You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

💡 Did you know?

⏺ If you can't accept iCloud Terms and Conditions... Learn more >

⏺ If you don't see your iCloud notes in the Notes app... Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

iPhone 4 Home Button not working properly

Hi all,


My iPhone home button (round button at the bottom) has started "not responding correctly." Sometimes when I press the button it works as it should, but other times it takes at least 10 clicks before anything happens. I can hear the clicking sound that the button physically makes so I can't imagine that it's hardware related - but it sometimes doesn't want to do anything.

After searching Google and the forums it seems to be pointing towards a software issue? I upgraded the phone to the latest software 4.3 around 3 weeks ago.


Modern Firmware - 01.10.01


Any advice is much appreciated,

mrdanang

iPhone 4, iOS 4.3

Posted on Apr 27, 2011 1:34 AM

Reply
542 replies

Jun 2, 2014 1:02 PM in response to mrdanang

My iPhone 4 Home Button has been getting worse over the past 2 years, recently I would have to press the home button hard just to get some sort of functionality. I sprayed some WD40 on it (whilst the phone was off) and then pressed down continuously on the home button for a few minutes. I then used a cotton wool bud to clean round the home button and to dry it off. My Home Button is like new, even the slightest of touches makes it respond.

Jul 21, 2014 5:11 AM in response to mrdanang

Hello Guys.

I am using iPhone 4. I had the same problem of the home button not working.

I read somewhere a trick which worked for me.. Fantastic...

Twist and Spin

I found this method on a bunch of Mac forums, but never tried it out. While I cannot promise you that this will do the trick, it never hurts to try. Simply place your iPhone on its back, hold the Home button down firmly, and then twist the phone clockwise.

If you have a case, you will probably want to remove it to allow for easier rotating. Why would such a thing work? I have no idea. But if you want your Home button to work again, it's worth a try.

And its works for me now.🙂

Dec 14, 2014 11:02 PM in response to misspoker

misspoker wrote:


The reason the home button stops responding is DUST!

I tried different methods of "calibrating" but it is only ********! the only way to fix it is to blow as hard as you can around the button. Remove whatever screen protector you are using and make sure to CLEAN the button. If blowing doesn't work try to spray a little water or some screen cleaning spray on it and rub it in gently. Then blow more and clean it as much as you can. Remember - it is DUST that's causing the problem. Your job is to REMOVE THAT DUST! 🙂


I was totally frustrated and about to buy a new phone, but now problem is solved! 🙂


Hope it works for you as well!

Kind Regards,

Amanda


Amanda... this worked. Some Windex and a cloth. Pressing firmly and cleaning. Definitely more responsive now.

Dec 14, 2014 11:07 PM in response to mentalasanything

mentalasanything wrote:


Tried most of the fixes in here, but nothing worked. Then I found CNET - 4 ways to fix home button (http://www.cnet.com/uk/how-to/four-ways-to-fix-an-unresponsive-iphone-home-butto n/


In my case using the charger lead in the socket to gently ease the home button back up worked.


Been a nightmare for 2 years - but iPhone 4 still going strong !


And in addition to cleaning, this made the most difference for sure! Thanks!

Dec 14, 2014 11:08 PM in response to iGMAN73

iGMAN73 wrote:


My iPhone 4 Home Button has been getting worse over the past 2 years, recently I would have to press the home button hard just to get some sort of functionality. I sprayed some WD40 on it (whilst the phone was off) and then pressed down continuously on the home button for a few minutes. I then used a cotton wool bud to clean round the home button and to dry it off. My Home Button is like new, even the slightest of touches makes it respond.


Be careful with WD-40. Locksmiths will tell you that it lubricates initially but then it dries and collects dust which makes things worse in the long run.

Jul 13, 2015 1:01 PM in response to iceburg lettuce

Wow I was just about to buy a new phone and read this . Thank you so much, I was blowing into the charger hole (whilst my partner mocked me saying "good luck with that" whilst smirking) and it only flippin worked ! Double bonus, my phone is working again and it shut him up all in one go !

Thanks so much for the tip !
best wishes

Jen

x


iceburg lettuce wrote:


3 iPhones at work had the same problem.


I checked a random page on this forum, tried 2 of the simplest solutions and just fixed all 3 iPhones.


I blew straight in to the charger hole a few times, I then put in the charge cable and pulled it up a few times. When I say blew in to, I mean like mouth to mouth resuscitation.


Not sure which one worked or both together.


Hope it works for anyone else with the problem.

Jul 13, 2015 1:15 PM in response to troyfromseattle

Hello Troy !

Dont Worry if your Home button is not working we have got some alternatives for that 🙂GO to settings


Please Follow the given steps

  • Go to Settings
  • Go to General
  • Go to Accessibility
  • Go to Assistive Touch

There Turn on Assistive Touch


After that a grey small transparent box will appear on your screen and whenever you will touch it , it will open up and there will be an option of HOME which will serve as your home button.


Have a good day ! 🙂

HKQ

iPhone 4 Home Button not working properly

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.