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10 Tech How-To

Fix iPhone Power Button Ending Calls

Guide 10-31980 · Updated · Step by step

If your iPhone hangs up every time you press the side (power) button during a call, the cause is almost always the “Lock to End Call” accessibility setting, not a hardware fault. This guide walks you through turning that setting off, plus a few extra checks if the problem persists after the main fix.

What You’ll Need

  • Your iPhone (any model with iOS 12 or later)
  • The passcode or Face ID/Touch ID to unlock Settings

Step-by-Step

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone. It’s the grey gear icon on your home screen.
  2. Tap “Accessibility.” This is usually in the third group of settings, below “General” and above “Screen Time.”
  3. Tap “Touch.” This is under the “Physical and Motor” section, near the top of the Accessibility menu.
  4. Scroll down to the “CALL AUDIO ROUTING” section. It sits below “Call Audio Routing” and above “LED Flash for Alerts.”
  5. Find the toggle labeled “Lock to End Call.” It will be near the bottom of this section, just above “Prevent Lock Screen Auto-Lock.”
  6. Turn the toggle off. Tap the green switch so it turns grey. When it’s off, pressing the side button during a call will no longer end the call.
  7. Test it. Make a test call to a friend or voicemail, then press the side button once. The screen should lock, but the call should continue. Press the side button again to wake the screen and end the call normally with the red end button.
  8. If the toggle was already off, turn it on, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back off. This forces the setting to refresh and often clears a stuck state.

Common Mistakes

  • Changing the wrong toggle: Some people accidentally turn off “Call Audio Routing” instead of “Lock to End Call.” Make sure you’re toggling the exact switch labeled “Lock to End Call.”
  • Confusing the side button with the volume buttons: Volume up/down buttons do not end calls. Only the side button (power button) triggers this behavior.
  • Assuming it’s a hardware issue: The vast majority of these cases are software settings. Don’t book a repair before trying this fix.
  • Forgetting to test on an actual call: Testing on the lock screen or in the Phone app’s keypad won’t reproduce the issue. You must be on an active call.

Tips

  • Use AssistiveTouch as a backup: If the side button is physically damaged and you rely on it, enable AssistiveTouch (Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch). This gives you an on-screen button to lock the screen without touching the physical side button.
  • Check for iOS updates: Occasionally, a bug in an iOS version causes this behavior. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any pending updates.
  • Restart your iPhone after changing the setting: A quick restart (press and hold side button + either volume button, then slide to power off) can help ensure the setting takes full effect.
  • If you use a case, test without it: A poorly fitting case can press the side button continuously. Remove the case and test a call to rule this out.

Troubleshooting

If the toggle was already off and the problem continues:

  1. Restart your iPhone. Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power off slider appears. Slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
  2. Reset all settings. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This does not delete your data, but it resets Wi-Fi passwords, wallpapers, and accessibility settings. You’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords afterward.
  3. Check for a stuck side button. Press the side button several times rapidly. If it feels gritty or doesn’t click cleanly, the physical button may be failing. In that case, contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider.
  4. Test in Safe Mode (if you have a jailbroken device). If you’ve jailbroken your iPhone, tweaks can interfere with call behavior. Restart in Safe Mode (usually by holding the volume down button during boot) and test a call. If it works, a tweak is the culprit.
  5. If the problem only happens with one contact, check if that contact has a custom ringtone or call settings that might be causing a conflict. Delete and re-add the contact as a last resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my iPhone end calls when I press the power button?
A: This is almost always because the “Lock to End Call” accessibility setting is enabled. It’s designed for people who have difficulty using the on-screen end button, but it can be accidentally turned on.

Q: Will turning off “Lock to End Call” affect anything else?
A: No. It only changes what happens when you press the side button during an active call. Locking the screen normally (when not on a call) is unaffected.

Q: I turned it off but the problem persists. What now?
A: Try toggling it on and off again, then restart your iPhone. If it still happens, your side button may be physically stuck. Test the button’s feel and consider a hardware check.

Q: Does this happen on all iPhone models?
A: Yes, the setting exists on all modern iPhones with a side button. Older models with a top power button have the same setting, just named the same.

Q: Can I end calls with the power button if I want to?
A: Yes, you can. Just leave “Lock to End Call” turned on. That’s the intended behavior of the setting.

Q: Will a factory reset fix this?
A: A factory reset (erase all content and settings) will reset the toggle to its default (off), so yes, it would fix it. But try the simpler steps first, as a factory reset deletes all your data unless you have a backup.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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