Rotating the screen on your Samsung Galaxy S8 should be effortless, but if it’s not working or you’re unsure how to activate the feature, we’ve put together this easy-to-follow guide to help. Whether you want to switch from portrait to landscape mode or troubleshoot issues with auto-rotate, we’ve covered all the essential steps. If your phone still isn’t rotating properly, it could be a sign of a hardware issue, and that’s where we at Imfixed come in.
How To Turn On Auto Rotate on Samsung S8
To begin, swipe down from the top of your screen to reveal the Notification Panel. Here, you’ll find the Auto Rotate icon, usually represented by a phone with circular arrows. If it’s active, your screen will rotate automatically based on how you're holding your device.
Want to keep the screen in either portrait or landscape mode? Hold your phone in your desired orientation and tap the Auto Rotate icon to turn it off. This locks the screen position.
Why Auto Rotate May Not Be Working
The screen rotation feature depends on internal components like the gyroscope and accelerometer. If either is faulty or there's a software glitch, the screen may stop rotating. In many cases, the issue can be solved by adjusting your settings, restarting your device, or updating your software. Let’s walk you through the solutions step by step.
1. Check Auto Rotate and Portrait Lock Settings
Start by confirming whether Auto Rotate is on. If Portrait Lock is enabled, your screen won’t rotate even if Auto Rotate is switched on.
To check:
- Swipe down to open the Notification Panel
- Tap the Auto Rotate or Portrait Lock icon
- Make sure Portrait Lock is off and Auto Rotate is on
2. Restart Your Samsung S8
Sometimes a simple reboot fixes minor software bugs:
- Hold the Power button
- Select Restart
- Tap Restart again to confirm
Check if your screen rotates after restarting.
3. Calibrate the G Sensor
The G Sensor plays a key role in screen rotation. Calibrating it may solve the issue:
- Open Settings
- Tap Display or Advanced Features
- Look for Sensor Calibration (or "calibrate" under motion settings)
- Place your phone flat during calibration
4. Clear TouchWiz Data
The TouchWiz launcher can sometimes interfere with system functions:
- Open Settings > Apps > TouchWiz
- Tap Clear Cache
- Tap Clear Data
This can help reset the launcher and fix hidden glitches.
5. Update Your Software
Outdated software may prevent screen rotation. To check for updates:
- Go to Settings > About Phone
- Tap Software Update > Download and Install
Installing the latest updates ensures better performance and resolves bugs.
6. Boot into Safe Mode
A third-party app may be interfering with screen rotation. Use Safe Mode to isolate the issue:
- Turn off your device
- Press and hold the Power button until the Samsung logo appears
- Immediately press and hold the Volume Down button until the device restarts
- Your phone will now boot in Safe Mode (you’ll see “Safe Mode” in the corner)
If screen rotation works in Safe Mode, uninstall recently installed apps one by one to find the culprit.
7. Still Not Rotating? Let Us Fix It.
If none of the above methods work, there may be a hardware issue with the gyroscope or accelerometer. Don’t risk further damage or rely on temporary fixes. Bring your Samsung S8 to Imfixed and let our expert technicians take care of it. Whether it’s a screen replacement, sensor repair, or diagnostic check, we’ll get your phone back in top shape.
Contact us on 01204 520 520 or email info@imfixed.co.uk to book your repair today.
How To Rotate the Lock Screen on Samsung S8
Want to enable screen rotation on the lock screen too? Follow these steps:
- Unlock your phone
- Go to Settings > Lock Screen
- Look for Rotation Options (like Portrait, Landscape, or Auto Rotate)
- Choose Auto Rotate for flexibility
- Save your settings and test by rotating your device
Some apps like YouTube or video players automatically trigger landscape mode, this setting gives you more control.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I enable screen rotation on my Samsung Galaxy S8?
Open the Notification Panel and tap the Auto Rotate icon.
2. Can I lock my Galaxy S8 screen in portrait mode?
Yes. Just disable Auto Rotate in the Notification Panel to lock the screen in portrait mode.
3. Why isn't my screen rotating even though Auto Rotate is on?
Check for portrait lock, sensor calibration, or recent app installations. Restart your phone or boot into Safe Mode to troubleshoot.
4. Do apps have their own rotation settings?
Yes. Some apps override system settings. Open the app and check its display settings.
5. Should I take my phone to Samsung for repairs?
No need. Visit Imfixed instead for fast, affordable and professional repairs you can trust.
