How to Rotate the Screen on an iPhone 7: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025 Edition)

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If your iPhone 7 screen is not rotating, or you simply want to learn how to turn screen rotation on or off, you’re in the right place. Many iPhone users face issues with their screens staying stuck in portrait mode, especially while watching videos, browsing apps, or playing games. The good news? Fixing screen rotation on an iPhone 7 is extremely simple.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn:

  • How to enable screen rotation on an iPhone 7

  • Why your iPhone screen may not rotate

  • How to troubleshoot rotation issues

  • Bonus tips for apps that don’t support landscape mode

Let’s dive in!

What Is Screen Rotation on iPhone?

Screen rotation is a built-in feature that automatically switches the display between portrait (vertical) and landscape (horizontal) orientation when you turn the device. The iPhone uses its internal gyroscope and accelerometer sensors to detect movement and adjust the screen.

This feature is especially useful for:

  • Watching videos

  • Playing games

  • Using navigation apps

  • Typing in landscape with wider keyboard

  • Viewing photos and documents

If screen rotation stops working, it can feel frustrating — but the fix is usually simple.

How to Rotate the Screen on an iPhone 7 (Quick Steps)

Step 1: Open the Control Center

To access the Control Center on an iPhone 7:

  • Swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

Step 2: Locate the Rotation Lock Button

Look for the icon shaped like a lock with a circular arrow.

  • Red/White Icon → Rotation Lock is ON (screen won’t rotate)

  • Gray Icon → Rotation Lock is OFF (screen can rotate normally)

Step 3: Tap the Rotation Lock Icon

  • If the icon is enabled, tap it once to turn it off.

  • After disabling rotation lock, tilt your iPhone sideways — the screen should rotate automatically.

That’s it! Your iPhone 7 should now rotate without any issues.

How to Turn Rotation Lock On (If You Want the Screen to Stay Upright)

Some users prefer the screen not to rotate, especially while lying down. To keep the screen fixed in portrait mode:

  1. Swipe up to open Control Center.

  2. Tap the Rotation Lock button to enable it.

  3. A lock icon will appear in the status bar at the top.

Now, your screen will remain upright even if you tilt your phone.

Why Won’t My iPhone 7 Screen Rotate? (Common Causes + Fixes)

If your screen still doesn’t rotate after disabling rotation lock, here are possible reasons and solutions.

1. Some Apps Don’t Support Landscape Mode

Not all apps can rotate — especially:

  • Home Screen on older iPhones

  • Music apps

  • Banking apps

  • Games designed only for portrait mode

👉 Try rotating the screen inside apps like YouTube, Safari, or Photos instead.

2. Display Zoom Might Be Enabled

When Display Zoom is turned on, it can prevent the Home Screen and some apps from rotating.

How to Disable Display Zoom

  1. Open Settings

  2. Tap Display & Brightness

  3. Tap View (Display Zoom)

  4. Select Standard

  5. Tap Set

Your device will restart — after that, rotation should work normally.

3. Restart Your iPhone 7

A simple reboot can fix sensor glitches.

How to Restart

  • Hold the Power button

  • Slide to power off

  • Turn phone on again after 10 seconds

This refreshes the rotation sensors and fixes most temporary issues.

4. Check for Sensor Problems

If your iPhone was dropped, the motion sensors might be affected.

Try running apps that use motion, such as:

  • Compass

  • Games requiring tilt control

If they don’t respond, the accelerometer might be damaged and needs repair.

5. Update iOS

Running an outdated version of iOS can also cause rotation problems.

Update Your iPhone 7

  1. Go to Settings

  2. Tap General

  3. Tap Software Update

  4. Install any available update

Additional Tips for Smooth Screen Rotation

Tip 1: Test Rotation in Multiple Apps

Not all apps rotate, so test with apps like:

  • YouTube

  • Safari

  • Photos

  • Messages (keyboard rotates here)

Tip 2: Remove Thick Cases

Some cases block the phone’s sensors.

Tip 3: Reset All Settings (Only if Necessary)

If nothing works:

  1. Open Settings

  2. Go to General

  3. Tap Reset

  4. Choose Reset All Settings

This does not delete your data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is the rotation lock icon showing on the top bar?

Because rotation lock is enabled. Disable it from Control Center.

2. Does the Home Screen rotate on iPhone 7?

No, the Home Screen rotation feature is only available on Plus models (iPhone 6 Plus, 7 Plus, 8 Plus).

3. Why does my screen rotate in some apps but not others?

Some apps do not support landscape mode.

4. Can I force an app to rotate?

No, unless the app supports it natively.

Conclusion

Rotating the screen on an iPhone 7 is simple once you know how to adjust the settings properly. Whether you want to watch videos horizontally or lock the screen in portrait mode, the Control Center gives you full control. If rotation isn’t working, follow the troubleshooting steps — in most cases, it’s caused by rotation lock, Display Zoom, or a minor software glitch.

By using the steps in this guide, you should be able to fix the issue and enjoy smooth screen orientation anytime.

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