How to use AssistiveTouch if an iPhone button is broken

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open Settings, tap Accessibility, Touch, AssistiveTouch and switch it on. A floating button appears. Tap it for a menu with Home, Siri, Control Centre, volume, screenshot and lock, so you can use the phone without the physical buttons.

AssistiveTouch puts an on-screen button on the display that replaces hardware buttons and gestures. People use it when a side or volume button stops working, and when pressing buttons or swiping is difficult.

Step by step

  1. iPhone screen: Open Settings, Accessibility, Touch

    Open Settings, Accessibility, Touch

    Touch is under Physical and Motor.

  2. Tap AssistiveTouch and switch it on

    A grey round button appears. Drag it to any edge of the screen.

  3. Tap the button to open the menu

    The menu offers Notification Centre, Device, Control Centre, Home, Siri and Custom.

  4. Use Device for hardware actions

    Tap Device for Lock Screen, Volume Up, Volume Down, Mute and Rotate Screen. Tap More for Screenshot, Restart and Emergency SOS.

  5. Customise the menu

    On the AssistiveTouch page, tap Customise Top Level Menu to choose which icons appear. Under Custom Actions, set what a single tap, double tap or long press on the button does.

Good to know

To turn the phone off without the side button, open Settings, General, Shut Down. Plug in the charger to turn it back on.

Set the Idle Opacity lower so the button is less visible when you are not using it.

A broken button can usually be repaired. AssistiveTouch is a workaround until then.

In short: Settings, Accessibility, Touch, AssistiveTouch on. Tap the floating button.

Sources
  • Apple Support: Use AssistiveTouch on your iPhone

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.