This article shows you how to get around the iPhone "Home" button problem, whether it is malfunctioning or broken. It also explains how to solve some common problems, although in principle the ideal solution is always to go to an Apple Store to request the assistance of specialized and trained personnel, before trying to do everything by yourself.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Activating the Virtual Home Button
Step 1. Launch the Settings app
It has a gray icon made up of a series of gears. It is normally placed directly on the Home of the device.
Step 2. Tap the General item
It is located at the bottom of the appeared "Settings" menu.
Step 3. Choose the Accessibility option
It is located at the bottom of the screen.
Step 4. Scroll down the list to locate and select the AssistiveTouch option
It is located within the "Interaction" section.
Step 5. Activate the "AssistiveTouch" slider by moving it to the right
It is located at the top of the appeared screen. It will turn green to indicate that the AssistiveTouch feature is active. A few moments after activating the slider, you should see a small gray square appear on the screen.
Select it and drag it to move it across the screen
Step 6. Tap the gray square
A small context menu will appear with several options characterized by a series of icons arranged in a circle.
Step 7. Press the Home button
It has a circular shape and is positioned at the bottom of the menu. This button performs the same functions as the physical Home button.
- Press the Home button once to minimize any active app in the background;
- Press and hold it to activate Siri;
- Press it twice in quick succession to view all currently running apps.
Part 2 of 3: Recalibrate a Malfunctioning Home Button
Step 1. Launch a default application
These are the apps that are integrated into the iOS operating system and cannot be uninstalled. Here is a short list: Calculator, Calendar and Messages. This procedure is used to restore the correct functioning of a Home button that responds late to user commands or does not respond at all and therefore requires to be pressed several times to perform normal actions.
Make sure the only app running is the one you have chosen to use
Step 2. Press and hold the iPhone's power button ("On / Off")
It is located on the right side of the upper side of the body of the device. After a few seconds you will see the red shutdown slider appear.
Step 3. Release the "On / Off" button
Do this only when the iPhone shutdown slider has appeared on the screen.
Step 4. At this point, press and hold the Home button
After a few seconds the red shutdown cursor will disappear and the running application will be forcibly closed. This step is to recalibrate the Home button and should also restore normal operation.
If you are using the virtual Home button, instead of the physical button, you will first need to press the gray square "AssistiveTouch" button displayed on the screen
Part 3 of 3: Fixing a Stuck Home Button
Step 1. Take the iPhone to an Apple Store
Before trying to fix this type of problem yourself using one of the methods described in this section of the article (which could potentially invalidate the warranty of the device), go to an Apple Store for assistance from professional and specialized personnel.
- If there is no Apple Store in your area, try contacting Apple Technical Support.
- If your iPhone is still under warranty or if you have an AppleCare insurance policy, the repair will most likely be completely free.
Step 2. Use compressed air
Press and hold the Home button, hold a can of compressed air and use it to remove any residue from the connection port on the underside of the device. In this way, you can often get rid of the residual dirt that could be causing the Home button to be blocked.
Step 3. Use isopropyl alcohol
Pour a few drops of the product onto the tip of a cotton swab. Press the Home button as far as you can, then use the alcohol-soaked cotton swab to clean the edges of the button. At this point, press it repeatedly several times, so that the alcohol can penetrate deeply. It will thus be able to dissolve and remove any encrustations or residues of dirt and dust that could be the cause of the problem.
- Remember that this solution could void the warranty of the device.
- Be careful because using too much alcohol could damage the iPhone, just like regular water would. Try using this solution only if your device's warranty has already expired. Otherwise it is always better to contact Apple's specialized technical assistance.
Step 4. Use centrifugal force to your advantage
Place the device on a flat surface. Press and hold the Home button firmly, then rotate the iPhone clockwise without releasing the button. This step may be able to restore normal operation of the Home button.
