Troubleshooting a Sunken Phone Power Button: Causes and Fixes

Causes of a Sunken Phone Power Button 

Long-term Usage and Frequent Pressing 

Smartphones are part of our daily lives, and frequently pressing the power button to turn on, off, or lock the phone's screen is inevitable. Over extended periods of use, the internal mechanism of the power button may experience pressure and friction, leading to mechanical wear and tear. Gradually, this can weaken the power button and make it prone to deformation, resulting in a sunken phone power button.

Impact of Drops on the Power Button 

When a phone falls from a considerable height, especially onto the area of the power button, it generates a strong impact on the button. This impact can cause deformation or damage to the power button. It's advisable to minimize instances of dropping your phone in such a manner.

Excessive Force on the Power Button 

When users apply excessive force or use their fingers or hard objects to press the power button, it may endure excessive pressure. This pressure can deform or sink the button over time. This is one of the primary reasons for the difficulty in using a sunken phone power button.

Extended Pressure on the Power Button Against Hard Surfaces 

Placing the phone on hard surfaces, such as a work desk or bedside table for extended periods, can exert unnecessary pressure on the power button. This can lead to the button becoming deformed or sunken due to continuous pressure from the hard surface.

Opening a Phone with a Sunken Power Button 

To open a phone with a sunken power button, there are temporary solutions available. You can choose one of the following methods depending on the type of phone you're using.

Double Tap on the Phone Screen 

Some phone models have integrated a feature that allows users to wake the screen by quickly tapping it twice. To activate this double-tap feature, you need to follow these steps:

• Access the Settings section.
• Find and select the option 'Double Tap on Screen' (or similar) in the Settings menu.
• Enable this feature, and then the phone screen will automatically light up when you tap it twice.

If you want to learn more about setting up this gesture, you can find detailed information in the corresponding tutorial article.

Utilize the Virtual Home Button 

Using the virtual home button helps you to perform phone power actions more easily and reduces the need for using the power button. It's worth noting that on some Android phone models, the virtual home button isn't available by default. If you wish to utilize this feature, you'll need to download and use supporting apps.

Charging Your Phone

We often overlook this simple method when the phone power button is sunken but the phone needs charging urgently. You can easily remedy this situation by plugging in the charger or connecting the phone to a computer via cable. This action will automatically light up the phone screen, allowing you to use the phone without needing to use the power button when the phone is already turned on.

Using an App to Switch Power Button Function to Volume Button 

You can use the Volume Unlock app to switch the function of the power button to the volume button on various Android phone models, helping to address issues when the power button is sunken.

Set Automatic Screen Lock Time 

You can also set and choose the automatic screen lock time to turn off the screen automatically. To set the automatic screen lock time:

Open Settings and select Display & Brightness.

Tap on Auto-Lock and choose the automatic screen lock time.

Open Settings and select Lock Screen.

Tap on Security Lock Settings and choose Auto Lock then select the automatic screen lock time.

Note that the information provided above is for reference only, and whether you can apply them depends on the specific situation and phone model. To ensure your phone can address this issue, take it to an authorized service center for inspection.

Quick Fixes for a Sunken Phone Power Button 

The power button on a smartphone plays a crucial role. When the phone's power button is sunken, it can cause difficulties in usage. Here are 2 ways to fix a sunken power button:

Firstly, you can use a cotton swab or a thin cloth soaked in alcohol to clean the power button, removing any dirt or grime that may cause malfunction. If you have knowledge about disassembling phones, you can try to inspect and repair the sunken power button. However, be careful not to further damage the phone. Nevertheless, this method only temporarily addresses the issue and fixes the sunken power button quickest.

The best approach is to seek authorized service centers or reputable phone repair shops to replace the sunken power button during daily usage. This ensures that the issue will be completely resolved and will not cause any further problems for your phone.

Some Tips to Avoid Sunken Phone Power Buttons

When using your phone, to avoid having to replace a sunken power button, you need to take note of the following points:

• Use the power button gently, avoiding excessive pressure or frequent pressing. This helps reduce friction and mechanical wear on the button.
• Avoid direct contact of the phone with hard surfaces for extended periods. Use a case or cover to protect the device from unnecessary impact and pressure.
• Handle the phone carefully to avoid dropping or hitting it onto hard surfaces. Especially, avoid direct impact on the power button.
• If available, use the alternative power button feature by activating the touch screen function to avoid frequent power button presses.
• Monitor the condition of the power button and perform regular maintenance of your device at authorized repair centers if necessary.
• When purchasing a new phone, choose products from reputable manufacturers to ensure the quality of the power button and other components.

The above is a compilation from Mytour on the causes of sunken phone power buttons and the quickest ways to fix them. Hopefully, with the shared information, you can address the issue of sunken power buttons and know when to replace them.

• See more: Phone tricks