Dr. Z on the iPad Home Button–Useful Stuff

Dr. Z in talking with some people who use an iPad was surprised to learn that many do not realize the simple button, called the “Home” button at the bottom of an iPad, has many different features, depending on how you press the button. The link to the iMore.com website has good stuff on the “Home” button.

Pressing it once:

  • If your iPad is sleeping and you click the Home button it will wake up and ask you to slide to unlock.
  • If you’re in an app like Safari, Mail, Angry Birds, etc. and you click the Home Button you’ll return to the Home screen with all your app icons.
  • If you’re on your second or third Home screen and click the Home button you’ll return to your main (first) Home Screen.
  • If you’re on your main (first) Home screen and click the Home Button you’ll go to Spotlight Search.
More information on the iMore.com link.

Pressing it twice:

  •  If your iPad is sleeping but playing music or media (video) (Music app, a video, etc.) and you double click the Home button, the media controls will pop up on the lock screen so you can pause/play, skip, etc.
  • If you’re on the Home Screen or using an app and you double click the Home button the Fast App Switcher will open so you can quickly change between apps or swipe over to the audio, brightness, orientation lock/mute button, and other widget controls.
Swipe means you move the icons on the bottom to your left or right by sliding your finger on the screen.  There’s more information such as pressing it three times, pressing and holding it, or pressing it and holidng the sleep/wake button on the top right of your iPad.  Such information is at this link.
Dr. Z will continue to write up more information like this. (do not forget to try ZVRS by dialing 888-888-1116 for relay calls.)

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z (Philip W. Bravin) is associated with CSDVRS, currently its Vice-President of Business Development and Outreach.