How to Change the iPad's Side Switch Behavior GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Computers, Laptops & Tablets > Apple
How to Change the iPad's Side Switch Function
Use the side switch to mute or lock the rotation on your iPad
By Daniel Nations Daniel Nations Writer University of Texas at Arlington Daniel Nations has been a tech journalist since 1994. His work has appeared in Computer Currents, The Examiner, and other publications. He is a developer who has published apps in the Apple App Store, Google Play marketplace and Amazon Appstore; he also has worked as a data analyst and DB administrator. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 6, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Apple iPad Macs What to Know
Go to Settings > General. In the Use Side Switch To section, tap either Lock Rotation or Mute.Alternate method: In Control Center, tap the Rotation Lock icon to enable or disable the orientation lock feature.Also in Control Center, tap the Silent Mode icon to mute the iPad. This article explains how to change the iPad side switch behavior to either mute or orientation lock. It also includes information on using Control Center to control both functions. How to Change the iPad Side Switch Action
By default, the iPad side switch is used to mute the iPad, but that's not its only function. If you prefer, change a setting on the iPad so that when you toggle the switch, the iPad locks in landscape or portrait mode. Locking the orientation of the iPad is convenient when playing a game or reading a book and holding the iPad at an odd angle. Rather than having a screen that constantly changes between landscape and portrait mode, lock the position in place with the switch. For iPads that have a side switch, changing what it does on an iPad takes only a few taps in the Settings app: Open the Settings app to see the iPad settings. In the left pane, tap General. Go to the Use Side Switch To section and tap either Lock Rotation or Mute to select the function you want to use with the side switch. When you use the side switch, the iPad either locks the rotation, so the screen doesn't flip as you move it, or it silences all sound from the iPad, depending on your choice. Not all iPads have a side switch. Those models use the Control Center to lock the orientation or mute the iPad. If Your iPad Doesn' t Have a Side Switch
Apple's quest to limit the number of hardware buttons on the iPad led it to discontinue the side switch with the introduction of the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 4. The iPad Pro models also don't have a side switch. On these newer iPads, the hidden Control Center gives quick access to these functions and others such as changing the iPad's volume, skipping to the next song, turning Bluetooth on or off, and accessing the AirDrop and AirPlay features. Go to the upper-right corner of the screen and swipe down to open the Control Center. On iPads with iOS 9, 8, or 7, swipe up from the bottom of the display to open Control Center. Tap the Rotation Lock icon to enable or disable the orientation lock feature. It's the one that looks like a small lock with an arrow surrounding it. The screen locks in whichever position it is in when you turn on Rotation Lock. Tap the Silent Mode button to mute the iPad. This icon resembles a bell. It turns red when enabled. In some versions of the iOS, the Rotation Lock icon doesn't appear in the Control Center of iPads that are equipped with a side switch. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Disable the Control Center on the iPad Lock Screen My iPhone Screen Won't Rotate. How Do I Fix It? What to Do When Your iPad Won't Rotate How to Use the iPad Control Panel How to Stop Your iPhone Screen From Rotating How to Use the iPhone Calculator How to Use Do Not Disturb on iPad How to Hold the iPad Correctly How to Mute the iPad How to Fix Not Getting Text Notifications on iPhone How to Rotate Videos on Android How to Change an iPad's Sidecar Position Turn off the Annoying Camera Sound on iPhone How to Use Apple Stage Manager How to Fix Issues with Your iPad's Sound Do Alarms Go Off When a Phone is On Silent? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies