Learn To Do More With The Side Button On Your Smartphone

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The side button of the smartphone mainly refers to the on and off button. This central element is sometimes accompanied by other side buttons, such as the two sound buttons and the mute switch.

Some older models have a central button classified as “home,” but commonly, there would be three main buttons. This time, you will learn what to do if the external buttons do not work and how to solve the problem. Keep reading! 

What is a smartphone side button?

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A smartphone side button is an external physical element key to a mobile phone’s functionality. The number of buttons may vary depending on the phone’s brand.

However, the buttons consist of one for on and off, volume adjustment, taking photos, and recording videos. These buttons are developed to fit the daily usability of the device easily, allowing people to access them easily. 

Smartphone side button: IOS devices

Starting with the iPhone SE, later models stopped including the central “home” button, one of the most used on the device. In this case, IOS smartphones have four main buttons:

Plus, preset alarms will ring despite being in silent mode, no matter how quiet your smartphone is. iPhone phones also have a digital button known as “Assistive Touch.” This multi-tool button allows you to configure the volume, lock the screen, and restart the phone. It may not be a physical side button, but it is undoubtedly beneficial. 

Android smartphone side button

Android smartphones have three essential side buttons: on and off, a volume up button, and a volume down button. In older models, a central “home” button was used, which allowed operations to be directed to the main page or to view the usage history.

However, Android devices currently include well-known digital navigation buttons on the mobile screen. These buttons support functions such as activating Google Assistant, transitioning between applications, and returning activity.

Some versions may contain a fingerprint sensor, depending on the operating system version and device model. This function acts as an almost visible button often anchored to the screen, and its primary function is security.

The off button can reconcile several functions. These include invoking integrated voice assistants and the classic screenshot, a combination of the power button and volume. This last option is applicable on iOS and Android devices. 

Why are the side buttons on IOS or Android devices damaged?

The most common damage to this type of button is caused by daily use or external factors, such as the device falling to the ground. However, to solve these problems, we can remove the protective cover from the device and check for dirt on the button or switch.

The external buttons of mobile phones work with a micro-selector that helps us avoid accidentally pressing the button. For this reason, it does not hurt to press the button with more significant pressure to rule out that it is likely stuck. In the case of dirt, it is advisable to use a small brush or a tissue moistened with alcohol.

As a last option, restarting the device is advisable to rule out a possible internal failure of the mobile system, which may affect its entire operation. If the problem is not partially visible or palpable, sending it to a specialized technical service is best. 

Do you already know how Android and IOS smartphones’ side buttons work?

We are learning that using the side button of a smartphone, whether iOS or Android, is essential to using 100% of its functionalities. For this reason, we hope that this information is of complete interest and valuable to enhance your device use.

At Insiderbit, we ensure your device’s usability is within reach. As a result, we invite you to learn more about increasing your phone’s volume.

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