Manage screen rotation on your Samsung Galaxy
Your Samsung Galaxy can automatically rotate its screen when you turn your phone or tablet, making it easier to watch videos, view photos or read documents in your preferred orientation. You can also lock the screen in portrait or landscape mode when you want it to stay in place. This guide explains how to manage screen rotation, adjust related settings and check what to do if the screen does not rotate as expected.
Note: The information provided applies to Samsung Galaxy devices sold in Canada. Screens and settings may vary depending on the device model and software version.
The Quick settings panel on your Samsung Galaxy uses 3 different icons to control screen rotation. Each icon represents a different setting:
- Auto rotate: Allows the screen to automatically switch between portrait (vertical) and landscape (horizontal) orientations depending on how you hold your device. The icon shows a phone surrounded by two curved arrows and appears blue or white when enabled.
- Portrait: Keeps the screen in a vertical orientation, even when you turn your device sideways. The icon shows a padlock inside a vertical rectangle and appears grey when selected.
- Landscape: Keeps the screen in a horizontal orientation, even when you hold your device upright. The icon shows a padlock inside a horizontal rectangle and appears grey when selected.
Note: Some apps and screens may not support both orientations. As a result, they may remain in portrait or landscape orientation even when Auto rotate is enabled. Certain apps may also change the screen orientation when necessary, even if Portrait or Landscape is selected.
Auto rotate is enabled by default when you first set up your Samsung Galaxy, allowing the screen to adjust automatically as you turn your device. However, you can turn off Auto rotate at any time to lock the screen in either Portrait or Landscape mode. When you turn off Auto rotate, your screen stays in its current orientation, whether you're holding your device upright (Portrait) or sideways (Landscape).
Note: If you cannot find the screen rotation icon, see the next section to learn how to add it to the Quick settings panel.
If you cannot find the screen rotation icon in the Quick settings panel, you can add it back in just a few steps. This guide explains how to access the Quick settings panel, find the missing icon and restore it so you can control your screen orientation again.
Access the Quick settings panel
Starting with One UI 7, Samsung introduced a new way to access the Notifications and Quick settings panels. Instead of opening both from the same place, you can access the Quick settings panel by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen.
The first swipe opens the Quick settings panel in its compact form. Swipe down again to expand the panel and display more controls, making it easier to find the option you need.
If your device uses a different layout, or if you prefer the previous navigation method that combines notifications and Quick settings in one panel, see our guide to customize the Quick settings panel.
Find or add the screen rotation icon
The screen rotation icon is normally available in the Quick settings panel, but its name and appearance depend on your current settings. It may be labelled Auto rotate, Portrait or Landscape. If you cannot find the icon, it may have been removed from the panel. Follow the steps below to locate it or add it back.
Note: On devices running One UI 8.5 or later, tap Add a control to display the available buttons. You will then need to swipe up or down to find Auto rotate.
By default, the Home screen on your Samsung Galaxy stays in portrait orientation, even when Auto rotate is enabled. However, you can change this setting to allow the Home screen to rotate into landscape orientation when you turn your device sideways.
Step 1. Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to open the Quick settings panel.
Step 2. Touch and hold Auto rotate to open its settings.
Step 3. Tap the switch next to Home screen to allow it to rotate when you turn your device sideways.
Note:
- If screen rotation is locked in Portrait or Landscape mode, you can follow the same steps. Simply touch and hold the corresponding icon in the Quick settings panel.
- You can also use the same settings menu to allow the Lock screen to rotate when you turn your device sideways.
- The option to rotate the Home screen is not available on most Galaxy tablets.
Even when Auto rotate is enabled, you can temporarily prevent the screen from rotating. This can be useful when reading a document or viewing a PDF and you want to change how you hold your device without changing the screen orientation.
To do this, place a finger on the screen and keep it there while turning your phone or tablet. The screen will remain in its current orientation until you lift your finger, allowing it to rotate again.
If your Samsung Galaxy screen does not rotate as expected, there are several simple things you can check before seeking additional assistance.
- Check Auto rotate: Open the Quick settings panel and make sure Auto rotate is enabled. If it is already enabled, try turning it off and then on again.
- Try another app: Some apps only support portrait or landscape orientation. Open another app and turn your device sideways to see if the screen rotates.
- Avoid touching the screen: Make sure your fingers are not touching the screen while turning your device, as this can temporarily prevent it from rotating.
- Restart your device: Restarting your Samsung Galaxy may resolve temporary software issues affecting screen rotation.
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