iPhone screen not rotating

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Level 1

8 points

iPhone screen not rotating

I am using iOS 18.3.2 on an iPhone XSMax. I think it's been happening for a while now, possibly from 18.0, but my iPhone screen doesn't rotate (the accelerometer doesn't work) in Safari, Photos, etc. I have read that calibrating the compass can sometimes resolve the issue but I can't find any option to calibrate the compass in the Compass app or Settings menu. The phone is in a hard case & screen protector and has been dropped on the floor a few times over the years but everything else seems to be working fine. Any help would be much appreciated. Many thanks.

iPhone XS Max, iOS 18

Posted on Mar 21, 2025 3:30 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Axel Foley

Level 10

151,554 points

Mar 21, 2025 7:09 PM in response to Woodwose

1. Check Screen Rotation Lock

Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen.
Look for the screen rotation lock icon (a padlock with a circular arrow). If it's enabled, tap it to turn it off.

2. Enable Compass Calibration

Go to Settings ➡️ Privacy & Security ➡️ Location Services ➡️ System Services.
Ensure Compass Calibration is set to ON. This setting can influence the accelerometer's performance.

3. Disable True North

Navigate to Settings ➡️ Compass and set Use True North to OFF. This forces the compass to rely on Magnetic North, which might help recalibrate the sensors.

4. Remove Case and Screen Protector