How to Fix Auto-Rotation Not Working on Android (2025 Easy Guide)

How to Fix Auto-Rotation Not Working on Android (2025 Easy Guide) 

Auto-rotate is the handy Android feature that switches your screen from portrait to  the landscape automatically based on how you hold your phone. But when it suddenly stops working, it can be frustrating especially while watching videos, using maps, or playing games.

In the detailed post, we explain why screen rotation fails, and provide a step-by-step guide to fix the auto-rotate feature on any Android phone.

 

Why Auto-Rotate Stops Working on the Android

There are several reasons why your Android device might fail to rotate the screen:

Auto-Rotate is turned off in settings

G-sensor or accelerometer glitch

App settings is override screen rotation

System cache issue or bugs after update

Hardware malfunction (accelerometer failure)

Screen rotation is the locked manually or by app permissions

 

Top Ways to Fix Auto-Rotate Not Working

Let’s go through each fix in the order from easiest to the advanced:

 

1. Restart Your Phone

A quick restart can solve small software bugs that disable screen rotation.

Hold the Power button

Tap Restart

After reboot, test the feature by rotating your phone in the YouTube app or Gallery

 

2. Manually Enable Auto-Rotate

Sometimes, the setting is accidentally turned off.

Steps:

Swipe down the Notification Bar

Look for the Auto-Rotate icon (rotate-like arrow)

If it shows Portrait Lock, tap it to enable Auto-Rotate

 

Alternatively:

Go to Settings > Display > Auto-Rotate Screen

Toggle it On

 

3. Test Using Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode disables third-party apps and lets you test if they’re interfering with screen rotation.

Steps:

1. Long press Power > Tap and hold Power Off

2. Select Safe Mode

3. Test screen rotation (use apps like YouTube or Chrome)

If it works, a third-party app is the problem. Uninstall recent apps one by one.

 

4. Check if Rotation Works in All Apps

Some apps are locked in portrait mode by default (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, some banking apps).

Test rotation in:

YouTube (fullscreen)

Chrome (enable the landscape mode in site settings)

Photo Gallery (open and rotate photos)

 

5. Calibrate G-Sensor or Accelerometer

Your phone relies on the motion sensors to detect orientation. If they’re misaligned, rotation won’t work.

Steps to Calibrate:

Go to Settings > Accessibility > G-Sensor / Motion

Or install Accelerometer Calibration app from a Play Store

Follow the on-screen steps to calibrate

Tip: Place phone flat and follow app instructions carefully.

 

6. Clear System Cache (No Data Loss)

Corrupt system files can block features like rotation.

Steps:

1. Turn off your device

2. Hold Power + Volume Up until logo appears

3. Use volume keys to the select Wipe Cache Partition

4. Confirm and Reboot

    This won’t erase the personal data only system junk files.

 

7. Turn Off the Lock to Portrait in Developer Options

In rare cases, developer settings override your rotation behavior.

Steps:

Go to a Settings > About Phone > Tap “Build number” 7 times to enable Developer Options

Then go to Settings > System > Developer Options

Ensure "Force activities to be resizable" and "Auto-Rotate" are not disabled

 

8. Update Your Android OS

If the issue began after an older version or patch:

Go to the Settings > System > Software Update

Tap Check for Updates

Download and install available updates

Google and OEMs fix rotation bugs in system patches regularly.

 

9. Check for the Hardware Issues (Accelerometer Fault)

If none of the above works, your motion sensors might be physically damaged.

Test using an app like:

Sensor Box for Android

Phone Tester

Z-Device Test

Open the app > go to Orientation / Accelerometer Test

If values don’t change when rotating the device, it’s a hardware issue.

 

Visit a local service center for repair or part replacement.

 

10. Factory Reset (Final Option)

Only do this if everything else fails and you’ve backed up your data.

Steps:

Go to a Settings > System > Reset > Factory Data Reset

Confirm and wait for the phone to reset

After setup, test auto-rotation before reinstalling all apps.

 

Bonus Tips to Prevent Auto-Rotate Problems

Don’t install unverified third-party launchers

Use high-quality screen protectors (bad ones interfere with sensors)

Regularly clean the screen and sensor area

Keep software updated

Avoid heavy impact to your device that could affect internal sensors

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Why is my screen stuck in the portrait even when Auto-Rotate is ON?

Some apps force portrait mode regardless of the setting. Test rotation in other apps.

Can a screen protector stop auto-rotate?

Not usually but magnetic flip covers or thick protectors can interfere with the magnetic sensor or accelerometer.

What if the sensor is broken?

You’ll need a technician to the replace or repair the G-sensor or motherboard component.

 

Final Thoughts

Auto-rotate not working on the Android is a common issue but almost always fixable through:

Restarting the phone

Checking settings

Testing and recalibrating sensors

Updating software

 

Only in rare cases does it require a hardware repair. Follow the steps above and your screen should rotate like normal in no time.