One of the common breakdowns in iPhones of different models is the failure of the device’s on/off button. Repairs in this case are inexpensive, but not everyone can remain without their favorite gadget for several days.
This is not necessary, because there is a way to use the device with a broken button.
In the first test version of iOS 11, the developers added a special menu item along the path Settings - General - Turn Off. It brings up the device shutdown menu without pressing the power button.
There are still several months before the official release of the firmware, but you can use the device with a broken button now.
Shutdown
Without a physical button, you will have to use its virtual counterpart. To do this, you will need to enable AssistiveTouch.
1. Go along the path Settings - General - Universal Access - AssistiveTouch and activate the main switch.
2. Open the Top Level Menu section...
3. Select any unnecessary button from the available ones or add an additional icon to the menu.
4. Select the option Screen lock .
You can now see a screen lock button in the AssistiveTouch menu that appears when you press the virtual button. Pressing will turn off the display, and holding will call up the iPhone shutdown slider we need.
iPhone lock button repair
When the lock button on your iPhone doesn't work, you can try to fix the device yourself. There are two methods:
- installation of a new element;
- repairing an old part.
If you have all the tools, order the cable from the store and get to work. Follow the instructions:
- Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screws connecting the case to the screen.
- Using a suction cup, carefully pry up the display. Remove it completely to gain access to the internal parts.
- Remove the protective plates from the old cable. Disconnect it from the motherboard using a spudger.
- Replace the old part.
- Assemble by following the steps described.
- Check the functionality of the equipment.
This procedure is recommended for experienced users. Otherwise, it is recommended to seek qualified help. Check out the video:
Quick reboot
If your iPhone starts to behave strangely, hesitate for no reason, or simply slow down, you can simply reboot the device. This can be done in a similar way.
Instead of the Screen Lock button in the AssistiveTouch menu, you should add the Reboot .
Now to reboot you need to press the AssistiveTouch virtual key, select Reboot and confirm the action.
Why the iPhone lock button doesn't work
The essence of the problem lies in the physical component. If the power button on an iPhone does not work, this means that the contact located under the aluminum cover is damaged.
The following causes of malfunction are identified:
- sinking of a spare part located on top;
- physical damage to the device;
- the software has stopped responding;
- short circuit caused by liquid ingress;
- cable failure (replacement required).
The iPhone lock button may break if you press hard on the surface when turning it on or off. You don't need to apply much pressure to lock your phone. It is possible to use a smartphone with a broken key, but this will cause some discomfort.
Conveniently enable/disable AssistiveTouch
Shutting down and rebooting the device is not needed every day, but the virtual button will regularly appear on the screen. You can configure it to quickly hide and show it.
Go to the menu Settings - General - Universal Access - Keyboard shortcuts and select AssistiveTouch . Triple-clicking the Home button will then toggle the AssistiveTouch menu on and off.
Software repair
If the reason for the button failure is a software glitch, there is a simple solution. What you need to try is to use the Hard Reset function. A deep reboot in many cases helps eliminate temporary bugs. To do this, simultaneously press “Power” and “Home” and hold them for 15-25 seconds. When the Apple logo appears on the screen, the buttons are released.
The problem may be due to an incorrect system update. Often, users take this process lightly - for example, they start it when the battery level is low, or the Wi-Fi or mobile Internet signal is too weak and unstable. This leads to the installation of broken updates that cause malfunctions. If this happens, you can try to roll back the system using a backup.
Attention!
The backup can be stored in iCloude. It can also be created on a Mac via Finder/iTunes.
Solutions
If any software problems occur, as mentioned above, we recommend rebooting. This alone is enough to solve the lion's share of problems.
To start it, press and hold the power button until the following menu appears on the screen.
If the iPhone does not respond at all and is stuck in a cyclic loop after updating the firmware, or as they say “in the eternal apple,” we recommend performing a more hard forced reboot.
To perform it, you should press, holding for at least ten seconds, two buttons at once - home and power, until the “negative” of the previous screen appears on the display, appearing in a black apple on a white background.
After this, the iPhone should start normally from any state, and you can now turn it off normally.
Although the manufacturer recommends doing the last operation as rarely as possible, it does not pose any threat to the data on the iPhone - everything will remain in place. Only the operating system suffers greatly, because... The load on the processor increases significantly, which is why you shouldn’t abuse it.
If the problem occurred after the update or the phone froze during installation, you will have to repeat the entire process again by performing a hard reboot and performing a system restore. And this time, after flashing, personal data on the iPhone will be deleted. Therefore, always create backups so that you can restore them after unexpected failures.
Why is the power button on the iPhone faulty?
There are quite a few reasons that can cause the power button on an iPhone to stop working.
1. Software glitch
The most common reason that brings a lot of problems to every iPhone user is a simple software glitch. It is not that difficult to identify; in rare cases, it is harmless to your iPhone. However, it can scare any user if it takes him by surprise.
It's easy to fix a software glitch if it's a one-time occurrence and there are no problems with updating iOS. In this case, to make the power button on your iPhone work again, you just need to restart your smartphone.
2. Incorrect iOS update
The second most common reason why your iPhone power button may not be working is due to an incorrect update or a poor jailbreak procedure. One way or another, not everyone knows how to properly update their devices.
Many users are very careless about installing updates: they do not download them completely, interrupt the final reboot, download updates when the charge percentage is low due to poor Internet. Each of the listed points can cause the installation of a “broken” update, which will bring many small and large troubles to your iPhone.
Only a specialist can identify an incorrect update and say for sure that it is the cause of the faulty operation of the power button on your iPhone. But you can independently monitor the operation of your device: usually an incorrect update does not bring any one problem; other failures should be noticed in the system that were not observed before.
If you find them, try downloading a previous iOS backup via iCloud, if you created one before. This procedure definitely shouldn’t make things worse, and if you made the diagnosis correctly, the operation of the shutdown button will return to normal after the previous version of iOS is restored. Then you can try updating your iPhone again.
3. The power button is dirty
Sometimes the power button on an iPhone fails because too much dirt has accumulated inside, preventing the contacts from working. One way or another, we often don’t notice with what hands we take our smartphone, where we leave it, and we rarely monitor the cleanliness of our iPhone.
If dirt has gotten into the small crevices around the button, you may notice some sticking on the key. But if you press hard, it will work. In this case, you can very carefully clean the small connectors around the iPhone power button with a needle. It is very important not to overdo it, so as not to damage the contacts and dismantle the button.
If dirt has formed an obstacle inside the button and prevents the contacts from working normally, you are unlikely to be able to clean it yourself. You can try dropping a little alcohol on the button (one drop, no more), and then very carefully pressing it, as if distributing the alcohol inside. However, be aware that doing so may cause additional harm if the power button cable components or any other part in your iPhone has been damaged.
Therefore, to avoid troubles, it is better to contact a service center technician and ask him to diagnose your device.
4. Contact with moisture
Contact of iPhone with moisture in most cases brings unpleasant consequences. Yes, Apple is trying to protect users and provides improved water protection for the new iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro models. However, the risk of damage due to moisture is still very high, so if you encounter moisture in your iPhone, be sure to contact a service center for diagnostics by an experienced technician.
If, after contact with moisture, you notice the iPhone power button sticking, this may indicate damage to the cable or oxidation of the button contacts. It is very important to understand that contact with sugary liquids, soda, tea or coffee is doubly harmful to iPhone components.
This problem can only be solved by completely restoring the iPhone after exposure to moisture. This procedure can be carried out at a service center.
5. Mechanical damage
Dropping an iPhone is no less detrimental to its components than contact with moisture. If the power button stops working after a mechanical fall or a strong blow, it is quite possible that its cable was damaged or the contacts were broken.
Unfortunately, this problem cannot be fixed on your own. However, if you don't have time right now to contact a service center or call a repairman to your home, you can resort to a temporary solution to this problem - set up the AssistiveTouch hotkey to lock and enable.
To do this you need:
- Open iPhone Settings
- Go to the main settings menu
- Open the accessibility settings tab
- Then enable AssistiveTouch
- After this, the system will prompt you to create a special hot button on the screen, which can be responsible for locking or turning on/off your iPhone.
Attention!
This is only a temporary solution to the problem. Please do not neglect this method and contact the technician on time to avoid other breakdowns.
6. Malfunction of the power button cable
Unfortunately, even users of Apple products are not immune to system crashes and hardware failures on the iPhone. Sometimes there are defects in components caused by production. The power button cable is no exception.
If it is possible to fix a software failure yourself, then a malfunction in the power button cable on the iPhone, which can be caused by many different factors, is almost impossible to fix yourself.
Moreover, such a failure can only be diagnosed by a specialist, so do not delay your visit to the service center.
7. Press hard
Careless use can also cause damage to the power button on the iPhone. Like mechanical damage, pressing the button itself hard can result in damage to the contacts or internal sticking of the silicone “tubercle”, which is responsible for sending a signal to the system.
If, after pressing hard, the iPhone power button stops functioning normally or responds intermittently to your touch, you should contact a service center.
8. Factory defect
Factory defects in Apple products are quite rare, but they do happen. If you notice a problem with the power button on your new iPhone, we advise you to contact the store where you bought it as soon as possible and report the problem.
If the warranty period for the device has not yet expired, and you have all the accompanying documents, you can request repairs at the store’s service center or replace the defective iPhone with a new one.
If you discover the defect too late, you should contact the service center. Most likely, professionals will be able to quickly fix this problem by replacing the power button cable on your iPhone
9. Damage to the power button cable
(iPhone 11 Pro power button cable)
Damage to the button cable on an iPhone is a rather unpleasant breakdown that can manifest itself either instantly or gradually. Only a specialist can diagnose this breakdown and fix it.
The first signs that the power button cable on the iPhone is broken:
- The power button works by itself
- iPhone restarts/shuts down on its own
- Nothing happens when I press the power button
10. Burnout/damage to contacts
The iPhone power button cable is connected using a small mechanism with contacts. If one of them is damaged due to improper assembly/repair, moisture or fall, the power button may refuse to perform its functions.
Unfortunately, contacts are not restored. A complete replacement of the iPhone power button cable with a new one is required.
What causes breakdown
There are a total of five buttons on the iPhone body, two of which are volume control, one is for returning to the main screen. Another one is for controlling call modes and, finally, the remaining one is for performing the functions of locking the touch screen and turning on the device.
Another interesting article for you: How to open zip and rar archives on iPhone
There are many reasons why the lock button does not work:
- The Power button is physically damaged (broken).
- The cable connected to the board does not work (broken or incomplete contact).
- The main board of the smartphone gets wet, which means the contacts lose conductivity.
- Reasons related to incorrect operation and errors in the operating system.
- Often breakage occurs due to too much pressure. You can continue to use the iPhone, but this will significantly reduce the comfort of work.
When should you contact a service center for help?
As you can see from the review, you can use the iPhone without physical buttons. But this is not always comfortable. Therefore, if the problem was not related to a software glitch, a visit to the service cannot be avoided. This is a simple breakdown, and the center’s staff will quickly find the cause and fix it. It is also important that contacting qualified specialists guarantees that after repair the phone will function fully.
To avoid damage, users need to remember that a lot depends on how carefully they use the smartphone. Careful handling is very important: protect the gadget from dirt, moisture, and do not drop it. And then the iPhone will serve its owner for a long time. But, if a breakdown occurs and it is difficult to fix it yourself or you lack confidence in your abilities, it is better to entrust the phone repair to professionals.
How to turn off an iPhone with a non-working lock screen button
You can turn off your iPhone even if the lock button doesn't work. To do this, tap the AssistiveTouch button, select Device, and then tap and hold the lock screen.
This will display a slider, by moving which you can turn off the smartphone, just remember that if you do this and the lock button does not work, you will not be able to turn it on again until you connect the phone to the computer or charging adapter - then it will turn on on its own.
Power button not working? Use these apps to turn your screen on and off
Whether it's old or new, gadgets break, and smartphones are no exception. A simple fall onto a hard surface is enough to cause damage.
Smartphones are fragile by nature. Even if they don't break, they are susceptible to many problems. One such problem that is very common among Android users is when the power button stops working.
Think about it, the power button - the button we press countless times a day - stops working. This is enough to create chaos in our lives. When you press a button over and over again, you can expect it to stop working one day. This doesn't happen to everyone, but those who experience this problem know how difficult it can be for your phone. Here are some solutions for this annoying problem.
1. Automate the on/off function with Gravity Screen.
Gravity Screen is an amazing application. Using the phone's various sensors turns the screen on and off. A feature like pocket or desk sensor involves detecting when you're holding your phone and when you're not. It learns to understand when you are going to use the phone and turns it on or off accordingly, to be honest, it always works, but the accuracy may vary from device to device.
If you're not particularly interested in how the app works and just want it to turn your phone on and off, then go ahead, download it and it will work great without draining your battery excessively if you set it up correctly.
2. Moto display
The app is limited in that it can only be used by Motorola device owners, but we had to add it to the list because it is simply amazing. In Moto display you can see notifications without turning on the phone. But it can be used for more than just viewing notifications. Just don't touch your phone for a few seconds and then pick it up and you'll see the Moto display turn on. At this point, you can swipe down towards the lock icon to unlock it. Works great.
Read Fix no HDMI sound in Windows 10 when connected to a TV
Moto dispay does not lock the phone; this must be done manually. But since the power button does not work, we recommend setting the phone's sleep time to a minimum, that is, 15 seconds.
3. Switch Power On/Off to the volume button
Yes, you read that right, there is an app for that too, and the best thing is that it works even if the phone is not rooted. This application is called Volume Unlock Power Button Fix, that is, “unlock the volume, fix the power key.” This is a very, very long name, but it completely defines the purpose of the application.
First of all, install it on your phone. Now open the application and give it administrator rights. This is necessary, otherwise the application will not work. Open the app and turn on "Enable Volume Unlock" and "Screen off" using the switches on the right. If you have enabled both options, then you will be able to turn off the screen in the notification panel and turn it on using the volume button. In the app settings, you can also enable features such as auto start on boot and auto on/off which will run at a set time interval. For example, by setting the time from 06:00 to 04:00, the application will only function during this time. We used it for 2 days and didn't find any unnecessary battery drain. This is an amazing app.
