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:

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

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. 

Related: How to Stop iPhone Screen Rotation from Happening Automatically

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
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Topics

How-To
iPad
Settings
Device Management

Author Details

Olena Kagui's picture

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.