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Home button unreliable on Retina iPad Mini

I've had the 32GB Retina iPad mini on Verizon for almost a month and have noticed that the Home button does not always get triggered, and have to do a double-take to make absolutely sure that I pressed it. As with previous iOS devices, I know that when I hear the Home button "click", it should be doing something.

So far, it seems to depend on how pressure is applied to the button. Applying indirect pressure to the button (not directly centered) seems less likely to trigger an action. I'd like to know if others are experiencing a similar problem.

I've already spoken to a Genius about a previous problem (iOS restarting/app crashes) and followed his advice in setting up the iPad brand new as opposed to restoring from an iCloud backup. When I also brought up the Home button issue, the Genius stated it could have something to do with software.

Not too worried now, still have the original warranty and AppleCare+. But it IS annoying.

iPad, iOS 7.0.4, Retina iPad mini 32GB Verizon

Posted on Dec 16, 2013 12:20 AM

31 replies

Feb 20, 2014 10:07 PM in response to [macnn]milhous

Update:

Took it to a genius the 2nd time and of course! the Home button issue couldn't be reproduced ::sigh::

My problems are twofold, ios7 is buggy, unstable, and quite frankly embarrassing. I can't believe how much apps crash and reboots itself when there's a problem. Never have I encountered such systemic problems with older iPads and 3 previous generation iPhones. Is it a hardware problem, software problem, or both?

The genius has all my diagnostic data and advised me again to reset the ipad and start over versus restoring. I also specifically asked if a software problem could cause Home button issues, and said yes, hence restoring a 2nd time around.

What really gets me is that genius also explained that the reason the ipad was crashing a lot was because, after looking at my task manager, said that I had too many apps open! That was appalling considering that ios should handle that automatically, not me. This isn't like android where I should have to manually manage my apps. But some googling found that ios7 seems to have really poor memory management, hence all the crashes.

My plan is to wait until 7.1 is released. If I still have Home button problems after the update, I'm going to stand firm and ask the genius for a replacement, because this whole user experience has been terrible since the day I got it.

Feb 20, 2014 10:11 PM in response to MenesesInc

ios 7.1 is expected for release next month. Thought I believe it's ultimately a hardware problem, I'd wait to update to 7.1, and if it still persists, ask for a replacement.

Feb 24, 2014 7:59 AM in response to MenesesInc

I'll add something else. I can recreate it this issue every morning. Not sure how many hours are needed but, when I wake up and attempt to use the home button, it takes at least 3 audioable clicks to get it to work. I plan on recording that tomorrow via the iPhone as proof, as it is hit and miss when in front of the genius'. =_)

Feb 27, 2014 11:59 AM in response to MenesesInc

It was the same with my device, it needed to be woken up with exactly three clicks after some downtime, then it would work when paying attention to or trying to reproduce it at the genius bar, and then go haywire again all of a sudden. definitely a weird problem, and I wonder why it should be a software issue. until now my replacement device works well, am glad I got it replaced. would be nice to find out what the underlying problem was in the end.

Flexwing

Level 1

0 points

Mar 3, 2014 2:48 PM in response to [macnn]milhous

My iPad Mini 2 (retina) has a problematic home button also and has since the day I switched it on (January).

Sometimes it just doesn't respond, sometimes it reacts as if I double depressed it and other times it reacts as if I single depressed when in fact I did double depress.

Compared with the 3 other full size iPads we have in the house, the mini's home button is shocking.

My wife wont't use it as it drives her bonkers!

I have tried various things including re-calibration, all to no avail.

Tonight I chatted with support who wanted to do a full blown software reset and re-install.

I explained it came out of the box with these issues so they relented and booked me an in-store appointment.

Let's see what they reckon ...

Mar 3, 2014 3:02 PM in response to Flexwing

Sorry to hear, but thanks for posting your experience about this. The more people that report it, the more legitimacy there will be to our claims.

Let us know what happens. I'm still waiting for iOS7.1 to determine if this is a software or hardware issue. I hate to say it, but in 15 years of owning Apple products, I never used a device that was so buggy and unreliable. Crashes, reboots, and a button that doesn't work all the time.

7.1 will be the last straw. If it doesn't fix the problem, then I will ask for a replacement.

Flexwing

Level 1

0 points

Mar 7, 2014 1:24 PM in response to Flexwing

Visited the store this evening for my Genius appointment ...

As soon as the staff member looking after my issue tried the home button he made an "ewwww" sound and said "very spongey, that's not right ...". The iPad also miss behaved and jumped out of an app without being asked to do so.

The chap immediately went to fetch a new, replacement iPad. No fuss, no problems. I'm using it right now and the button is a much nicer experience ...

Mar 14, 2014 10:26 AM in response to [macnn]milhous

I'm experiencing exactly the same issue as you, sometimes it works, other times it does not. I've been reluctant to go to the apple store because I know that when trying to replicate it will of course work fine and there will be questioning looks like is he crazy?

I installed iOS 7.1 yesterday and I'm still experiencing the exact same issue so it appears to be a hardware rather than software issue to me.

As an aside, my home button doesn't feel spongey, it does give a very obvious 'click' like all other ipads/iphones I've had have done.

Apr 3, 2014 12:32 AM in response to [macnn]milhous

For me, I never use the home button of either my ipad and iphone to avoid further damages... I'd rather put 'ON' the Assistive Touch and enjoy its function...

Apr 3, 2014 12:41 AM in response to Cocolocco

How can one enjoy assistive touch. sounds like climbing through the trunk of your car to avoid damaging the door of your Prius..? congrats!

Apr 3, 2014 12:58 AM in response to [macnn]milhous

ASSISTIVE TOUCH could be found in the iPod, iPhone and iPad... Go to Options, open Genera, open Accessibility, way below under the Physical & Motor is Assistive Touch - click to put it ON... I square thing with a white circle will always be shown on your screen... Try it out and enjoy its various functions without using nor touching the home button at all... If the screen goes blank, simply press once your power button and not the home button... I hope this is clear enough... It's a simple secret of new iOS...

Apr 26, 2014 9:26 AM in response to [macnn]milhous

Update:

Received a replacement iPad last night from the Apple Store, NOT for the Home button issue, but because it fell out of my jacket pocket face down and shattered the screen. Applecare plus saved me, just $49.

The Home button feels great and responsive (for now), and I've started using an Anker case from Amazon that has a built-in magnetic cover to turn it on/off automatically.

Good luck to everyone with their Home button woes. Definitely take it in, and get your Home button fixed.

I have to agree with astir1999, Assisitive Touch is only a workaround for people that have Home button problems or have a disability, hence its name. It's not as if iOS devices are sold with a disclaimer that the Home button should only be used sparingly/occasionally. The Home button is there to be used, at-will, and without consequence.

It wouldn't surprise me if future products will eliminate the mechanical button, in favor of solid state controls. It's pretty clear that there are serious mechanical challenges to developing a durable and reliable button.

dearcity

Level 1

0 points

Apr 28, 2014 8:01 AM in response to [macnn]milhous

Just to echo this post. I had the same issue on an iPad Mini Retina and it was a hardware fault - fixed by getting a replacement. My advice is if you have the issue is to ring Applecare or go into an Apple store - I spent quite a bit of time doing factory resets hoping for a software fix, when it was hardware all along...

Lewdvig

Level 1

20 points

Jul 28, 2014 9:15 PM in response to SergZak

This worked for me, thanks!

Mine is only a couple of months old. If this fix does not stick I will have apple fix it.

Aug 20, 2014 3:18 AM in response to [macnn]milhous

I Have the same iPad mini and have experienced the same issue. Although now it is getting worse. We have four other iPads in our house and none have this problem. My only problem is I've moved out of the US and now live in a country without an Apple store. I do have Apple care. What are my options?

Home button unreliable on Retina iPad Mini