One of the most popular questions I get asked in any iPad training session I do, is HOW TO TURN THE BLASTED IPAD ROTATION OFF. I mean, most people LOVE this feature, that whole built in sensor that moves with you thing, but for many of the seniors/people I teach, it becomes a nuisance when you’re laying back on the couch to watch a movie or read a book.

The thing is, you can EASILY turn this function on and off at your whim. Assuming you have an iPad that you’ve updated the software of (ie, synced with your computer recently), here’s how you do it. This is the same on iPad 1 or 2.

Basically, the side switch on your iPad (next to the volume control buttons) can be used to EITHER lock the rotation of the screen, OR mute the volume quickly (like on an iPhone).

All you have to do is toggle the settings so that the switch is used only to lock rotation, that way everytime you flip that switch, it will either lock or unlock the rotating screen.

Firstly, just tap on the Settings app on your home screen.

Then, when the Settings open, tap on the left hand side on the word “General”.

On the right hand panel, a slew of options will appear – look for “Use Side Switch To“.

Under that, tap on “Lock Rotation“. You will know it’s correct because the tick will be next to “Lock Rotation”, as shown below:

This is a little tip that takes less than 2 minutes to execute, and may help some of you out there – so far 90% of my students have asked for this, so I know it’s popular!

Hope that was helpful!

Sharon Pakir