Have you ever wished that you could turn back the clock and have the physical home button on your iPhone back? There are a few solutions to those who are struggling to adapt to the virtual home button as well, which is not as intuitive as the old-fashioned button. This article will show you how to turn your iPhone into a button, explore the various solutions and answer frequently asked questions related to the topic.
What is the Virtual Home Button on the iPhone?
The virtual home button on iPhones was introduced in models without a physical home button, such as the iPhone X, XR, XS, and XS Max. The virtual button is a digital button that can be accessed from any screen by swiping up from the bottom of the screen. This virtual home button also features the touch ID functionality in most of the later models, such as the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 plus.
Why Turning Your iPhone Into A Button Is Useful
While some individuals might prefer the virtual home button, others still hold on to the preference of the physical button for numerous reasons. A physical button can be quicker for individuals with muscle memory to get back to the home screen, unlike swiping up and pressing the button on a virtual one. A physical button is also more responsive and provides tactile feedback, giving users a sense of enhanced control compared to its virtual counterpart.
Solutions for Turning iPhone into a Button
Simple Shortcuts
Apple’s “Shortcuts” app allows us to create custom widgets and options on our home screen so that we can launch an app or perform a specific goal with a single tap. However, one lesser-known feature of Shortcuts is its ability to assign an action to a gesture; double tap, triple tap, or long-pressing on the back of your phone can all be programmed to do whatever you want. One common use of the Shortcuts app is to turn your iPhone into a button since it can mimic the home button. You can link the “home” gesture to this app and then have that app run the “simulate home button” action.
Assistive Touch
Assistive touch is another useful iPhone feature developed by Apple. It’s a primary accessibility feature that allows your iPhone to add a virtual button on your screen, which mimics any physical button that the iPhone has, including the obsolete home button. By using Assistive Touch, you can create custom gestures and buttons on your screen, launch Siri, control the volume, lock your screen, and perform other useful tasks.
Use a Screen Protector with a Home Button
If you are a fan of the home button and are not too fond of virtual buttons, you can consider buying a screen protector with a home button feature. This is a common solution for individuals that miss the home button on their iPhone. While this option is relatively low-tech and may not offer complete control, it’s still better than having no physical button at all.
Concluding Thoughts on Turning iPhone into a Button
While the iPhone’s virtual home button has come a long way since its inception, it still may not be perfect for everyone, after all, physical home buttons offer tactile feedback. The good news is that with some workarounds, it’s possible to have a virtual home button that functions similarly to the physical button, or buy a screen protector that has a button built-in. The best approach here is to try all the methods and find the solution that works best for you.
FAQs About Turning iPhone into a Button
Can Assistive Touch replace the physical home button?
Yes, the AssistiveTouch feature has a home button icon that mimics the functions of the physical button which is why most people use it as a replacement.
Can I turn my iPhone screen into a button?
Yes, you can. You can use Apple’s Shortcuts to create a custom shortcut that can make your iPhone screen a button that mimics the physical home button, or alternatively, use Assistive Touch.
Can I still use the Touch ID feature if I use the virtual home button?
Yes, you can still use the Touch ID feature on newer models such as the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, or SE, and even on the newer models that use Face ID.
Is there a screen protector with a physical home button?
Yes, there are screen protectors with a physical home button, but they vary in quality, responsiveness, and overall compatibility with the iPhone model that you’re using.
In conclusion, which solution you choose to turn your iPhone into a button ultimately depends on your preference and iPhone model. Whether you want to use Assistive Touch, create a shortcut with the Shortcuts app, or buy a screen protector with a built-in home button, there are plenty of options available. Once you’ve found a solution that suits you, you will be able to enjoy the functionality of a physical home button on your iPhone again.
