How to rotate screen on iPad: A quick and easy guide

To learn how to rotate screen on iPad, you just need to follow these simple steps
A person turning the rotation button on. — Businessinsider/File
A person turning the rotation button on. — Businessinsider/File

Do you wish to change the screen orientation on your iPad, whether you're browsing the web, watching videos, or enjoying e-books? This article will walk you through the straightforward process of how to rotate the screen on your iPad.

Understanding screen rotation on iPad

Screen rotation is a nifty feature that allows you to transition your iPad screen between portrait (vertical) and landscape (horizontal) modes effortlessly. This automatic adjustment enhances the viewing experience for various apps and content.

Enabling or disabling screen rotation on iPad

By default, your iPad is set to enable screen rotation, automatically adjusting as you tilt your device. However, there may be times when you want to keep the screen in a fixed orientation, such as when reclining or using a stand. To control this, you can use the Rotation Lock feature, which allows you to toggle screen rotation on or off with a simple tap. Here's how to do it:

  1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to access Control Center.
  2. Look for the Rotation Lock button; it's recognisable as a rounded square with a curved arrow pointing left above its upper-right corner.
  3. If the button appears in red, the Rotation Lock is active, preventing screen rotation. In grey, it's off, allowing screen rotation.
  4. To change the Rotation Lock status, tap the button. A confirmation message will display on your screen.

Alternatively, you can also use Siri to manage Rotation Lock. Just say "Hey Siri, turn on/off Rotation Lock," and Siri will handle it for you.

Manual Screen Rotation on iPad

If you prefer to manually rotate your screen, you can do so by physically turning your device. However, remember that this method only works when the Rotation Lock is turned off. If it's on, disable it before attempting to rotate your iPad. Follow these steps:

  1. Confirm that the Rotation Lock is off (refer to the steps above).
  2. Hold your iPad and physically turn it to the desired orientation, choosing between portrait or landscape mode.
  3. Your screen will automatically adjust to match your device's position.

Note: Some apps are designed with fixed orientations and do not support screen rotation. For instance, certain games and camera apps operate exclusively in landscape mode, so rotating your device will not alter the app's orientation.