There is one trick that sometimes works: first, with the screen on, hold down the power button until the "slide to power off" screen appears. Then release the power button and hold down the home button for a few more seconds. If the button itself is okay then this should take you back to the home screen. After that it should work okay.
If this doesn't work then it could mean that the button itself is broken. In which case you'll either have to send it in for repair or just start using the four finger multitask gestures exclusively.
If the reboot does not help, and warranty is up, get some plastic safe contact cleaner. (auto parts store should have it). Spray some into the button and push it several times. 50/50 chance it will work, but cheap and easy to do with low risk.
that trick works for a few minutes and then it went back to unresponsive again.
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i bought it refurbished on apple store less than 3 weeks ago. think i cna take it to the store?
Just enable gestures and use those.
That's a normal characteristic of a low tech mechanical button. Why Apple clings to these vulnerabilities is rather contrary to their claim that they're innovators.
I've had 4 iPhones replaced due to faulty buttons. In that same time frame I've never had a single button fail on any of my Android phones. But then again, it's not fair to compare, since they're modern touch sensitive just like the display.
As much as I like Apple, they do make some rather bizarre choices. I believe they do because none of their dedicated followers would ever be truthful & doubt Apples choices. To the contrary they rationalize & stand up for Apple no matter what.
It's good to be Apple![]()
People were also getting mad about rumors of Apple replacing the button with some touch-sensitive non-mechanical button. I don't see why. I agree; the mechanical button is horrible.
that trick works for a few minutes and then it went back to unresponsive again.
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i bought it refurbished on apple store less than 3 weeks ago. think i cna take it to the store?
Yes you can take it to any Apple Store for a replacement. Apple refurbs come with a 1 year warranty.
Yeah, ignore what everyone else is saying and take it back to Apple as it's still under warranty.