How to Unlock a Sideways iPhone

iPhone firmware version 4.0 or higher is required to use orientation lock.

The iPhone has built-in motion sensors that detect when the device is in a portrait or landscape orientation, so it can adjust the display and its contents appropriately. There are circumstances when the iPhone's orientation sensing is not required, or does not adjust the display appropriately, such as using the iPhone while laying down. The orientation lock allows you to prohibit the iPhone's automatic motion sensing, and lock the display in position. The orientation lock must be manually deactivated when you want the iPhone to adjust the screen automatically.

Instructions

1. Double-tap the home button to reveal the multitasking bar at the bottom of the screen.

2. Swipe the multitasking bar to the right to reveal the iPod Music controls and the orientation lock button. The orientation lock button is on the left side of the multitasking panel, and it can be identified by a circular arrow at its center.

3. Tap the orientation lock button to unlock the iPhone's sideways orientation. The small padlock symbol will disappear from the inside of the button. The iPhone will adjust the screen automatically when the handset is physically rotated.

References

• Apple: iPhone User Guide -- Viewing in Portrait or Landscape Orientation