Unresponsive Home Button? Try this.

Discussion in 'iPhone' started by Tnnrx7, Oct 18, 2011.

?

Did this work for you?

  1. Yes

    2 vote(s)
    50.0%

  2. No

    2 vote(s)
    50.0%
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  1. Tnnrx7, Oct 18, 2011

    Tnnrx7 macrumors member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2009
    #1
    Like many others, my iPhone has been frustrating me with a unresponsive / incorrect response of my home button (doesn't work often, and sometimes when it does it brings up multitasking after one press).

    Well I found something that I thought was a little sketchy, but has fixed the issue 100% and has lasted a while now.

    1. Take your USB cable and plug it into the bottom of your phone.
    2. Grip the connector plugged into the bottom of the phone and bend up towards the screen.

    Obviously don't put much force on it and break something. I was skeptical about trying this but my home button works like new now.
     
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  2. spblat, Oct 18, 2011

    spblat macrumors 6502a

    spblat

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2010
    #2
    I think the most reliable way is to get Apple to replace, if you're in warranty.

    I wouldn't recommend straining the connector. The most credible suggestion I've seen so far is to apply the nozzle of a shop-vac to the dock connector while toggling the home button. If dust in the button is the problem, that might help.
     
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  3. Tnnrx7, Oct 18, 2011

    Tnnrx7 thread starter macrumors member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2009
    #3
    Out of warranty like many release date owners and later. I have tried multiple things without success and I'm not the only one. Was about to lose all faith in getting it to work again, but extremely happy it does now.

    As I said, you don't need to apply much force at all. It's not going to hurt your phone or cable. Just saying it worked for me and others, not saying you have to.

    Hope this helps those who are getting fed up with their home button problems.
     
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  4. Tnnrx7, Oct 18, 2011

    Tnnrx7 thread starter macrumors member

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    Jul 30, 2009
    #4
    If you're voting (especially to those who this works for), please post your experience!
     
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  5. nepalisherpa, Oct 18, 2011

    nepalisherpa macrumors 68020

    nepalisherpa

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2011
    Location:
    USA
    #5
    OP, I tried your solution, and, I'm not sure if it is a placebo effect, but it seems to be working. I haven't voted yet. I'll vote after I use it all day tomorrow.

    *EDIT* Does not seem like it worked! :) Sorry!
     
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  6. Tnnrx7, Oct 18, 2011

    Tnnrx7 thread starter macrumors member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2009
    #6
    I had to mess around with it a few times before I got what has so far been a permanent result; one bend and try did not work.

    Messed around with it for about 10 minutes testing the home button response as I went along until it was consistent and hasn't failed me yet.

    I'm sure this won't fix it for everyone as there is likely more than one cause for the home button to cause issues.

    Good luck and hope to see some success stories :apple:
     
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  7. RichardF, Oct 18, 2011

    RichardF macrumors 6502a

    RichardF

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2006
    Location:
    New York City
    #7
    Genius bar person told me it's a very common problem. To fix, no need to open, just use a Q tip or a swab with some alcohol and push down the home button at the edge while circling around a few times.

    Make sure, the swab doesn't have so much liquid that it'd be dripping through!

    It becomes less responsive or acts up as finger oil and skin residue builds up over time.
     
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