Get help with buttons and switches on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

If a button or switch on your iOS device isn't working, learn what to do.

If the Sleep/Wake button doesn't work

On iPhone 6 and later, the Sleep/Wake button is on the right side of the device, near the top. On earlier models, the Sleep/Wake button is on the top of the device, toward the right side.

If the Sleep/Wake button isn't working and your iOS device is on

Use these steps:

  1. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button.
  2. If you see "slide to power off," turn off your device and then turn it on again.
  3. If you can't turn off your device, try to force restart it.
  4. If the Sleep/Wake button still doesn't respond, remove any case or film on the device. Then check for debris or dirt around the Sleep/Wake button and clean it with a soft cloth.

If you need more help with the Sleep/Wake button

  • If you can't turn on your iOS device, connect it to an A/C adapter. When your device is charged, follow the steps above. If the battery is extremely low on power, your device might display a black screen for up to 10 minutes (up to 20 minutes for iPad) before you see a charging indicator on the screen.
  • If you have an iPhone 5 and the Sleep/Wake button still isn't working, or works intermittently, you might be eligible for a replacement program.
  • If you've followed the steps above and the Sleep/Wake button still doesn't respond, only works intermittently, or is damaged, contact Apple Support.

If the Home button doesn't work

The Home button is on the front of your iOS device, at the bottom. If the Home button doesn't work, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Sleep/Wake button to lock your device.
  2. Wait a couple of seconds.
  3. Press the Home button. Your device should wake up.

If your device doesn't wake up, follow these steps. Test the Home button after each step:

  1. Restart your device.
  2. Check for debris or dirt around the Home button and clean it with a soft cloth.
  3. Remove any protective film or case that covers the Home button.

If the Home button still doesn't wake the device, or if the button is damaged, contact Apple Support.

If the volume buttons, Ring/Silent switch, or Side Switch aren't working

On an iPhone, the volume buttons and Ring/Silent switch are on the left side of the device. The buttons on other iPhone models are similar. On an iPad, the volume buttons and Side Switch are on the right side of the device.

If any of these buttons or switches aren't working, follow these steps. After each step, see if you still need help:

  1. Unlock your device. Some buttons don't work from the Lock screen.
  2. Check for debris or dirt around the button or switch and clean it with a soft cloth.
  3. Remove all protective films and cases that might interfere with the button or switch.

Get more help

If the button or switch still isn't working, if it works intermittently, or if it's damaged, contact Apple Support to set up service.

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