iPhone Home Button Not Working - How to Fix

Have you just gone to use your phone, placed your thumb over the home button and your iPhone didn't unlock? We understand just how frustrating it can be when the one main button to access your phone has just stopped working.

But, you’re not the only one. This is a common problem with your phone suffering the wear and tear of prolonged use and can be easily solved!

Here’s a guide with some hacks and tips on how to restore this feature on your device. If this does not solve the issue, come in and see our team!

You never really realise how much your life depends on one button, that is until it stops working and getting access to your phone has now become a big problem. But don't panic! The great news is, this is an issue that can easily be solved by yourself. We have compiled tips from our experts on how to fix your iPhone home button, but if it still doesn’t come back to life, it might be time to visit us in store! Some of the causes of this can be that over the lifetime of having your phone, it has attracted; dirt, moisture, and in general, it has been overused!

Tip 1: Calibration and restore

Your iPhone may just need Calibrating and Restoring! This is the most common problem with the home button lagging and can be caused by a software flaw or just because your phone needs a reset. Thankfully, it is usually a quick fix!

Firstly, make sure your device has the latest iOS update!

Before restoring your device and upgrading the iOS software, make sure all data is backed up to either iCloud or iTunes.

To restore your phone, connect your phone to iTunes, search your device then click restore. Once that is completed, hold down the sleep button and slide to power off, then- use the same process to turn your device back on. This will restart your device and hopefully, solve your problem. If it hasn’t, please continue reading.

Tip 2: Clean the home button

As expected, over a period of time, your phone can attract dirt and moisture.

This is another common issue which causes the home button to no longer be functional. Dust, grime and the small particles inside your pocket can easily find their way into the crack circling the button; luckily, this issue could be solved with a little light cleaning!

To clean the home button, grab a cotton bud, splash some isopropyl (alcohol) lightly on the bud and swiftly circle it around the home button where the crack is and then wait a couple of minutes for it to dry before testing the home button. You can also try using a can of compressed air- press and hold the home button and blow this into the charging dock of your phone. This can clear out any dirt that may be causing the button to stick.

Tip 3: Assistive Touch

Those who have encountered a faulty home button may have found a temporary solution on their own by switching on the AssistiveTouch feature. This is a simple way of accessing your phone if your home button has given up on you. Here's how to active this feature:

1. Access Settings on the home screen
2. Tap Accessibility
3. Go to AssistiveTouch
4. To use this, tap the AssistiveTouch button on the screen, then tap home

If this temporary fix is no use to you, it might just be time to get the home button replaced!

Tip 4: Home Button Repair

If you have tried all of these tips and they have not worked for you, it is definitely time to get the home button repaired!

One option is to check if you are still within your Apple warranty! They may be able to solve this issue for you for free or if your warranty has ended, the replacement home button will cost.

If your warranty has ended, the solution is to take your device into one of our Service Centres! One of our certified technicians will assess and repair your home button, making sure it is as good as new. We have such confidence in our technicians and will even provide you with a year’s warranty! Unfortunately, if you replace your home button, you will lose the Touch ID, however, your life will be back to being fully dependable on that one main button.

At iSmash, our expert technicians have experience in fixing home buttons and making sure it is as good as new. iSmash will provide you with a year’s warranty! If you replace your home button, you will lose the Touch ID. However, your life will be back to being fully dependable on that one main button.

• iPhone 6, 6 Plus - £29.00
• iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus - £29.00

iSmash has 38 Service Centre around the UK. Want to get this fixed as soon as possible? Why not book an appointment on our website, in any one of our locations.

No stores near you? you can also post your device to us! All you need to do is click on 'Post-ins' when booking in your appointment.