[Fixed] Home button not working iPhone 8 (2024)

✅ We last checked all the steps in this guide on iPhone 8 with 17.2.1 installed. The latest iOS version is 17.2.1.

Do you have a problem with your iPhone 8 home button? If so, using the smartphone can be quite problematic because you cannot return to the home screen, activate Siri, open the app switcher, and do other tasks on an iPhone efficiently.

It is worth noting that the home button also acts as a security authenticator when you use your fingers. 

Let’s take a look at some possible solutions that will help you solve the problem of an iPhone 8 home button not working properly.

Reset the iPhone

Resetting the iPhone is the simplest solution to the problem. However, keep in mind that it is not a simple restart. No, you will have to hard-reboot the device. For that, follow these steps:

  • Press and release the Volume Up button
  • Press and release the Volume Down button
  • Press and hold the Power button


Hold the Power button until you see Apple’s logo on the iPhone’s screen. Once the logo appears, you will know that the smartphone will be hard-rebooted.

Reset the settings

Resetting all settings might seem like a bit too much, but it is also one of the possible fixes to the malfunctioning iPhone home button.

Go to the Settings, click the General tab, tap Reset, and select the Rest All Settings options. You will be asked to enter the iPhone’s password, so make sure to have it written on a piece of paper or memorized.

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Restore the iPhone via iTunes or Finder

Connect your smartphone to your computer to restore it. If you have a MacBook with Catalina OS, you will need to use the Finder tool. On the other hand, PC users and those who have a Mac that runs Mojave OS will need to use iTunes.

You can use the charger cable to connect the iPhone to the computer. Once the computer detects the smartphone, launch iTunes or Finder (depending on what computer you have) and find the Restore iPhone tab. 

It might take a while for the restoration to complete, but you need to wait to make sure that the process is finished properly. Otherwise, your efforts to solve the problem might be futile.

Calibrate the iPhone

Calibration is another method worth a shout. Open a stock application, such as Weather, and hold the sleep button until you see the “Slide to power off” at the top of the iPhone’s screen (example picture below).

Once the slider at the top appears, let go of the sleep button and hold the Home button for about 10 seconds and wait for the application to close. 

Clean the Home button

The odds of some debris or dirt stuck in the area around the Home button are relatively high if you have not bothered cleaning it for a long time. Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab to clean the button. If the particles you want to remove are still there, you may need to get some professional help to take the smartphone apart and clean it thoroughly. 

Use assistive touch

Assistive touch is an alternative to the Home button. If you cannot solve the issue, you might have no other choice but to take advantage of the assistive touch feature.

Open the iPhone’s settings, tap on the General tab, click Accessibility, and select Assistive touch. You will see a dark square icon with a white circle in it that you can use as a replacement for the Home button.

The circle will be present on the smartphone’s screen. Tapping on it will bring you 6 options, which are Siri, Control Center, Device, Notification Center, Favorites, and Home. 

However, keep in mind that assistive touch will not help you if an application you are using on the iPhone suddenly freezes and you need to close the application to return to the iPhone’s home screen. 

Replace the Home button

As expected, you have the option to replace the Home button to make it work again. The question is whether you should get in touch with the official Apple support and go to the Genius Bar or find a cheaper way.

The problem with getting the Home button replaced by an official distributor is that it is quite expensive. On the other hand, trying to replace the button yourself or asking someone who might not have the necessary qualifications may result in more problems. 

Weigh both options and find out how much it would cost to replace the Home button at a Genius Bar and how much it would cost to purchase the replacement online and do the work yourself. 

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