“iPhone home button not working” is a common problem that iPhone users often face. However, there’s no need to lose hope. It’s still possible to get your iPhone back on track as you want. All you need is to find out the root cause and try a few fixes to make it work again.
In this guide, we’ll describe everything that you can try if your Home button stops working.
Why is My iPhone Home Button Not Working?
Here is the list why your iPhone Home button fails to work.
Hardware related problem
Due to liquid or physical damage, hardware problems can occur on your phone.
If your phone screen gets damaged, the Home button may not work as it is connected to the phone’s display. On the other hand, if your phone gets wet, then also the Home button can get stuck.
Even If there’s a damaged wire that links the iPhone’s Home button to the logic board, it might result in the Home button on your iPhone not functioning.
Software related problem
If your iPhone’s software gets corrupted, then your phone will not respond to the signals sent by the hardware. The same can happen if the software is overloaded with background programs.
If your phone has been running slow lately or you are experiencing frequent app crashes, then the reason behind the Home button not working is obviously software-related.
General wear and tear
Home buttons on iPhones may become less responsive to touch in certain instances, particularly if they are used in dusty or unclean conditions for a lengthy period of time.
Quick Fixes for iPhone Home Button is Not Working
Here are the quick fixes that you can try if your iPhone’s Home button is not working.
1. Restart the iPhone
The easiest solution is to restart the iPhone. Most of the time it works magically to fix small issues in iPhones. Follow the steps below to restart your device.
- Press and hold the power button for a long time until the Power Off slider appears. This button is found on the top of the iPhone in the first generation iPhone model SE, 5 and earlier. The power button is located on the right side of the device on other iPhones with a Home button.
- Drag the slider and wait for 30 seconds to turn off your device.
- Again, press and hold the power button until you see the Apple logo to turn it on.
Once done, check if your Home button is working properly.
2. Recalibrate The Home Button
Another possible solution is to recalibrate your Home button. Here’s how to do so:
- Open any pre-installed app on your iPhone like Calculator, Calendar, Photos, etc.
- Press and hold the power button to get the Power Off slider. Don’t turn off your iPhone now.
- Simply leave the power button.
- Next, Press and hold the Home button for 10 seconds until the app closes and the power-off slider disappears automatically.
If it doesn’t fix your Home button on a single attempt, try the same process twice and thrice. If it doesn’t work even after trying multiple times, move to the next possible fix.
3. Use Assistive Touch Feature
If your Home button is still not working, you probably need to stop using it completely. Instead, you can activate the iPhone Assistive Touch feature that will work as a replacement for your Home button. Following are the steps to activate it.
- Navigate to Settings> Accessibility> Touch> Assistive Touch.
- For older versions of iOS, open Settings> General> Accessibility> Interaction> Assistive Touch.
- Finally, toggle on the Assistive Touch feature.
When you turn on the assistive touch feature, a grey box will appear on your phone’s screen. Tap on it to reveal the Home button and operate it.
4. Clean the Home Button
The Home button can get stuck due to long exposure to a dirty or dusty environment. You can fix the Home button issue by cleaning it with isopropyl alcohol wipes. Keep in mind that this process will only work for iPhone models before iPhone 7.
Keep in mind while applying the solution, do not put too much pressure on the home button as it can cause liquid damage to your phone.
5. Restore the iPhone
The most common fix for any software-related problem on your iPhone device is restoring the iPhone’s firmware. Although it’s not very easy to do, it can solve the issue. Follow the steps below to restore the firmware of your iPhone.
For iPhone SE, 6S and Earlier Models
- Back up your iPhone using iTunes, iCloud, or through a USB cable to your PC.
- Connect your iPhone to your PC by using an Apple-certified cable.
- Press and hold both the Home and Power buttons for 8 seconds.
- After that, release the Power button.
- Only hold the Home button until your iPhone gets recognized by your PC.
For iPhone 7
- Back up your iPhone using iTunes, iCloud, or through a USB cable to your PC.
- Connect your iPhone to your PC by using an Apple-certified cable.
- Press and hold both the Power and Volume Down buttons for 8 seconds.
- After that, leave the Power button.
- Only hold the Volume Down button until your iPhone gets recognized by your PC.
For iPhone 8
- Back up your iPhone using iTunes, iCloud, or through a USB cable to your PC.
- Connect your iPhone to your PC by using an Apple-certified cable.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Next, press and hold the Volume Down button when your iPhone’s screen turns black.
- Hold both the buttons for 5 seconds then release the Side button first.
- Your computer will show instructions to manage the iPhone in DFU mode.
6. Readjust the Port through Charger
Another easy fix is to readjust your port by using a USB cable or the Home button. Here are the steps to do so:
- Connect the charging cable to your iPhone.
- Slowly press the back of the connector near the bottom of your iPhone, as if you’re pushing it towards the Home button.
- Maintain that pressure while pressing the Home button multiple times.
7. Choose Hardware Repair from Apple
In order to get an absolute fix for the Home button of your iPhone, choose the hardware repair service provided by Apple. If you turn to this service, Apple will replace the Home button without canceling your warranty (if applicable).
However, it’s only possible if your phone is still under warranty period or you’re willing to pay extra money. Keep in mind that Apple charges a heavy amount for repairs. So, remember that you’ll have to pay cash if you choose this process.
Final Words
Although a defective Home button is a disturbing issue, you can easily fix it by following the above-mentioned solutions. Hopefully, this guide will help you to find the appropriate fix to your problem. If you find this guide helpful, do share it with others. You can also check some best tips and tricks for iPhone from here.