sensor diagnosis

Screen Auto-Rotate Not Working

Use a focused DeviceOK test first, then follow the evidence from browser/device state before changing drivers, firmware, or hardware.

Reviewed 2026-08-11
What this symptom tells you

a phone/tablet/laptop does not rotate when orientation changes

This symptom concerns the sensor path. Start with a neutral DeviceOK test where available so the next step is based on evidence rather than a generic reset sequence.

Collect evidence →
Before you change anything

Do not jump to the most invasive fix

Avoid destructive resets, unofficial driver packages, firmware flashing, or replacing hardware before the simpler detection, permission, connection and configuration checks are exhausted.

What success looks like

Retest the same condition

After every meaningful change, repeat the same test under the same conditions and compare the result.

First 3 checks

Rule out the simple causes

  1. 1

    Run DeviceOK Orientation Test and rotate the device.

  2. 2

    Check whether rotation lock is enabled in the operating system.

  3. 3

    Compare another app that supports rotation.

Evidence-led sequence

Work through the problem in order

  1. 1

    If DeviceOK receives changing orientation values but the screen does not rotate, OS rotation lock/app behavior is more likely than a completely dead sensor.

  2. 2

    If no motion/orientation data appears in supported browsers/apps, inspect permissions, browser support, and device sensors with the OEM diagnostic app.

  3. 3

    DeviceOK cannot override OS rotation lock.

If it works in DeviceOK

If the matching DeviceOK test succeeds, prioritize the affected app, browser policy, operating-system setting, or configuration before assuming complete hardware failure.

If it also fails here

If the same capability also fails in DeviceOK and another trusted diagnostic path, broaden the investigation to connection, operating-system/device state, official driver or firmware support, and finally hardware.

Made a change?Run the same test again instead of assuming the problem is fixed.
Retest Orientation test