Technology

How To Fix It When Android Screen Won’t Rotate

how-to-fix-it-when-android-screen-wont-rotate

Check if screen rotation is enabled

Are you experiencing issues with your Android device not rotating the screen? Before jumping into more advanced troubleshooting steps, it’s crucial to ensure that screen rotation is enabled on your device.

Start by checking the status of screen rotation in the quick settings panel. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notifications shade, then swipe down again to access the quick settings. Look for the “Auto-rotate” or “Screen rotation” icon, usually represented by a locked or unlocked padlock or a circular arrow.

If the icon is locked or grayed out, it means that screen rotation is currently disabled. Simply tap on the icon to unlock it and enable screen rotation. Once enabled, your Android device should be able to automatically rotate the screen based on its orientation.

Alternatively, you can also check the screen rotation settings in the system settings menu. Go to the “Settings” app on your Android device, then navigate to “Display” or “Display & Brightness” and look for the “Auto-rotate screen” or “Screen rotation” option. Make sure it is turned on.

If screen rotation was already enabled, but the issue persists, it’s possible that a particular app or setting is causing the problem. In such cases, you may need to delve deeper into troubleshooting. However, before moving on to more advanced solutions, it’s worth attempting a simple restart of your device, as it can often resolve minor software glitches affecting the screen rotation feature.

Remember, it’s essential to ensure screen rotation is enabled before diving into more complex troubleshooting steps. Taking this simple step can save you time and effort by potentially resolving the issue without the need for further intervention.

Restart your device

When facing issues with your Android device’s screen rotation, a quick and effective troubleshooting step is to restart your device. Restarting can help resolve temporary software glitches that may be causing the screen rotation problem.

To restart your Android device, follow these simple steps:

  1. Press and hold the power button located on the side or top of your device.
  2. A menu should appear on your screen with options like Power Off, Restart, or Reboot.
  3. Select the Restart option and wait for your device to power down and then turn back on.

After the device restarts, check if the screen rotation is now functioning properly. Try rotating your device and see if the screen adjusts accordingly. If the issue persists, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Restarting your device can help clear any temporary software glitches that may have been affecting the screen rotation feature. It allows the device to refresh its system processes and regain normal functionality. Sometimes, a simple restart is all that’s needed to fix the issue and get your screen rotation working again.

If the problem persists after restarting your device, don’t worry, there are other potential solutions to try. Continue reading to explore further troubleshooting steps to fix the Android screen rotation issue.

Check for software updates

Keeping your Android device’s software up to date is crucial for optimal performance and bug fixes. It’s possible that an outdated software version may be causing the screen rotation issue. Therefore, it’s essential to check for any available software updates and install them if necessary.

Follow these steps to check for software updates on your Android device:

  1. Go to the “Settings” app on your device.
  2. Scroll down and tap on “About phone” or “About device”.
  3. Look for and tap on “Software updates” or “System updates”.
  4. Tap on the “Check for updates” or “Check now” button.
  5. If an update is available, follow the prompts to download and install it.

After installing the software update, restart your device and check if the screen rotation is now functioning as expected. Sometimes, software updates include bug fixes and improvements that can address issues like screen rotation problems.

If there were no available updates or if the issue persists after installing an update, don’t worry. There are more troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the Android screen rotation issue. Keep reading to explore further solutions.

Calibrate the accelerometer

If your Android device’s screen rotation is still not working properly, it’s worth trying to calibrate the accelerometer. The accelerometer is a sensor that detects your device’s orientation and helps adjust the screen rotation accordingly. Calibrating it can help fix any calibration issues that may be causing the problem.

Here’s how you can calibrate the accelerometer on your Android device:

  1. Open the “Settings” app on your device.
  2. Scroll down and tap on “Accessibility” or “Accessibility & Interaction”.
  3. Look for and tap on “Touch & motion” or “Motor & cognition”.
  4. Select “Gyroscope calibration” or “Sensor calibration”.
  5. Follow the prompts to calibrate the accelerometer.

During the calibration process, make sure to follow the on-screen instructions and complete any necessary actions, such as rotating your device in different directions. This allows the accelerometer to recalibrate itself accurately.

Once the calibration is complete, restart your device and check if the screen rotation is now functioning correctly. If the issue persists, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Note that the steps to calibrate the accelerometer may vary slightly depending on your Android device’s make and model. If you’re unable to locate the exact settings mentioned above, try exploring the “Settings” menu or performing a web search with your device’s model and the term “calibrate accelerometer” for specific instructions.

By calibrating the accelerometer, you’re giving your Android device a chance to correct any misinterpretations of its orientation, which can impact the screen rotation feature. Let’s move on to the next troubleshooting step if the problem persists.

Clear app cache and data

If you’re still experiencing issues with the screen rotation on your Android device, it’s worth clearing the cache and data of the specific app or apps that are causing the problem. App data and cache can sometimes become corrupted or outdated, leading to various issues, including screen rotation problems.

Follow these steps to clear app cache and data on your Android device:

  1. Go to the “Settings” app on your device.
  2. Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Applications”.
  3. Look for the app that is experiencing the screen rotation problem and tap on it.
  4. Tap on “Storage” or “Storage & cache”.
  5. Select “Clear cache” to clear the temporary files associated with the app.
  6. If the problem persists, you can also try tapping on “Clear data” or “Clear storage” to remove all app data. Note that this will reset the app to its initial state, so you may lose any saved preferences or login information.

Once you’ve cleared the cache and/or data of the problematic app, restart your device and check if the screen rotation is now functioning correctly. If the issue remains or affects multiple apps, it’s time to move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Clearing app cache and data can help resolve issues related to corrupted or outdated app files, which may be affecting the screen rotation feature. However, make sure to exercise caution when clearing data, as it may delete important information associated with the app.

If the problem persists, continue reading to explore additional troubleshooting options to fix the Android screen rotation issue.

Reset app preferences

If the screen rotation issue on your Android device persists, resetting the app preferences can help resolve any underlying conflicts or settings misconfigurations that may be causing the problem. Resetting app preferences will restore the default settings for all apps on your device without deleting any personal data.

Follow these steps to reset app preferences on your Android device:

  1. Open the “Settings” app on your device.
  2. Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Applications”.
  3. Look for and tap on the three-dot menu icon, usually located in the top-right or bottom-right corner of the screen.
  4. Select “Reset app preferences” from the dropdown menu.
  5. You’ll see a prompt informing you that resetting app preferences will reset app permissions, notifications, default apps, and other settings associated with apps. Confirm the action by tapping on “Reset”.

After resetting the app preferences, restart your device and check if the screen rotation issue has been resolved. If not, there are still more troubleshooting steps you can try.

Resetting app preferences can help restore the default settings for apps, potentially resolving any conflicts or misconfigurations that could be affecting the screen rotation feature. It’s a non-destructive solution that may prove helpful in resolving the issue.

If the screen rotation problem persists after resetting app preferences, don’t worry. There are still some additional troubleshooting steps to consider. Keep reading to explore further solutions to fix the Android screen rotation issue.

Boot into safe mode

If you’re still encountering screen rotation issues on your Android device, booting it into safe mode can help determine if a third-party app is causing the problem. Safe mode allows your device to run with only essential system applications, disabling any downloaded apps temporarily.

Here’s how you can boot your Android device into safe mode:

  1. Press and hold the power button on your device.
  2. In the power options menu that appears, tap and hold the “Power off” option.
  3. A message will appear asking if you want to reboot into safe mode. Tap “OK” or “Yes” to confirm.
  4. Your device will restart in safe mode.

Once your device has booted into safe mode, check if the screen rotation is working correctly. If the issue is resolved in safe mode, it indicates that a third-party app may be causing the problem. Try identifying and uninstalling recently downloaded apps or those that are known to affect screen rotation.

To exit safe mode, simply restart your device as you would normally. It will boot back into regular mode, allowing all apps to function again. Remember that safe mode is a diagnostic tool to help identify app-related issues and should not be used as a permanent solution.

If the screen rotation problem persists even in safe mode, proceed to the next troubleshooting step to resolve the issue.

Perform a factory reset

If all previous troubleshooting steps have failed to resolve the screen rotation issue on your Android device, performing a factory reset may be necessary. A factory reset erases all data and settings on your device, restoring it to its original factory state. Make sure to backup important data before proceeding with a factory reset, as it will be permanently deleted.

To perform a factory reset on your Android device, follow these steps:

  1. Open the “Settings” app on your device.
  2. Scroll down and tap on “System” or “System & updates”.
  3. Look for and tap on “Reset” or “Reset options”.
  4. Select “Factory data reset” or “Erase all data”.
  5. Read the information displayed and proceed with caution as this action cannot be undone.
  6. Confirm the factory reset by entering your device’s PIN, pattern, or password.
  7. Tap on “Erase everything”, “Reset device” or a similar option.

Your device will now begin the factory reset process, which may take a few minutes to complete. Once finished, your device will reboot and start with a fresh system.

After the factory reset, set up your device as you would for the first time, and then check if the screen rotation is now working properly. If the issue persists even after the factory reset, it may indicate a hardware problem. In such cases, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer or seek professional assistance for further support.

Performing a factory reset should be considered as a last resort, as it erases all data and settings on your device. It can help resolve persistent software issues that may be causing the screen rotation problem, but it should be approached with caution.