What should I do if I need to press the home button to upgrade, but my home button is broken?

Activate Voice Control:

Use Voice Control to mimic the home button. Here’s what I did:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap on Accessibility, then choose Voice Control.
3. Enable Voice Control and configure it to simulate the home button press.
4. Follow the prompts by vocal commands such as ‘Home button’. This completely avoided the need for a functional home button.

Visit an Apple Store’s self-service kiosk:

When facing this issue, heading to an Apple Store was my solution. Using their self-service kiosks, I completed the software update under the staff’s supervision. This method ensured safety and reliability, allowing me to leave the store with an updated and functional device.

Try using a Bluetooth keyboard:

I connected a Bluetooth keyboard to my iPhone and discovered that the keyboard could simulate pressing the home button. This allowed me to navigate through the upgrade process without hassle. This is a practical solution if you already own a Bluetooth keyboard or find it useful for other tasks.

Use another iPhone’s functionality:

You can borrow a friend’s iPhone and temporarily swap the logic board of your phone into a working iPhone housing that has a functional home button. This complex process involves some technical expertise but ensures you can proceed with the upgrade. Once completed, switch the logic boards back to their original phones. This method is highly technical but effective for a quick fix.

Seek professional help:

I experienced the same issue and took my iPhone to a nearby repair shop. The technician temporarily replaced the home button, enabling me to proceed with the upgrade. This took about an hour and cost a small fee. Using a professional ensured no further damage to my device, and it was a convenient solution.

Leverage iTunes for the upgrade:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.
2. Select your device from the list and click on the Update option.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by iTunes to manage the upgrade process. This method bypasses the need for any interaction with the physical home button, ensuring a smooth upgrade.

Enable AssistiveTouch to replicate the home button:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Go to Accessibility, then select Touch.
3. Turn on AssistiveTouch. You’ll notice a floating button on your screen.
4. Tap the floating button, then touch Home. This acts as a virtual home button, allowing you to continue with the upgrade process.

Reach out to Apple Support:

Contacting Apple Support was helpful for me. Through a live chat, they guided me remotely, assisting me in enabling AssistiveTouch on my device. This was a secure and reliable way to ensure the upgrade proceeded smoothly without relying on the broken home button.

Complete the process using another iOS device:

With another iPhone or iPad available, leverage Quick Start and iCloud to initiate the necessary updates. iCloud syncs settings and applications across devices, allowing the upgrade to finalize. This approach is seamless, leveraging the interconnected nature of Apple devices to circumvent hardware issues.

Perform a temporary hardware fix:

For those comfortable with DIY repairs, here’s a solution:

1. Power off your iPhone.
2. Using a precision screwdriver, remove the screws near the home button.
3. Gently lift the button and re-seat it, ensuring proper contact.
4. Turn your iPhone back on to complete the upgrade. This requires careful handling but can sometimes provide a quick solution.