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The iPhone is one of the most robust smart phones on the market. From design to manufacturing, the device is built to last. There is no such thing as a perfect device. Some iPhone users develop problems with their Home button. For some, the Home button is slow to respond. This is a software issue and can be fixed by calibrating the Home button. For others, the Home button doesn’t work at all. This indicates a physical problem.
The Internet is full of methods to fix a broken Home button, however, you could damage your device. Appledystopia can’t recommend any solution which could potentially harm your iPhone. You can workaround a broken Home button by using AssistiveTouch, a feature designed to provide accessibility for disabled users.
Calibrate Home Button
If your Home button responds slowly, you’re in luck. The button is not physically broken or clogged with dirt. You can easily fix this by calibrating the Home button.
First, open one of the stock Apple iPhone apps, such as Stocks, Weather, or Calendar. Hold the sleep/wake button at the top of your iPhone until the Power Off screen appears. Release the sleep/wake button. Next, hold down the Home button until the Power Off screen disappears. This should take about 6 seconds. You’ll see your app for a brief moment, and then the Home screen will appear. That’s it — your Home button has been calibrated. If that didn’t work, there are other options.
Home Button Workaround
If your Home button is completely unresponsive or calibration didn’t work, there may be an underlying physical problem. The contacts may be loose. Perhaps the button is broken or clogged with dirt. There are sites suggesting ways to fix these physical problems, but you could damage your device. I recommend using AssistiveTouch as a substitute for the Home button.
AssistiveTouch offers an alternate way of using the iPhone. Some people with disabilities may not be able to tap the Home button. AssistiveTouch provides an easy way to control your iPhone.
Access AssistiveTouch by tapping Settings > General > Accessibility > AssistiveTouch, then turn the feature on. You will see a translucent circle appear on the top left of your screen. Tapping on this circle will display a menu for interacting with your device. You can slide the circle anywhere on the edge of your screen. Place it somewhere unobtrusive, as the circle will be present on every screen. (continue…)
