iPhone’s gyroscope together with accelerometer is responsible for screen rotation and speed movement and gesture. Gyroscope will obtain the coordinates that will enable screen rotation to either portrait or landscape mode. So if gyroscope has problems, screen rotation will not work.
How to fix iPhone Gyroscope not working
If your iPhone Gyroscope not working, here are a few fixes to try out:
#1. Reboot your iPhone
A simple reboot can solve the issue, here’s how to reboot:
- Press and hold Sleep/Wake power button till you see the red slider.
- Drag the slider to power off your phone completely.
- Press and hold power button to restart it, press till you see the Apple logo.
- After rebooting, check an app to see if screen rotation is now working.
#2. Force start iPhone
If the iPhone’s gyroscope is not working after rebooting, try forcing your device to restart.
Press and quickly release the volume up and volume down button > Also press and hold the side button, and release it once the Apple logo appears. This will restart the phone, then check if rotation now works perfectly.
#3. Check if Gyroscope is turned on
One of Safari’s updates the last time prevents motion and orientation access unless the feature is manually enabled. You have to enable it through settings.
Go to Settings > Safari > Privacy and Security > Motion and Orientation access. You will realize this is disabled by default meaning that when a user visits a website that uses the device gyroscope and accelerometer to display interactive web pages, they will be presented with a static image. Simply enable this feature.
#4. Calibrate iPhone’s motion sensors and compass
Many apps use the motion sensors, accelerometer and compass. If any of them stops working properly, iPhone recalibrates the app automatically as long as location services are turned on. Even though your device can handle them for you, you can check;
- Go to Settings.
- Turn on Location services by toggling the switch on.
- Scroll down and tap System Services.
- Turn on Compass calibration and turn on Motion calibration and distance. Toggle the switches to green.
- iPhone will use your location data to ensure Gyroscope, GPS, compass and accelerometer works properly.
An older version of iOS will require you to open Compass and play the mini game by rolling a red ball around a circle to recalibrate compass and motion sensor.
Calibration will help to improve performance of iPhone gyroscope.
#5. Check if app supports screen rotation
Some apps might not support screen rotation, so no matter how you try your phone still remains where it is. Check if the app you are on is such app. This might be the reason gyroscope is not working on iPhone.
#6. Check for iOS update
The reason iPhone gyroscope not working is because your device needs a system update. Check for updates and go ahead to update your system. Settings > General > About > Software update > Then click install.
#7. Factory reset iPhone
If every solution has failed, reset your iPhone to fix this. Settings > General > Reset > Enter Apple ID and password > Click Reset device > Click Delete All > Click again for confirmation.
Make sure you backup your files before resetting so as not to lose them.
Hopefully one or two of these solutions can help you fix your “iPhone Gyroscope not working ” problem.
FAQs
Is there Gyroscope on iPhone?
Yes. In the thin case of every iPhone is a micro thin 3-axis gyroscope. It detects when iPhone is pointed up, down, sideways or any angle. And the screen rotates to that angle. iPhone 11 and later version is equipped with this and even former versions.
What happens if Gyroscope stops working?
Screen rotation and compass will not respond if gyroscope is not working. Gyroscope together with accelerometer is responsible for screen rotation.
I am an experienced tech and innovation writer. It’s been 2 years+ I started writing at Terecle, covering mostly Consumer electronics and Productivity. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and learning the latest happenings around the tech ecosystem.