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.
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.
1

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.
2

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.

3

Check for software updates.

Keeping your device’s software updated regularly will ensure it continues to run smoothly.
4

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.
5

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.

6

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.

7

Request service.

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