The home button is one of the iPad’s most useful features. You’ll use it for several functions, such as unlocking your screen and closing apps. Needless to say, then, that you’ve got a problem on your hands if it stops working.
If your iPad home button isn’t working, you’ve got several options to try and fix it. This article will reveal why you can’t use your home button right now before going into the best possible fixes.
Before we look at the potential solutions to fix your iPad home screen button, let’s look at why it might not work. Below are three possible factors.
1. Water Damage
While iPads are durable, you’ll still want to do whatever you can to keep yours away from water. A few drops probably won’t cause problems, but anything substantial will often impact how your device works.
If your iPad’s home screen button has stopped working, water damage might be a factor. If you dropped your device in a sink, bath, or something similar, you can probably point to this as the main offender.
2. Too Much Dirt or Debris
If you’ve used your iPad for a while or had an older iPhone, you’ll know well that a dirty home screen button will impact how it works. You will typically notice this when you’ve not cleaned the button for a while, and your device asks you to enter your passcode every time you click on it.
You could also notice that your home button stops working if you’ve used it while eating food with your hands. And if your children have played with your iPad, you might encounter similar issues. In most instances, fixing this particular issue isn’t difficult.
3. The Button Might Be Stuck
It’s rare for an iPad home button to get stuck; you will typically notice this if larger bits of debris get into your device.
You shouldn’t have to worry about a stuck button if your device is relatively new.
Possible Ways to Fix the iPad Home Button Not Working Issue
Now that you know some of the main reasons why your iPad home button might not work, we can look at how you can fix it. Below are a selection of options for tackling this issue; you should follow them chronologically.
1. Clean the Home Button
Before trying anything more drastic, you should try cleaning your home button. When doing so, use a microfiber cloth and – ideally – some spray suited for cleaning electronics.
Once you’ve thoroughly wiped the button, try using the button again. In most instances, you shouldn’t have further issues.
2. Turn Your Device Off and On Again
If cleaning your home button didn’t work, you can try turning your iPad off and on again. Hold the power button at the top until the slide to power off call-to-action appears.
Move that slider to the right to turn your iPad off. Once the Apple logo has disappeared, hold the power button again until the same icon reappears. Enter your passcode when prompted to, and try using the home button again.
3. Turn on Your iPad’s AssistiveTouch
If your iPad’s home button still doesn’t work, you can activate a tool called AssistiveTouch. AssistiveTouch lets you control your button from your touch screen, and setting it up is straightforward.
To turn on AssistiveTouch, follow the instructions below.
1. Go to Settings > Accessibility.
2. Under the Physical and Monitor section, click on Touch.
3. In the next window, select the AssistiveTouch tab.
4. Toggle the AssistiveTouch slider on.
You should see a white circle appear on the screen; when you do, you’ll have a list of actions to choose from.
4. Get Your Button Fixed or Replaced
AssistiveTouch is a good alternative if your iPad’s home button doesn’t work. But eventually, you will probably want to get the original button fixed or replaced.
If your iPad is under warranty, we recommend getting it replaced as soon as possible. You’ll need to pay to have your button fixed if it isn’t, and you should go to a store with Apple authorization.
Plenty of Ways to Fix Your iPad’s Home Button
Your iPad home button not working can become a huge issue, but most of the time, you don’t need to worry too much. When your home button isn’t responsive, you’ll often only need to clean it.
If your issue is more serious, you can always use AssistiveTouch if nothing else works. And while replacing your button can cost a lot of money, you should probably do that at some point.
Danny has been a professional writer since graduating from university in 2016, but he’s been writing online for over a decade. He has been intrigued by Apple products ever since getting an iPod Shuffle in 2008 and particularly enjoys writing about iPhones and iPads. Danny prides himself on making complex topics easy to understand. In his spare time, he’s a keen photographer.
Danny, Thanks for your descriptive, easy-to-understand instructions. I chuckled when I read you had been using APPLE products for “over a decade” It made me feel very old, and reminded me that a young cat can teach an old cat new tricks. I started using APPLE computers in 1987 in Canada when I worked at a small company (Ad-Lib) selling the very first computer music card that allowed Apple computer users to create music on their systems. I think it was the Ad-Lib PCMS, but can’t quite remember what that stood for. How far Apple has ventured!
didnt work, it was not dirty, now what?
The use of a temporary assistive home button pleased my wife beyond words.
Thank you
Danny, Thanks for your descriptive, easy-to-understand instructions. I chuckled when I read you had been using APPLE products for “over a decade” It made me feel very old, and reminded me that a young cat can teach an old cat new tricks. I started using APPLE computers in 1987 in Canada when I worked at a small company (Ad-Lib) selling the very first computer music card that allowed Apple computer users to create music on their systems. I think it was the Ad-Lib PCMS, but can’t quite remember what that stood for. How far Apple has ventured!
Thank you, going to try cleaning the home button