Apple shocked the world by removing the recognizable home button from the iPhone X in 2017. From the iPhone’s creation, this physical button had functioned as the hub of navigation. However, it was viewed as being outdated with the introduction of edge-to-edge displays and facial recognition. Since the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 lines all lack a button, Apple never changed direction. Apple doesn’t appear to be planning to bring it back at any point (or will they for a special edition???).
Those who have been using this particular feature for years may find it difficult to adjust to an interface without a Home button. But don’t worry! This article attempts to give you ten crucial pointers that will make it easier for you to use an iPhone without a Home button.
- The Gesture-Based Control System: A First Look
First and foremost, you must become accustomed with the new gesture-based control scheme. Following the release of the iPhone X, Apple has added a number of simple motions that perform the duties of the Home button.
Returning to the Home screen: The simplest move is to do so by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
Accessing the Control Center: From the top right corner of the screen, swipe downward to open the Control Center.
Swipe down from the top left corner or the center of the screen to open the notification center.
Using your iPhone without a Home button will feel natural if you become used to these fundamental gestures.
- Switching between apps and multitasking
It has never been simpler to switch between apps. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold your finger in the center of the screen to activate the App Switcher. To browse the apps, simply swipe left or right.
3. Fast App Switching
Swipe left or right along the bottom of the screen for even faster app switching. By doing so, you can navigate to the App Switcher’s prior or subsequent app.
- Accessibility
On the larger iPhones, using one hand can be challenging. Thankfully, Apple has preserved the Reachability function. Swipe down from the screen’s bottom edge to turn it on. The entire screen’s content will move downward to make it simpler to access the top controls.
- Using an Unlocked Phone
Your iPhone may now be unlocked without a Home button thanks to Face ID. If your face is recognized by your iPhone, all you have to do is glance at it to unlock it. To access the Home screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. You will be prompted to enter your passcode if Face ID is unsuccessful.
6. Calling Siri
Siri is different yet still simple to use. You now press and hold the side button until Siri appears rather than continuing to hold the Home button.
- Snapshots of the Screen
Press the Side and Volume Up buttons at the same time to snap a screenshot without using the Home button. The screenshot thumbnail will show up at the bottom of the screen as it flashes.
- Quick-Keys for Accessibility
You can still quickly activate any accessibility features you depend on, such as AssistiveTouch or VoiceOver. Choose the features you desire by going to Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut. Then, triple-click the side button to make the shortcut you choose active.
- Cause a restart
Knowing how to force restart your iPhone is crucial in the unlikely event that it freezes. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo, then swiftly push and release the Volume Up, Volume Down, and Side buttons.
10. Apple Pay
To activate Apple Pay without a Home button, simply double-click the Side button and use Face ID to verify your identity.
A Conclusion
It may initially appear intimidating to switch to an iPhone without a Home button, but the key is to become used to a new mode of interaction. The user experience will be smoother and more intuitive thanks to the gesture-based navigation system. You’ll discover that using your iPhone is improved, quicker, and more fluid once you get the hang of it.
These pointers ought to help you master your iPhone without a Home button, whether you’re a first-time iPhone user or an experienced user switching from an older model. So accept the change, get used with the gestures, and soon you’ll be using your iPhone like an expert!
Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com. You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.
When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.
Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.
