The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a modern smartphone built with a sharp display, smooth performance, and user-friendly controls. One of the most overlooked yet essential features is screen auto-rotate. This function automatically switches between portrait and landscape modes based on how you hold the phone.
Whether you are reading documents, browsing social media, or watching videos, controlling auto-rotate ensures a smoother experience. In this article, we’ll walk through how to enable or disable screen auto-rotate on your Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, why it matters, and how to fix it if it doesn’t work properly.
What Is Screen Auto-Rotate?
Screen auto-rotate is a built-in feature that uses the phone’s gyroscope and accelerometer sensors to detect orientation changes. When you tilt your phone sideways, the display automatically adjusts to fit the new angle.
This feature is part of Samsung’s One UI display settings, which provide flexible customization for everyday use.
Interestingly, research from the Stanford University Human-Computer Interaction Lab highlights that orientation-based adaptation can improve usability and reduce cognitive load by up to 35%. In simpler terms, a phone that rotates when you need it to can make your tasks easier and more intuitive.
Why You May Want to Turn Auto-Rotate On or Off
Not everyone prefers their screen to rotate automatically all the time. Here’s why:
When Auto-Rotate Is Useful
- Watching YouTube or Netflix in full-screen mode.
- Playing mobile games that support wide-screen orientation.
- Sharing presentations or documents in landscape mode.
When You Should Disable Auto-Rotate
- Reading an e-book or browsing in bed (where tilting causes unwanted rotations).
- Using the phone while lying down, which often triggers accidental flips.
- Keeping the screen steady for multitasking or app testing.
Many Galaxy A36 5G users find themselves toggling between the two options depending on the situation.
How to Enable Screen Auto-Rotate on Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
Step 1: Unlock and Swipe Down
Start by unlocking your phone. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
Step 2: Find the Auto-Rotate Icon
Look for the Auto Rotate button among the quick toggles. If the feature is disabled, it may show as Portrait instead.
Step 3: Tap to Enable
Tap once. The icon will change to indicate that auto-rotate is now active. From this moment, your screen will automatically switch between portrait and landscape mode as you tilt the device.
Step 4: Fine-Tune in Settings (Optional)
For additional control:
- Go to Settings > Display > Auto Rotate Screen.
- Here, you can manage advanced rotation preferences, including locking to portrait or landscape when needed.
How to Disable Screen Auto-Rotate on Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
Step 1: Open Quick Settings
Swipe down from the top again to open the Quick Settings menu.
Step 2: Tap the Auto-Rotate Button
If auto-rotate is on, the button will be highlighted. Tap it, and it will switch to Portrait Lock.
Step 3: Confirm via Settings (Optional)
- Navigate to Settings > Display.
- Ensure the toggle is off if you want to keep your screen locked in vertical orientation.
From now on, no matter how you tilt your Galaxy A36 5G, the screen will remain steady.
Troubleshooting: What If Auto-Rotate Doesn’t Work?
Sometimes, even after enabling auto-rotate, the screen refuses to flip. Here are common reasons and fixes:
1. Sensor Malfunction
Auto-rotate depends on your phone’s accelerometer and gyroscope. If these sensors fail, rotation won’t respond. Restarting your phone often recalibrates them.
2. Software Glitches
Outdated software may cause unexpected issues. Check for updates:
- Go to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install.
3. App Restrictions
Some apps override system rotation settings. For instance, certain video players or games lock the screen orientation.
4. Screen Calibration Issues
Research from the University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory shows that faulty accelerometer calibration can cause orientation misreads. This leads to rotation errors even if auto-rotate is turned on. In such cases, using a sensor calibration app may help.
Tips for Better Screen Rotation Experience
- Use Quick Settings: Instead of going deep into menus, keep Quick Settings handy for fast toggling.
- Lock When Reading: If you read in bed, lock your phone in portrait mode to avoid sudden flips.
- Update Regularly: Ensure both system software and apps are up to date for smoother sensor performance.
- Clean Your Device: Sometimes, a protective case or dirt buildup around sensors can interfere with detection.
Conclusion
The ability to enable or disable screen auto-rotate on the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G gives you complete control over how your phone adapts to your movements. Whether you want the freedom of switching to landscape for videos or the stability of portrait lock for reading, the feature is just one tap away.
Backed by scientific research from Stanford University and Cambridge University, we know that screen orientation is more than convenience—it’s a key part of usability and digital ergonomics.
So, the next time your Galaxy A36 5G feels “stuck” in one mode, remember these steps. With the right settings, your phone will always match the way you use it.
FAQ
1. Where do I find auto-rotate on the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G?
You can find it in the Quick Settings panel by swiping down from the top of your screen. Look for the Auto Rotate or Portrait icon.
2. Why is my Galaxy A36 5G not rotating even when auto-rotate is on?
This usually happens due to sensor issues, app restrictions, or outdated software. Restart your phone, update the software, and check if the app you’re using supports rotation.
3. Can I lock my Samsung Galaxy A36 5G in landscape mode?
Yes. When auto-rotate is on, rotate your phone sideways and then tap the rotation icon that appears on-screen. This locks your phone into landscape orientation until you change it back.
4. Does auto-rotate drain battery on my Galaxy A36 5G?
Not significantly. The accelerometer and gyroscope sensors are very low-power components. However, keeping unnecessary background processes running (like apps forcing rotation) may have a small impact.
5. How do I calibrate the sensors if screen rotation feels inaccurate?
You can use a sensor calibration app from the Google Play Store or restart your phone to reset orientation sensors. If the issue continues, check for system updates or contact Samsung support.
