Having trouble opening your iPhone without a Home button? You’re not alone. When the Home button breaks or doesn’t work, starting your device can be tricky. One effective solution is using AssistiveTouch, which replaces many of the Home button’s functions on the screen.
If the Home button isn’t working, first you need to set up AssistiveTouch in your device settings. This feature provides an on-screen Home button, which can help you navigate your iPhone. You can enable it by going to Settings, then Accessibility, Touch, and finally, turning on AssistiveTouch. This method is simple and does not require any special tools or advanced skills.
Setting up AssistiveTouch takes a few moments but can drastically improve your ability to use your iPhone. This virtual Home button is also customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your needs. With AssistiveTouch, you don’t need to worry about a broken Home button disrupting your day.
How to Open Your iPhone Without the Home Button
If your iPhone’s Home button is broken or you’re using a newer model without one, you can still unlock and navigate your device easily. Apple provides built‑in features to help you access your iPhone without relying on the Home button.
Method 1: Use Face ID (iPhone X and Later)
Most modern iPhones don’t have a Home button and rely on Face ID.
Steps:
- Wake your iPhone by tapping the screen or pressing the Side button.
- Look at your iPhone to authenticate with Face ID.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open your Home screen.
✅ This is the default and easiest method for newer iPhones.
Method 2: Use Touch ID Without Pressing Home (Older Models)
On iPhones with Touch ID, you can enable unlocking without pressing the Home button.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Accessibility.
- Tap Home Button.
- Turn on Rest Finger to Open.
- Place your finger on the Home button (no click required).
✅ Helpful if the Home button still detects touch but doesn’t physically click.
Method 3: Enable AssistiveTouch (Best for Broken Home Buttons)
AssistiveTouch creates an on‑screen virtual Home button.
Steps to Enable:
- Open Settings → Accessibility.
- Tap Touch → AssistiveTouch.
- Turn AssistiveTouch ON.
A floating button will appear on your screen.
How to Use It:
- Tap the AssistiveTouch button
- Select Home to return to the Home screen
- Use it for multitasking, Siri, screenshots, and more
✅ Ideal if your Home button is completely broken.
Method 4: Use Siri
Siri can help you access apps without pressing any buttons.
Examples:
- “Hey Siri, open Settings”
- “Hey Siri, go to Home screen”
✅ Works best when Siri is already enabled.
Method 5: Use an External Keyboard (Temporary Fix)
If your iPhone supports it, you can connect a Bluetooth keyboard.
Steps:
- Connect a Bluetooth keyboard.
- Press Command + H to return to the Home screen.
✅ Useful if your screen and buttons are both limited.
Bonus Tip: Set Up Accessibility Shortcuts
You can quickly turn AssistiveTouch on or off.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Accessibility.
- Tap Accessibility Shortcut.
- Select AssistiveTouch.
- Triple‑click the Side button to activate it anytime.
Key Takeaways
- Enable AssistiveTouch in Accessibility settings
- Use the on-screen Home button for navigation
- AssistiveTouch is customizable
Setting Up Accessibility Features
Setting up accessibility features on your iPhone helps make it easier to use without a Home button. This includes options such as AssistiveTouch, touch settings, and voice control.
Enabling AssistiveTouch
AssistiveTouch is a great feature for users who need an on-screen alternative to pressing physical buttons. To enable AssistiveTouch, open the Settings app and go to Accessibility. Under Touch, tap AssistiveTouch, then toggle it on.
Once enabled, a virtual Home button appears on the screen. This button lets you perform many actions without using physical buttons, such as taking screenshots or adjusting volume. You can tap the AssistiveTouch button to access a menu of options or customize the functions it performs.
Configuring Touch Settings
Configuring touch settings allows you to personalize how your iPhone responds to taps and gestures. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch. Here, you can adjust settings like tap speed and duration.
One important feature is Create New Gesture, which lets you design custom gestures. For example, you can create a gesture to swipe up, which can be assigned to open the Home screen. This becomes very useful if you frequently use specific actions. Customizing these settings makes using your iPhone more intuitive and tailored to your needs.
Utilizing Siri and Voice Control
Siri and Voice Control provide hands-free ways to interact with your iPhone. To enable Voice Control, go to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control and toggle it on. You can now dictate commands to your device.
With Voice Control, you can perform tasks like opening apps, adjusting settings, and even taking a screenshot, all without touching the screen. Siri also helps with many similar tasks. Activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri” or holding the Side button. Siri can enable accessibility features, send messages, and more.
Replacing Physical Button Actions
Replacing physical button actions with on-screen alternatives can make your iPhone easier to use. Open Settings > Accessibility > Touch and select AssistiveTouch. In the settings, you can customize the Top Level Menu to add or remove actions.
For example, you could add the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to the AssistiveTouch menu. Additionally, you can set Custom Actions for single-tap, double-tap, and long-press actions. These options allow you to replace many physical button functions with easy touch gestures on the screen. This customization ensures that your iPhone remains fully functional, even without any physical buttons.
