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iPad Screen Rotation Lock: Troubleshooting for CompTIA A+ 220-1202
A user reports that their iPad will not rotate the screen when they turn the device sideways. The rotation lock icon appears in the status bar. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1202 often tests whether candidates recognize that a visible status-bar icon indicates a software/user setting rather than a hardware failure, so the trap is jumping to 'faulty accelerometer' when the icon itself proves the hardware is fine.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Rotation lock is enabled in Control Center or via the side switch.
The rotation lock icon visible in the iPad status bar is the definitive indicator that Rotation Lock is currently enabled, either through Control Center or the physical side switch (on older iPads). When Rotation Lock is active, iOS suppresses the accelerometer-driven orientation change regardless of how the device is physically turned. Disabling it via Control Center (or flipping the side switch) restores normal screen rotation behavior.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The accelerometer is faulty.
Why it's wrong here
A faulty accelerometer would prevent the iPad from detecting changes in its physical orientation, leading to a lack of screen rotation. However, the presence of the rotation lock icon on the screen explicitly indicates that the device's software is intentionally preventing rotation, overriding any sensor input. If the accelerometer were truly defective, the icon would not appear, and the device would simply fail to rotate without any visual indication of a software lock.
- ✗
The app being used does not support rotation.
Why it's wrong here
While certain applications are designed to operate exclusively in portrait or landscape mode, the rotation lock icon signifies a system-wide setting that overrides individual app behaviors. This icon confirms that the operating system is actively preventing rotation for all applications, regardless of their native orientation support. Therefore, the issue is not specific to the app's design but rather a global device configuration.
- ✓
Rotation lock is enabled in Control Center or via the side switch.
Why this is correct
The presence of the rotation lock icon directly confirms that the device's orientation lock feature has been activated. This setting, typically accessible through the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner, or via a physical side switch on older iPad models, intentionally prevents the screen from rotating. Disabling this software lock will restore the iPad's ability to adjust its display orientation based on accelerometer input.
- ✗
The device needs a software update to fix a rotation bug.
Why it's wrong here
A software bug causing rotation issues would typically manifest as inconsistent rotation, unexpected behavior, or a complete lack of rotation without any accompanying icon. The distinct rotation lock icon, however, indicates an intentional user setting or system configuration, not a defect that requires a software update. This icon serves as a clear visual cue that the device's rotation functionality is being deliberately suppressed by the operating system.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.