To stop your iPad screen from rotating, you simply need to toggle a setting in the Control Center. By doing this, the screen will stay in a fixed position regardless of how you hold the device. This is particularly useful when you’re reading, watching videos, or using certain apps that work best in one orientation.
How to Stop iPad Screen from Rotating
In this section, I’ll walk you through the steps to prevent your iPad screen from rotating. The process is straightforward and should take just a few seconds to complete.
Step 1: Open the Control Center
Swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen to access the Control Center.
The Control Center is where you’ll find various quick access settings, including the screen rotation lock. If you’re using an older iPad, you might need to swipe up from the bottom of the screen instead.
Step 2: Locate the Screen Rotation Lock Icon
Look for an icon that looks like a circular arrow with a lock in the middle.
This icon is your ticket to stopping the screen from rotating. It’s usually located near the other control icons like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and brightness.
Step 3: Tap the Screen Rotation Lock Icon
Tap the icon to enable screen rotation lock.
When you tap it, the icon should change appearance to indicate it’s activated. This means your screen will no longer rotate automatically.
Step 4: Verify the Screen Rotation Lock
Rotate your iPad to check if the screen stays in the same orientation.
This is a good step to ensure that the setting has been applied correctly. If the screen doesn’t rotate, you’ve successfully locked it.
Step 5: Close the Control Center
Swipe up or tap the screen to close the Control Center.
You’re done! Now you can go back to using your iPad without worrying about the screen rotating unexpectedly.
Once you complete these steps, your iPad screen will stay in its current orientation. You can always turn the feature off by following the same steps if you need the screen to rotate again.
Tips to Stop iPad Screen from Rotating
Here are some additional tips to help you manage your iPad’s screen rotation settings more effectively:
- If the Control Center method isn’t working, go to Settings > General > Use Side Switch, and choose “Lock Rotation”.
- Remember that some apps may override your screen rotation lock setting.
- Make sure your iPad’s iOS is up to date to avoid any glitches.
- If your screen still rotates, try restarting your iPad.
- For iPads with physical side switches, ensure the switch isn’t set to mute, as this can affect screen rotation lock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPad screen keep rotating even after I lock it?
Some apps can override the screen rotation lock. Try closing the app and reopening it, or check the app settings.
Can I customize the Control Center?
Yes, you can add or remove controls by going to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls.
What should I do if my Control Center won’t open?
Make sure you’re swiping from the correct part of the screen. You can also enable access to Control Center within apps via Settings > Control Center.
Can I lock the screen orientation to landscape mode?
Yes, you can lock it in any orientation—just hold the iPad in the desired orientation before locking it.
Will locking the screen rotation affect anything else on my iPad?
No, locking the screen rotation only affects the screen orientation. Other functions and operations will remain unaffected.
Summary
- Open Control Center
- Locate the Screen Rotation Lock Icon
- Tap the Screen Rotation Lock Icon
- Verify the Screen Rotation Lock
- Close the Control Center
Conclusion
So there you have it! You now know how to stop your iPad screen from rotating with just a few simple steps. This can make your iPad experience much more enjoyable, especially if you frequently use it for reading or watching videos. If you ever decide you want the screen to rotate again, just follow the same steps to unlock it. Keeping control over your device’s features can make a big difference in how you use technology daily. For more tech tips and tricks, stay tuned to our blog!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.