Quick answer: take the case off – tight or worn cases press buttons constantly. If a button still feels mushy or sticks, clean around it with a dry toothbrush and use an on-screen button in the meantime.
1. Take the case off
A warped case, or one that’s slightly the wrong model, can hold a button down. That causes screenshots, random restarts or the volume jumping. Test without the case.
2. Clean around the button
- Turn the phone off.
- Brush around the edges of the button with a soft, dry toothbrush.
- Press the button firmly 10–20 times to loosen grime.
Don’t spray liquid cleaners or contact cleaner into the button gap – liquid can run inside the phone.
3. Use an on-screen button while you wait
- iPhone – AssistiveTouch: Settings → Accessibility → Touch → AssistiveTouch. A floating button lets you lock the screen, change volume, take screenshots and restart.
- Android – Accessibility menu: Settings → Accessibility → Accessibility menu (on Samsung, Accessibility → Interaction and dexterity → Assistant menu).
- To turn off a phone without the power button: iPhone Settings → General → Shut Down; Android – swipe down twice and tap the power icon.
When it’s a repair
If the button doesn’t click at all, feels loose, or stopped after a drop or water, the button or the flex cable behind it is damaged. Button repairs are usually done the same day.
Walk in – no appointment
Home visit in London
Post it to us
Fix it yourself
Fix it yourself
Fix it yourself