How to fix the home button not working on Android

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2020-08-04
Abraham Miller

Regardless of how good you take care of your phone, there may still be chances of the phone’s home button not working or not responding properly. The reason could be anything from a normal software glitch to some hardware damage. But when you encounter this issue, it’s pretty annoying as the home button is one of the primary buttons in your device. When the home button on Android is not working, you cannot really do much with the phone. It becomes imperative to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Though there are repair centers to help you out, before heading to the one, you may try to fix it on your own. For those of you who’re not sure how to do it, our quick guide will come in handy.

In this article, we’ve listed down 5 most effective methods you can try if you face the ‘home button not working’ in your Android device.

home button not working

 

Restart the Device

Restarting your device proves to be a masterstroke when your Android phone’s virtual keys suffer the effect of a normal software malware. Reboot your device by long-pressing the Power Button. If you’re lucky, you’ll find the home key functioning fine as soon as your phone restarts.

Choose ‘Wipe Cache Partition’

The cache partition is a cluster of temporary files, logs, and remembered bits from the apps which you’ve downloaded in your device.

If you don’t clean this collection, it may start creating problems at times as it slows the phone and may lead to the problem of android phone’s back and recent buttons not working  So make sure you clean it properly. Follow these steps to do it:

Step 1: Switch off the phone, and long-press the power button + Volume (down) button

Step 2: Select ‘Recovery’ mode

Step 3: Select ‘Wipe cache partition’

Step 4: ‘Confirm’ your selection

Factory Reset

In case the above two methods don’t work to fix the home button not working issue, you can go for factory resetting. But before that, we suggest you use your phone in “Safe Mode”. This will confirm if the issue is caused by some app or software malfunction.

Note: A factory reset will erase everything including the poor-quality apps and software that may be causing issues with the phone. You will get your phone back the way it was at the time of purchase.

To perform Factory Reset on your device, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to Settings

Step 2: Select ‘Backup and Reset’

Step 3: Select ‘Factory data reset’

Step 4: Select ‘Reset phone’

Step 5: You will need to insert the device password

Step 6: Select ‘Erase everything’

(Make sure you take the data back up in advance as the process will delete everything from your phone).

Reset phone in Recovery Mode

You may also look to reboot the phone in recovery mode. For this, you need to follow the below steps.

Step 1: Switch off the phone.

Step 2: Long-press the power button + Volume (down) button

Step 3: Select ‘Recovery’ mode

Step 4: Select ‘Factory Reset’ using Volume buttons to navigate

Try a third-part App:

At times, some apps can come to your rescue. Button Savior is one such app that can help you navigate your phone when your home button is not functioning. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Download ‘Button Savior’ on your phone

Step 2: Click open options by tapping at toggle arrow (you will find it at the edge of the screen)

Step 3: You will see several icons there. You must select the icon based on what you need to carry out on your phone

Find a professional phone repair shop

These are some of the most recommended DIY methods. But if these do not work, chances are there’s some hardware damage or a more complicated software issue that is beyond the reach of a layman. In such a scenario, it will be best to consult an expert. Visit a reliable repair center and the best would be to head to the authorized service center.

 

For Tecno, Itel, and Infinix users, Carlcare is the place to be. Being the authorized service center for these phone brands, we ensure to provide the users with the best repair for any issue they may encounter. If your device is still within the warranty and if it is not accidental damage, you may get the necessary repairs FREE of cost.