Broken accelerometer - Ipad 2 will not rotate - Stuck in portrait mode

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Broken accelerometer - Ipad 2 will not rotate - Stuck in portrait mode

There are a couple other posts about this, but one of them was fixed by rebooting and the other was where someone had the side switch set to lock orientation.

I have tried every combination of switch setting (mute/orientation lock) and rebooting but nothing works. It appears to be a problem with the accelerometer. I downloaded the labyrinth game to test it out and the ball just sits in the corner. No amount of shaking will move it.

Anybody else seeing this problem?

iPad 2, iOS 4, iPad 2, rotation, orientation, portrait mode, accelerometer

Posted on Mar 18, 2011 12:25 PM

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Answer 1

red555

Level 4

2,581 points

Mar 18, 2011 12:29 PM in response to newanalog

You can take it to the Apple store and the genius can check it out for you. You can make an appointment on line at apple.com/retail.

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Answer 2

newanalog Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 18, 2011 12:36 PM in response to newanalog

I know, I was just interested to see if anyone else had the problem.

I forgot to mention that it happened once after I installed Garage Band and rebooting did fix the problem. But, it has since happened again and rebooting does not fix it. If a restore fixes the problem it may just be some software issue. If not, I bet it'll take forever for Best Buy to get more in stock and trade it out for me.

So, is anyone else having problems with the accelerometer?

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Answer 3

newanalog Author

Level 1

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Mar 18, 2011 8:02 PM in response to newanalog

Did a reset from iTunes...still not working.

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Answer 4

PHAT ROB

Level 1

72 points

Mar 18, 2011 8:38 PM in response to newanalog

Try to double click the home button to get to the rotation control.

http://www.tothepc.com/archives/ipad-slide-switch-lock-screen-mute-ios-4-3/

Check this link out for better instructions.

Message was edited by: PHAT ROB

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Answer 5

Dah•veed

Level 9

64,633 points

Mar 18, 2011 8:51 PM in response to newanalog

You may have purchased it from Best Buy, however, this is a warranty issue and you may take it to any Apple Store or other Authorized Apple Service Provider for warranty coverage. With the proper appointment for an Apple Genius, they will need to take the decision to repair or replace the iPad for you. Make sure that you have a complete backup in iTunes in case you bring home a brand new iPad.

Dah•veed

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Answer 6

Philly_Phan

Level 7

20,707 points

Mar 18, 2011 8:55 PM in response to newanalog

Try a System Reset:
Hold down the on/off switch and the Home button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo. Ignore the "Slide to power off" text if it appears.

A System Reset does not remove any apps, music, movies, etc. nor does it cause any settings to revert back to default.

Also, you might wish to download the iPad-2 User Guide. Pay special attention to page 162. Note that this Guide also applies to the iPad-1 with IOS 4.3 except for those functions that are not supported by the hardware.
http://support.apple.com/manuals/#ipad

Finally, the User Guide can be downloaded at no charge via iBooks and a less comprehensive version of the Guide is included as a Safari bookmark.

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Answer 7

newanalog Author

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Mar 19, 2011 7:05 AM in response to newanalog

Would I be correct in saying that a restore from iTunes is the most comprehensive reset that can be done? If that didn't work, I'm 99% sure it's a hardware problem.

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Answer 8

Philly_Phan

Level 7

20,707 points

Mar 19, 2011 7:18 AM in response to newanalog

No.

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Answer 9

newanalog Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 19, 2011 8:22 AM in response to newanalog

So...what's the next level of testing I can do before driving an hour away to the Apple store?

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Answer 10

Philly_Phan

Level 7

20,707 points

Mar 19, 2011 8:58 AM in response to newanalog

Try a System Reset:
Hold down the on/off switch and the Home button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo. Ignore the "Slide to power off" text if it appears.

A System Reset does not remove any apps, music, movies, etc. nor does it cause any settings to revert back to default.

Also, you might wish to download the iPad-2 User Guide. Pay special attention to page 162. Note that this Guide also applies to the iPad-1 with IOS 4.3 except for those functions that are not supported by the hardware.
http://support.apple.com/manuals/#ipad

Finally, the User Guide can be downloaded at no charge via iBooks and a less comprehensive version of the Guide is included as a Safari bookmark.

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Answer 11

newanalog Author

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Mar 19, 2011 11:06 AM in response to newanalog

I see what you did there, and no it didn't work.

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Answer 12

Philly_Phan

Level 7

20,707 points

Mar 19, 2011 2:10 PM in response to newanalog

It was worth a shot. Sounds like a visit to Apple is needed. Sorry about that.

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Answer 13

newanalog Author

Level 1

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Mar 19, 2011 7:09 PM in response to newanalog

Thanks everybody. Calling for an appointment next week.

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Answer 14

Chris CA

Level 10

82,434 points

Mar 19, 2011 8:08 PM in response to newanalog

Calling for an appointment next week

Just go here -> http://www.apple.com/retail/storelist/
Find your local store, and make a reservation under Genius bar.

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Answer 15

Apr 1, 2011 7:50 PM in response to Philly_Phan

I seemed to have this problem on my iPad 2 (would not rotate), and the non-destructive 'system reset' (holding both buttons until apple logo appeared) worked great for me.

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