Are you tired of constantly pressing the home button on your iPhone to navigate back to the home screen? Or maybe your home button is not functioning properly and you are looking for an alternative way to access the home screen? Whatever the case may be, this blog post is here to help you. In this article, we will explore different methods to get a home screen button on your iPhone. These methods are simple, easy to follow, and require no technical expertise. So, let’s dive in and find out how you can have a home screen button on your iPhone without any hassle.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get Home Screen Button on iPhone:
Before we jump into the methods, let’s understand why you may need to have a home screen button on your iPhone. The home button is an integral part of the iPhone’s design, as it allows users to quickly return to the home screen from anywhere within the device. However, excessive use or hardware issues can lead to a malfunctioning home button. In such situations, having an alternative way to access the home screen becomes crucial.
Additionally, certain iPhone models like the iPhone X, XR, XS, and 11 series no longer have a physical home button. Instead, they rely on gestures to navigate the device. While these gestures are intuitive and efficient, some users may still prefer having a dedicated home screen button for convenience and familiarity.
Now that we understand the importance of having a home screen button on your iPhone, let’s explore the different methods to achieve this.
Method 1: Via AssistiveTouch
AssistiveTouch is a built-in accessibility feature on iPhone that allows users to create virtual buttons on their device’s screen. These buttons can perform various functions, including accessing the home screen. Here’s how you can enable and use AssistiveTouch to get a home screen button on your iPhone:
Step 1: Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Accessibility."
Step 3: Tap on "Touch."
Step 4: Under the "Physical and Motor" section, tap on "AssistiveTouch."
Step 5: Toggle the switch to enable AssistiveTouch.
Once enabled, you will notice a small white circle with a gray box on your screen. This is the AssistiveTouch button. Now, let’s configure it to act as a home screen button:
Step 6: Tap on the AssistiveTouch button.
Step 7: Tap on "Customize Top Level Menu."
Step 8: Tap on the "+" icon to add a new button.
Step 9: In the "Add New Gesture" screen, tap on "Home."
Step 10: Give your new button a name, like "Home Screen."
Step 11: Tap on "Done" to save the changes.
From now on, whenever you tap on the AssistiveTouch button and select your customized "Home Screen" button, it will instantly take you to the home screen on your iPhone.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to enable AssistiveTouch.
2. Provides a virtual home screen button for easy access.
3. Customizable options to personalize the AssistiveTouch button’s appearance and functionality.
Cons:
1. The AssistiveTouch button may take up some screen space.
2. May require some time to get used to the new navigation method.
Method 2: Using Back Tap
Back Tap is a new feature introduced in iOS 14 that allows users to perform custom actions by double or triple tapping the back of their iPhone. This feature can be utilized to create a shortcut to quickly access the home screen. Follow these steps to set up Back Tap and enable a home screen shortcut:
Step 1: Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Accessibility."
Step 3: Tap on "Touch."
Step 4: Scroll down and tap on "Back Tap."
Step 5: Select either "Double Tap" or "Triple Tap" based on your preference.
Now, let’s configure the selected tap action to act as a home screen shortcut:
Step 6: Tap on either "Double Tap" or "Triple Tap."
Step 7: Scroll down and tap on "Home" under the "System" section.
That’s it! You have successfully set up Back Tap to act as a shortcut to the home screen. Double or triple-tap the back of your iPhone to instantly navigate to the home screen.
Pros:
1. Utilizes a unique and innovative feature of iOS 14.
2. Provides a customizable shortcut for accessing the home screen.
3. No need to use on-screen buttons or gestures.
Cons:
1. Limited to iPhone models compatible with iOS 14 and above.
2. Requires tapping on the back of the device, which may take some getting used to.
Method 3: Via Accessibility Shortcut
If you often use the accessibility features on your iPhone, this method can be a convenient way to access the home screen. Follow these steps to enable the accessibility shortcut for the home screen:
Step 1: Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Accessibility."
Step 3: Tap on "Accessibility Shortcut" (usually located at the bottom of the list).
Now, let’s configure the accessibility shortcut to include the home screen:
Step 4: Tap on "Accessibility Shortcut."
Step 5: Scroll down and select "AssistiveTouch."
Once enabled, you can quickly access the home screen by triple-clicking the side or home button (depending on your iPhone model). This action will trigger the accessibility shortcut and take you back to the home screen.
Pros:
1. The accessibility shortcut is easily accessible with a triple-click of the side or home button.
2. Provides a swift way to navigate to the home screen.
3. Doesn’t require any additional third-party apps or tools.
Cons:
1. Limited to iPhone models with a physical side or home button.
2. You need to remember to triple-click the button to access the home screen.
Method 4: Using Virtual Home Button Apps
If none of the built-in options suit your preferences, you can opt for third-party apps that create virtual home buttons on your iPhone’s screen. These apps simulate the functionality of a physical home button and allow you to access the home screen with a single tap. Here’s how you can use a virtual home button app:
Step 1: Visit the App Store on your iPhone.
Step 2: Search for "Virtual Home Button" or similar keywords.
Step 3: Choose a suitable app from the search results and install it.
Once installed, open the virtual home button app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up. These apps usually provide customization options for the button’s appearance, behavior, and placement on the screen. After the setup is complete, you can tap on the virtual home button anytime to go back to the home screen.
Pros:
1. Provides a dedicated virtual home button on the screen.
2. Customizable options to personalize the button’s appearance and functionality.
3. Compatible with a wide range of iPhone models.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing third-party apps from the App Store.
2. Some virtual home button apps may contain ads or require in-app purchases for additional features.
What to Do If You Can’t Get Home Screen Button on iPhone:
If you encounter any issues while trying to get a home screen button on your iPhone using the methods mentioned above, here are a few fixes you can try:
1. Restart your iPhone: A simple restart can resolve minor software glitches that may be causing the issue.
2. Update iOS: Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS, as updates often include bug fixes and improvements.
3. Reset settings: Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" and select "Reset All Settings." This will reset all your settings to factory defaults, potentially fixing any underlying issues.
4. Contact Apple Support: If none of the above solutions work, reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.
Bonus Tips:
To enhance your iPhone experience, here are three bonus tips:
1. Use gestures: Familiarize yourself with the various gestures available on your iPhone, as they provide a seamless navigation experience without relying on physical buttons.
2. Customize Control Center: Access the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner (or bottom on older models) of your iPhone’s screen. From here, you can customize the layout and add frequently used functions, including a custom shortcut to the home screen.
3. Consider repair or replacement options: If your home button is physically damaged or completely unresponsive, it may be time to explore repair or replacement options. Contact Apple or visit an authorized service provider for assistance.
5 FAQs:
Q1: Why is my iPhone home button not working?
A: The home button may not work due to various reasons, such as software glitches, water damage, or physical damage. Try the methods mentioned in this article to bypass the home button’s functionality.
Q2: Can I replace the home button on my iPhone?
A: For certain iPhone models, it is possible to replace the home button through authorized service providers. However, this can be an expensive process, and it is recommended to check with Apple Support for professional advice.
Q3: Will using virtual home button apps drain my iPhone’s battery?
A: Generally, virtual home button apps have minimal impact on your iPhone’s battery life. However, excessive use of any app can contribute to battery drain. It’s recommended to monitor battery usage and close unnecessary apps running in the background.
Q4: Can I use AssistiveTouch with other virtual buttons apart from the home screen?
A: Yes, you can customize AssistiveTouch to create virtual buttons for various functions, including volume control, app switching, and more. Explore the AssistiveTouch settings to discover its full potential.
Q5: Is Back Tap available on older iPhone models?
A: Back Tap is available on iPhone models that support iOS 14 and above. Check if your iPhone model is compatible with iOS 14 to utilize this feature.
Final Thoughts:
Having a home screen button on your iPhone is essential for convenient navigation and accessibility. Whether your home button is faulty or you simply prefer an alternative method to access the home screen, the methods discussed in this article offer practical solutions. From enabling AssistiveTouch to utilizing Back Tap or virtual home button apps, you have a range of options to choose from based on your iPhone model and personal preference. Experiment with these methods and find the one that enhances your iPhone usage the most.