on-screen prompts to set your iDevice to the model you own. If recovery mode does not work, try setting it to DFU mode.

Step 5: Next, confirm the device details and click start to proceed with unlocking your device’s screen.

Step 6: Now, download iOS firmware and click the Unlock Now button.

Step 7: Confirm the unlocking process by typing the required code and tapping the Unlock button.

Step 8: The iDevice is unlocked successfully. Click the Done button to conclude or Try Again button to restart the process.

That’s all about using Dr.Fone Screen Unlock (iOS) to unlock the screen lock of your iDevice.

Conclusion

Let's be honest—when your iPhone screen refuses to rotate, it can be a real headache. But the good news? It's usually simple to enable or disable display rotation on an iPhone. Whether it's turning off the rotation lock or tweaking a quick setting, you can get things working again in no time.

Tools like Dr.Fone Screen Unlock (iOS) can save the day without wiping your data if all else fails. So next time your screen gets stubborn, you'll know exactly what to do

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