How to Rotate Screen on iPad & Lock iPad Auto Rotate

Learn how to use the iPad Rotation Lock and find out what to do if your iPad screen won’t rotate.

By Olena Kagui Updated 12/15/2021

The iPad screen Rotation Lock enables and disables the iPad auto-rotate feature. With the iPad orientation lock enabled, you can keep your iPad screen from adjusting when you turn your device sideways. If your iPad screen won’t rotate, check the Rotation Lock or toggle it on and off to troubleshoot.

How to Unlock Screen Rotation on iPad

In order to rotate your iPad’s screen, you need to have screen rotation unlocked. If your iPad won’t rotate, it may be because the iPad Rotation Lock is enabled. To unlock screen rotation:

Open the Control Center on your iPad by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen.
Tap the Orientation Lock to lock and unlock it.
If the Orientation Lock is gray and white, it is unlocked.
If the Orientation Lock is white and red, it is locked.

Pro Tip: Your iPad can be locked in either landscape or portrait mode. It can be locked in any direction. Keep in mind that some apps only work in landscape or portrait mode, while others have both options.

Now you know how to use the screen Rotation Lock on your iPad. If the Orientation Lock is off or unlocked and your iPad won’t rotate, try turning the lock on and off again to troubleshoot. If the problem persists, try restarting your iPad. For more iPad tips like this, sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter

Master your iPhone in one minute a day: Sign up here to get our FREE Tip of the Day delivered right to your inbox.

Topics

Author Details

Olena Kagui

Olena Kagui is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life who lives in Hawaii. With a BA in International Relations from Anglo American University, Olena traveled the world. She has lived in Ukraine, the Czech Republic, China, and the USA. Olena won an excellence award for a controversial article, got a grant to blog from a war-zone, and published a short fictional story. She hopes to publish a full-length novel and continue writing up a storm on her blog The Travel Bug Bite! When she’s not typing or flying, she is loving on animals, crafting bizarre creations, and devouring all-you-can-eat sushi.

Article Spotlight

Is the #1 Best Selling Smart Scale Right for You?

Withings has created award-winning body-composition scales in the past, but Body+ is their most popular choice. In fact, it is the #1 best selling smart scale in the USA! This high precision smart scale doesn’t just focus on weight; it also offers measurements of your body fat, muscle mass, total body water, and bone density. With more metrics to track, making lifestyle changes and seeing results becomes so much easier. With Body+ you’ll know if your weight gain or loss is due to a change in fat, muscle, or intake of water, helping you stay motivated on days when a regular scale might discourage you.

Featured Products

You’ll Love the Productivity Hacks in Our Notes App Guide

The Notes App Guide is a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced iPhone users. Learn how to navigate the Notes app, password protect your notes, collaborate with others, and so much more. If you are excited to work smarter not harder, you'll love our Notes App Guide, available exclusively to iPhone Life Insiders. You will activate a limited-time 30% discount for new subscribers when you subscribe today. We are proud to offer an additional 10% off for seniors, veterans, and first responders.

Does Your Wireless Keyboard Stay Charged All Year?

Wireless keyboards are great because they leave your desk tangle-free! The Matias Wireless Aluminum Keyboard looks and feels like Apple made it, but more stylishly. Unlike the real thing, this keyboard boasts a one-year battery life and it comes in silver, gold, space gray, and rose gold. It works seamlessly with your Mac, but you can also use it for iPad, iPhone, Android, and even your Windows laptop or computer! Better yet, pair it with up to four Bluetooth devices to save time navigating between them. Enjoy simple luxuries at an affordable price with the Matias Wireless Aluminum Keyboard.