Screen does not rotate on Galaxy phone or tablet

When Auto rotate is enabled on your Galaxy phone or tablet, the screen will automatically rotate when you move between Portrait and Landscape modes. Your device uses an internal accelerometer to determine which way the phone is held, so that it can match the orientation. If the screen doesn't rotate at all, you can check the orientation icon in the Quick settings panel, update your device’s software, and try restarting your device.

Hands holding a Galaxy phone in horizontal orientation, showing the home screen with apps, indicating an issue as the screen has not rotated to match the phone's position.

Screen does not rotate on Galaxy phone or tablet

Note

Some apps will still open in Portrait or Landscape mode by default. If the app you're using only supports a specific orientation, it will not rotate when you move your device.

Inspect your device for damage.

Physical damage can affect your device’s performance. Be sure to check for cracks or other damage to the screen. If the device’s screen is damaged, please contact Samsung Support to set up service.

Check your device’s screen orientation icon.

Using two fingers, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick settings panel, and then find the screen orientation icon. This icon may say Auto rotate, Portrait, or Landscape.

Auto rotate: Allows your device’s screen orientation to automatically adjust and rotate when you turn your device. The Auto rotate icon looks like a small phone surrounded by two arrows and will glow blue when enabled.
Portrait mode: This locks the screen in the upwards position. The icon will say “Portrait” with a lock and will be gray when enabled.
Landscape mode: This locks the screen in the sideways position. The icon will say “Landscape” with a lock and will be gray when enabled.

If needed, you can change your screen's orientation setting between Portrait, Landscape, or Auto rotate by tapping the screen orientation icon.

Check for software updates.

Keeping your device’s software updated regularly will ensure it continues to run smoothly.

Restart your device.

Restarting your device will vary depending on the model:

On devices with a Power button: Press and hold the Power button, and then tap Restart. Tap Restart again to restart your device.
On devices with a Side button: Using two fingers, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick settings panel. Tap the Power icon, and then tap Restart. Tap Restart again to restart your device.

Test an app on your device.

Open an app and try rotating your screen by turning your device sideways. Avoid touching the screen when rotating the device, as this will cause interference when the screen begins to rotate.

Keep in mind that some apps will still open in Portrait or Landscape mode by default.

Perform a factory data reset.

Note: A factory data reset will remove all personal information from your device. Please back up your data before performing the reset.

If none of the above steps have solved the screen rotation issue, you can try performing a factory data reset on your device. From Settings, search for and select Factory data reset, and then tap Factory data reset again.
Screen display of a factory data reset warning on a Galaxy device, listing data that will be erased including the Google account, system and app data, settings, downloaded apps, music, and pictures.

Review the information, and then tap Reset. If you have a security lock set up, you’ll be asked to enter your credentials. Next, tap Delete all, and then enter your Samsung account password if prompted. Your device will then reset and start again from the initial setup screen.

Request service.

If the issue persists after performing the above steps, please contact Samsung Support to set up service.

Recommended Articles

The new features on your Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro

Design The Galaxy XCover6 Pro maintains a thin and light feel alongside military-standard durability. This phone’s rugged design meets the demands of frontline workers and includes the following features: Water resistant and dust-proof: With a rating of IP68, the Galaxy XCover6 Pro can survive a total of 30 minutes under water at 1.5 meters. Anti-s

Program the keys on your Galaxy XCover6 Pro

Program the XCover key and Top key The XCover key is the large button on the side of your Galaxy XCover6 Pro. It can be set to perform different functions, such as initiating push-to-talk communications between your colleagues or turning on your flashlight. You can easily customize this key to meet your needs. Navigate to and open Settings, and the

Samsung DeX mode will not start

On phones that were set up by Knox Customization Configurator, Samsung DeX may fail to start. Typically only phones that are issued and administrated by a business will be customized with Knox. When trying to use DeX, the phone will simply mirror its screen to the monitor. You'll need to check if the phone was configured this way, and if it was, yo

Galaxy phone or tablet's GPS signal is lost

There are several reasons why a phone's or tablet's GPS signal may not work properly, such as a communication failure with the satellite. Other times, it could be because your Location is disabled or because you are not using the best Location method.

We're here for you

Contact Samsung Support

Contact us online through chat and get support from an expert on your computer, mobile device or tablet. Support is also available on your mobile device through the Samsung Members App.

Get support