To unlock screen rotation on an iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center, then tap the Screen Rotation Lock button (a lock inside a circular arrow) so it’s no longer highlighted. Your iPad will rotate again when you turn it. On older iPads with a side switch, the switch may be set to lock rotation instead, which you can change in Settings > General.
Unlock rotation in Control Center
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen. On iPads with a Home button running iOS 11 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom.
- Find the Screen Rotation Lock button. When it’s on, it’s white with a red or dark lock icon.
- Tap it to turn it off. You’ll see Portrait Orientation Lock: Off or Rotation Lock: Off briefly.
- Swipe up or tap outside Control Center to close it, then turn your iPad.
If you don’t see the button, add it: in newer iPadOS versions, open Control Center, tap + in the top-left corner, tap Add a Control, and add Screen Rotation Lock. In older versions, it’s always included.
Check the side switch (older iPads)
Some older iPads, like the iPad Air and earlier iPad models, have a small switch above the volume buttons. It can mute sound or lock rotation.
- Go to Settings > General.
- Under Use Side Switch To, check whether Lock Rotation is selected.
- If it is, flip the side switch to unlock rotation, or choose Mute to control rotation from Control Center instead.
Still won’t rotate?
- The app doesn’t support it. Some apps and games only work in one orientation. Try rotating on the Home Screen or in Safari to test.
- Stage Manager or Split View may affect how apps rotate. Try closing other windows.
- Restart your iPad. Press and hold the top button (and a volume button on iPads without Home buttons) until the slider appears.
- Update iPadOS in Settings > General > Software Update.
- Check your case. Some smart covers and cases with magnets can confuse the sensors. Remove the case and try again.
Lock rotation again
Open Control Center and tap Screen Rotation Lock to keep the screen in its current orientation, which is handy for reading in bed.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my iPad stuck in portrait mode?
Rotation Lock is probably on, or the side switch is set to Lock Rotation. Turn it off in Control Center or with the switch.
Does the iPad Home Screen rotate?
Yes. Unlike the iPhone, the iPad Home Screen rotates in all directions.
Can I lock rotation for just one app?
No. Rotation Lock applies to the whole iPad. Turn it on while using that app, and off afterward.
How do I unlock rotation on an iPhone?
The same way: open Control Center and tap the Screen Rotation Lock button.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.