Fixed! iPhone Power Button not Working

When you find iPhone power button not working, there are several actions you can take to rectify the issue or find alternative solutions. This guide offers the reasons why your Power button is not working and what you can do to fix it.

Demi by Demi Updated August 10, 2023
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The power button on your iPhone is a crucial component that allows you to turn your device on or off, lock the screen, take screenshots, and perform various functions. When this button stops working, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. If you find yourself in a situation where your iPhone power button is not working, fear not – there are solutions to get your device back to its optimal functionality.

power button not working

In this article, we'll explore the common reasons behind a malfunctioning power button, provide you with effective fixes, and introduce an alternative method using Assistive Touch.

Part 1. Why is my iPhone power button not working?

Identifying the root cause of your power button not working on iPhone is essential before attempting to rectify the issue. Here, we outline some common reasons behind the malfunction and potential remedies.

Reason 1: Phone Case Interference
Low-quality phone cases can often interfere with iPhone buttons, including the power button. If you're using such a case, it might be obstructing the button's proper functioning.

Reason 2: Operating System Issue
At times, glitches or bugs in the iOS operating system can lead to power button problems. If the button stopped working after an update, the software might be responsible.

Reason 3: Physical Damage
If your iPhone experienced a hard impact from a fall, the power button could be physically damaged. Broken or loose connections could render the button non-functional.

Understanding these potential reasons can guide your troubleshooting efforts and help you determine the appropriate solution for your iPhone's power button issue.

Part 2. Quick tips to power button not working on iPhone

When your iPhone's power button ceases to function, there's no need to despair. Several remedies can potentially revive the button and restore its functionality on your device. Here are a few fixes you can consider employing.

Tip 1. Clear around the power button

If your iPhone's power button (also known as the sleep/wake button) is not working properly, dust, debris, or physical damage could be potential factors. Clearing around the power button can help if the button is obstructed by dirt or debris.

Use a soft, clean, and dry cloth to gently wipe around the power button and the surrounding area. Be cautious not to apply excessive pressure or moisture, as this could potentially worsen the issue or cause damage.

clear power button

Tip 2. Remove the external case from your iPhone

As previously mentioned, inexpensive external cases for your device can disrupt the functioning of the Power button. If you're using such a case with your iPhone, it's advisable to remove it and then test if the button becomes operational.

remove iphone case

If the button becomes functional once you've removed the case, consider replacing it with an authorized and official iPhone case to ensure optimal performance.

Tip 3. Force restart iPhone

If the problem is related to your iPhone's software, performing a force restart might offer a solution. This action essentially refreshes the operating system, rectifying minor glitches that could be causing the issue.

Note: Since the power button is needed to force restart, you may need to head to the next part to enable AssistiveTouch first.

To force restart iPhone 8 and later with Face ID: Press and quickly release the Volume button > Perform the same operation on the Volume button > Press the Power button (Use AssistiveTouch) and release when you see the Apple logo.

force restart iphone

Tip 4. Contact Apple support

If the previous solutions do not yield results, your power button might be experiencing a hardware problem. It's advisable to get in touch with Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for expert assistance and potential repair or replacement options.

Part 3. How to use power button alternative - AssistiveTouch

The Power button plays a vital role in accessing various functions on your iPhone. When it malfunctions, it can restrict your access to essential tools on your device.

Thankfully, Apple has provided a workaround through the AssistiveTouch feature, which is pre-installed on your iPhone. Enabling AssistiveTouch allows you to perform tasks typically managed by the physical Power button.

AssistiveTouch empowers you to take screenshots, lock your iPhone, power it off, and even restart the device, all without relying on a functional Power button. These functions can be performed effortlessly once you've enabled AssistiveTouch, as outlined below.

How to enable AssistiveTouch

Activating AssistiveTouch on your iPhone is a simple process that you can initiate through the Settings app. Follow these steps to enable AssistiveTouch:

Step 1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone. Scroll down and select "Accessibility."

Step 2. Tap on "Touch" to access Touch settings. Under the "Touch" settings, find and select "AssistiveTouch." Toggle on the switch next to "AssistiveTouch" to enable the feature.

enable assistivetouch

Once enabled, you'll notice a floating AssistiveTouch button on your screen. You can customize this button's functions and perform various tasks, even if your Power button is not working.

How to use AssistiveTouch

Now, with AssistiveTouch enabled on your iPhone, you can perform a variety of actions that would normally require using the Power button. Here's how AssistiveTouch can function as a replacement for your Power button:

• Lock Screen: Tap the AssistiveTouch button, then tap "Device" and finally "Lock Screen" to lock your iPhone's screen.

access lock screen

• Home Screen: Similarly, under the "Device" menu, you can choose "Home" to return to the home screen.

• Restart and Power Off: If you need to restart or power off your device, you can do so by tapping "Device", selecting "More", and then choosing "Restart" or "Power Off".

access restart

• Screenshot: Tap "Device", then "More", and select "Screenshot" to capture a screenshot of your current screen.

• Volume and Mute Controls: Adjust the volume or mute your device by tapping the "Device" menu and selecting "Volume Up", "Volume Down", or "Mute".

• App Switcher: Open the app switcher by tapping "Device" and then "More", and selecting "Multitasking".

• Notification Center and Control Center: Access the Notification Center or Control Center by tapping "Notification Center" or "Control Center" under the "Favorites" menu.

• Custom Gestures: AssistiveTouch also allows you to create custom gestures and assign them to the menu options. This feature can be helpful if you want to mimic certain actions like pinch, swipe, or tap.

By using AssistiveTouch, you can effectively navigate and control your iPhone without relying on the physical Power button. This can be especially useful if your Power button is not functioning properly.

Summary

Discovering that your iPhone power button not working can be disconcerting, but rest assured that there are effective solutions to address the issue. By understanding the potential causes, you can systematically troubleshoot and resolve the problem.

Remember that technology presents challenges from time to time, but with a bit of technical know-how and the right tools, you can overcome these challenges and continue enjoying the full functionality of your iPhone.

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