What can you do? There can be many reasons why the Home button on your iPhone is not working. If your device is still under warranty, the best thing you can do is take it to the nearest Apple Store and get it fixed. Otherwise, we will show you how to solve the problem yourself.
Table of the content:
iPhone Home button basics
What can you do with the Home Button?
Why is the home button not working and how can you fix it?
Some tricks to fix your iPhone Home button
How to access the virtual Home Button
10 values of iPhone Home button
10 tips to protect your iPhone Home button
Most asking questions about iPhone Home button not working
First, let’s look at the basic details of the iPhone Home button. Then we will go through its troubleshooting method.
iPhone Home button basics
The latest iPhone X, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 do not have a home button while their older counterparts do. This list includes iPhone 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Meanwhile, iPhone 5 and 6, 7, 8’s and the Home button have been modified with a Touch sensor ID.
What can you do with the Home button?
You can wake up your iPhone by quickly pressing it.
You can activate Siri by long pressing it.
You can activate the task switcher or click it to return to the home screen.
Even with the lock screen you can control your iPhone display music app.
Many iPhone users do not understand the value of the Home button until it is not working.
Why is the home button not working and how can you fix it?
1. Software problem
Your home button may not work due to apps or iOS malfunction. To fix it, restart your iPhone and try to fix the problem. Or you can reset the software and restore the iPhone through factory settings. By turning off the Apple Phone and restarting it, many software glitches disappear after the Apple Logo appears.
2. When your Home button needs recalibration
If you look at this in terms of other issues, this issue is seen very rarely. But your home button may need calibration to work normally. Follow the steps below to calibrate the physical home button of the iPhone.
Open any App that is stocked in Apple. Press the Power button until the Slide to power off prompt is displayed. Instead of turning off your iPhone, hold the Home button until the screen flashes. You will then be taken back to the Home screen. Test if the home button is working. When the calibration is complete, you can use your home button to access the iPhone’s home screen. And other features like Siri can be accessed.
3. Restore your iPhone using Finder or iTunes
One of the best solutions to fix the issue is to restore your iPhone from an iCloud or local backup using iTunes on a PC or Finder on a Mac. And if anything goes wrong, you can recover your iPhone’s firmware using DFU mode.
4. Home button is dirty
If your home button is covered by debris or dirty, it may not work properly. To fix this problem, clean your home button with a dry or soft cloth. Or use compressed air to remove debris. Do not use chemical cleaning such as isopropyl alcohol to clean.
5. Home button misalignment
If you have an iPhone 6s or earlier and you don’t get a distinct ‘click’ when you press the home button, it most likely means that the home button is misaligned and isn’t pressing against the necessary support to trigger properly.
The gasket between the home button and the iPhone is torn or worn and will have to be replaced. But unfortunately this leads to complicated disassembly. Therefore, it is best to ask a well-trained technician to do this using the right tool. Also it can be due to warped mounting bracket or missing or broken screws for mounting bracket. According to each of these cases, the technician has to go inside the phone to see if this is a real hardware problem.
6. Using the Charger Trick
If the home button of your iPhone is not functioning properly, sometimes pressing the charger cable temporarily fixes the problem. Press the charger cable and follow the steps below to fix the issue.
1. Connect the iPhone charger using a Lightning to USB cable.
2. Gently press the back of the plug in the area where the charging cable connects to the iPhone at the bottom of the device.
3. Press and hold the home button for a few seconds and see if it works.
4. If the Home button is working, press the Home button while continuing to hold the charging cable in place.
This method simply fixes the home button by applying pressure to the area where the charging cable connects to the iPhone. This improves the electrical connection and allows the Home button to function properly. However, this is a temporary solution, and the home button may not work again.
7. Home button is physically damaged
If the home button is damaged, it will not work properly. To fix this problem, the home button must be repaired or replaced by a qualified technician.
This should be done by a qualified technician or it will lead to disassembling and handling delicate internal components. Considering the cost and the year of your iPhone, this may make you want to buy a new iPhone.
8. Wear and Tear Caused by Age
One of the reasons why Apple removed the physical home button from their latest iPhone models is that it breaks down depending on the amount of use and it causes various home button issues. The home button is used more than the side button and the volume button together. Therefore, it is more likely to be virtual. If the home button does not function due to its age or wear, it should be repaired or replaced by a qualified technician.
9. Physical damage to the button
Like everything else, physical damage or liquid contact can affect the home button to stop functioning. This can greatly affect the touch sensitive style buttons of the iPhone 7 and later. But it varies according to the model. Look carefully if there is a sign of cracks. If the glass is damaged, the touch screen and the capacitive type buttons may also lose functionality. Therefore, change your view and see if there are small hairline cracks.
Apart from this, a liquid entry can also cause damage. This kind of damage is very difficult to take care of. If this is the case, you can have your home button replaced or repaired by an acceptable technician.
10. Torn cables
Most of the time, problems related to the home button come as a result of attempts to repair it. This home button is assembled to tiny ribbon cables and it transmits electric signals. Therefore, it is very easy to damage them inadvertently.
Check if there is any damage in the home button cable. They are often caused by coner and are very difficult to take care of. If your cable is torn, it is a good idea to replace the button. And these cables can be repaired. Also, the cable that goes from the home button signals display to the logic board can be torn many times. Use a good display to see if this is the issue. If this is the issue, it is recommended to replace the display.
Some tricks to fix your iPhone Home button
1. Remove any case or protective film
Some iPhone cases and protective films block your home button and prevent it from working properly. As a solution to this, remove them and make it function properly.
2. Changing the click speed of the Home Button on the iPhone
Apple does not give you an opportunity to increase the click speed of the Home button on your iPhone. But you can slow it down. You can choose between ‘Default’, ‘Slow’, and ‘Slower’ click speed. You can repair a broken home button by using slow or slower and decreasing the click speed. For that follow the below steps,
• Go to Settings. Go to its Accessibility.
• Tap on the Home button and click on slow or slower.
3. Test your home button
Another way to fix your home button is to try to identify the problem. Click your home button from each side and do it from different angles and see how it reacts. Follow the steps below for that.
• Press the far left side and right side of your home button with your finger.
• Press the far top side, far bottom side and then press the center.
You can also check if it is normal or stuck. If your iPhone works fine when you press a particular side, your iPhone may have a hardware problem.
How to access the virtual Home Button
If your home button is not working, you can access the virtual home button on your iPhone by the following steps.
•Open the settings app on your iPhone.
•Select its accessibility.
•Scroll down.
•Select Touch to open the AssistiveTouch settings. Turn on the Assistive Touch toggle and enable AssistiveTouch.
Then a small AssistiveTouch button will appear on your screen. That way you can access the virtual on-screen Home button and other features. It looks like a small circle on-screen.
To access the Virtual Home button, select the Assistive Touch button. Next is the Home button. This will simulate the physical home button and bring you back to the home screen.
Select the Assistive Touch button, then tap on the Siri button. This activates Siri and you can give commands and ask questions with your voice.
To access the control center, select the Assistive Touch button, then select the control center button. That will open the virtual control center. It allows you to access the settings and controls of your iPhone.
To access the notification center, select the Assistive Touch button. Next is the Notification center button. This will open your notification center. There you will be shown notifications of apps and services.
How to open Apple Pay with a broken Home button
Apple Pay is the safest and most secure way to make your payment. Let’s see how you can pay here without a home button. Follow the steps below for iPhone X and later models.
Double tap on the power button of the iPhone. Confirm your identity with Face ID.
Then Apple Pay will open.
If you are using an old iPhone with a broken Home button, follow the steps below.
Swipe your fingers to the right until you get the screen at the top of the switch window.
Type Apple Pay in the search window.
Press the wallet app below the search window.
Tap the image that shows the credit card you have connected to your Apple Pay account.
10 values of iPhone Home button
The home button of the iPhone provides various functions and interactions to its users.
1. Navigation: The home button helps us to do the primary means of navigating through the iPhone user interface. By pressing the button, you can go back to the home screen from any app or menu.
2. Multitasking: By double pressing the home button, its users can be allowed to access the multitasking interface. There you can see recently used apps and you can switch between them.
3. Siri: Siri is the virtual voice assistant we all know from Apple. Did you know that you can access it through the Home button? You can simply activate Siri by long pressing the Home button. Then users can interact with Siri and perform various tasks and obtain information.
4. Accessibility shortcuts: Users can activate predefined accessibility shortcuts by pressing the Home button three times. Among them are things like VoiceOver or AssistiveTouch. These provide enhanced functionality to users with disabilities.
5. Fingerprint Recognition: Many iPhone models are incorporated with Touch ID. The fingerprint sensor is embedded with their home button. Users can unlock the iPhone with their registered fingerprint and authenticate purchases.
6. Reachability: Double pressing the Home button on larger iPhone models brings up the top half of the screen. It makes it easier to reach the top of the interface.
7. Apple Pay: With Touch ID-enabled iPhones, users can make secure payments. It allows you to authenticate the transaction by placing your finger on the Home button.
8. App switching: When you are in an app, you can quickly switch to the previously used app by pressing the home button twice. This feature helps to switch between multitasking and apps.
9. Accessibility features: Users can customize various accessibility features through the settings menu through the Home button. This makes the iPhone very user-friendly and accessible for the specific needs of individuals.
10. Resetting: In some cases, if your iPhone freezes or becomes unresponsive, you can restart your device by pressing and holding the Home button along with the sleep/wake button.
10 tips to protect your iPhone Home button
1. Keep the Home Button Clean: Clean the surface of the Home button regularly to remove dust, dirt or debris that may interfere with the functionality of the Home button. For that, use a soft, lint-free cloth or a microfiber cloth and wipe it.
2. Avoid excessive force: When pressing the home button, do it with moderate and gentle force. Avoid applying excessive pressure or tapping aggressively. Such behavior can lead to damage.
3. Use a screen protector: Apply a high quality screen protector that includes a cutout for the home button. This adds an additional layer of protection to scratches and potential damage.
4. Avoid liquid exposure: Avoid connecting the home button of your iPhone to water or other liquids. They impair the functionality of the buttons. Use caution when using your iPhone near water or in a humid environment.
5. Use Assistive Touch: If your home button is facing issues, enable AssistiveTouch in accessibility settings. It gives you a virtual home button. Doing so will reduce the use of the physical home button.
6. Update your software: Update your iPhone software regularly to ensure you have the latest bug fixes and optimizations. Software updates can affect potential issues that may affect home button performance.
7. Seek professional assistance: If you are facing persistent issues like unresponsiveness or physical damage with your Home button, contact Apple Support or contact a professional assistance from an authorized Apple service provider and get it fixed.
8. Be cautious with repair: If you don’t have proper knowledge or experience, avoid repairing the home button of the iPhone. Unauthorized repairs can damage the device and void your warranty.
9. Use Touch ID carefully: Be careful when registering and using your fingerprint. Ensure that your finger and touch id sensor are dry.
10. Use a protective case: Make sure to use a protective case that can cover the home button area. It provides an extra layer for protection from accidental damage and physical protection.
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Most asking questions about iPhone Home button not working
Question: Why is my iPhone Home button not working?
Answer: Various reasons can affect this situation. Among them there is software glitch, physical damage or malfunctioning components.
Question: What should I do if my iPhone home button is not working?
Answer: You can clean it. Restart your iPhone, check if any software update is available, and recalibrate the home button in settings. But if the issue persists, get professional help or contact the Apple center.
Question: How can I enable AssistiveTouch on my iPhone?
Answer: Follow the steps below for that. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch and toggle it on. Then a floating button will appear on the screen.
Question: Is it possible to fix the Home button myself?
Answer: If the issue is software related, you can solve it by following the troubleshooting steps. But if it’s a hardware problem and you don’t know how to repair an Apple iPhone, you need to see a professional repair service. Doing it alone can cause more problems.
Question: How much does it cost to repair an iPhone Home button?
Answer: This depends on the iPhone model, the amount of damage, whether it is covered by a warranty or AppleCare+ or not. Contact an Apple center or a professional service provider to get an accurate estimate.
Question: Can a software update fix a non-functional Home button?
Answer: Sometimes, software updates can address bugs that might affect the Home button’s functionality. It’s advisable to keep your iPhone up to date with the latest software version to benefit from bug fixes and improvements.
Question: Will a factory reset fix my iPhone Home button?
Answer: A factory reset erases all data and settings on your iPhone, so it may resolve certain software-related issues. It’s essential to back up your data before performing a factory reset, as it will delete everything on your device.
Question: Is there a way to unlock my iPhone if the Home button is not working?
Answer: If you have a Touch ID-enabled iPhone, you can use the passcode to unlock the iPhone. If the passcode is forgotten or not working or any othre issue, it’s recommended to contact Apple support for assistance.
Question: Can I use my iPhone without a functioning Home button?
Answer: Yes, you can still use your iPhone without a functional Home button and AssistiveTouch provides a virtual Home button on the screen, and various gestures and on-screen controls allow you to navigate, multitask, and access Siri.
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