Symptoms
- Screen stays in one orientation no matter how you turn the tablet
- Some apps rotate fine while others don't
- Rotation lock icon may be showing without you noticing
Likely causes
- CommonRotation lock enabledA quick-settings toggle can lock orientation without it being obvious.
- CommonApp doesn't support rotationSome apps are designed to work in only one orientation regardless of tablet settings.
- PossibleTablet lying too flat for the sensor to register a clear orientationAccelerometers can struggle to detect orientation when the tablet is nearly horizontal.
What to do
- Check the quick-settings or control center for a rotation lock icon and turn it off if enabled.
- Test rotation on the home screen and in a different app to see if it's app-specific.
- Tilt the tablet more definitively rather than a slight angle, since sensors need a clearer motion to register.
- Restart the tablet to rule out a stuck sensor service.
- If rotation fails in every app and the lock is off, check settings for any accessibility feature that might be overriding orientation.
When to call a pro
If rotation fails everywhere with the lock off and a restart doesn't help, a repair shop can test the accelerometer/gyroscope sensor.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.