Technician helping troubleshoot Motorola phone screen brightness not working

Steve H.

Reviewed for technical accuracy

Specialities: Side/power button problems on iPhone and Android (button not clicking, stuck power key, can’t lock screen, can’t restart, safe workarounds like).

Side button (power button) not working? Common reasons + safe checks (stuck button, case pressure, after drop or update)

Technician avatar Technician
Hi — I can help. When the side button / power button stops working, it’s scary because it affects locking the screen, restarting, and sometimes turning the phone on.

We’ll do safe checks first. I don’t want you pressing hard or trying sharp tools near the button — that can make it worse.

Quick questions so I guide you correctly:
• Is your phone an iPhone or Android (Samsung, Pixel, etc.)?
• What exactly happens when you press the side button: nothing, it’s stuck, or it clicks but doesn’t lock?
• Did this start after a drop, getting wet, a new case, or an update?
Customer
I’m a bit nervous. The side button doesn’t work and I can’t lock my screen. I’m worried I’ll break it if I press too hard.
Technician avatar Technician
You’re doing the right thing by not forcing it.

Trust moment: If a button feels stuck, pressing harder usually doesn’t “fix” it — it can damage the switch underneath.

First, a gentle check (no settings changes):
1) Does the button feel physically stuck (no click), or does it still click but nothing happens?
2) Are the volume buttons working normally?
Customer
It still clicks a little, but it doesn’t lock the screen. Volume buttons work. It started after I put on a new phone case.
Technician avatar Technician
That’s a very common clue. Some cases press on the power button slightly or don’t line up well, so the phone doesn’t read the press correctly.

Safe check 1 — Remove the case for one minute
Take the case off and try the side button gently again. Also check if there’s a screen protector edge or dirt right around the button opening.

Trust moment: Don’t use liquid cleaners around the button. If anything needs cleaning, we keep it dry and gentle.
Customer
With the case off, it’s a little better but still unreliable. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Is that hardware damage?
Technician avatar Technician
Not necessarily. Unreliable power buttons can be caused by case pressure, a tiny bit of dust/grit, or a small alignment issue — and sometimes it’s normal wear over time.

Before we assume hardware, I want to check one simple thing: when it “fails,” is your phone still responsive (touchscreen works, you can open apps)? If yes, we can use a safe on-screen workaround to reduce stress on the button while we diagnose.
Customer
Yes, the screen works fine. I just can’t lock it easily, and I’m also worried because I don’t know how I’d restart it if it freezes.
Technician avatar Technician
Totally understandable — that’s the “panic” part of a power button problem.

Safe check 2 — Use an on-screen button (temporary)
• On iPhone, there’s AssistiveTouch (an on-screen button that can lock the screen and open power options).
• On many Android phones, there’s an Accessibility/Assistant menu that can give on-screen buttons for common actions.

This doesn’t “repair” the hardware — it just keeps you comfortable and in control while we figure out whether it’s settings, a case issue, or a worn button.
Customer
Could an update cause this? My phone updated recently and I noticed the button acting strange after that.
Technician avatar Technician
It can feel that way, yes. Updates sometimes change what a press/hold does (for example, voice assistant shortcuts), but an update usually doesn’t physically break a button.

Safe check 3 — Look for “changed behavior”
If the button still clicks but does something different (like opening a voice assistant), that’s often settings. If the click feels weaker or inconsistent, that’s more like wear or debris.

Trust moment: We’ll avoid any “reset everything” steps. One small check at a time.
Customer
What about cleaning? I’m tempted to poke around the button opening because it might be dust.
Technician avatar Technician
I’m glad you asked before doing that.

Trust moment: I don’t want you using pins, needles, or anything metal — it can puncture a seal or damage the button switch.

The safest approach is: remove the case, check for obvious lint around the button cutout, and wipe the phone’s side gently with a dry, soft cloth. If the phone has been near water or a spill, let it dry fully before pressing the button repeatedly.
Customer
If the phone freezes, can I restart it without the side button? I’m worried I’ll be stuck.
Technician avatar Technician
In many cases, yes — depending on the phone.

• If your phone is still responsive, you can often restart from Settings or a power menu on the screen.
• If it’s completely frozen, some models have a forced restart method using button combinations (different by iPhone model and Android brand).

We won’t guess the combo here — it’s important to match the exact model. But the good news is: you’re not alone, and there are safe options before service.
Customer
Is this definitely hardware then? Or could it still be a setting or the case?
Technician avatar Technician
It can be either — here’s the simple way to think about it:

• If removing the case helps a lot, it’s likely case alignment/pressure.
• If the button clicks but the phone does something unexpected, it may be settings/shortcuts.
• If the click feels weak, sticky, or inconsistent even with no case, it may be wear or debris (hardware-ish).

If you tell me iPhone vs Android (and the model if you know it), I can point you to the safest “on-screen button” option so you don’t have to rely on the side key today.
Customer
Thank you. I feel calmer. I’ll keep the case off for now and use the on-screen option, and then I can decide if I need a repair.
Technician avatar Technician
That’s a smart plan.

Quick recap of the safest path:
• Remove the case and check for simple pressure/misalignment.
• Avoid forcing the button or poking around it.
• Use an on-screen help tool (AssistiveTouch / Accessibility or Assistant menu) so you can lock the screen and access power options without stress.

Trust moment: If anything you try feels confusing, stop. We’ll keep it simple and avoid risky steps.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted first approach when a cell phone side button / power button isn’t working: reduce pressure on the button and use safe workarounds while you diagnose.

What usually helps most:
• Remove the case and test the button again (many cases press the power key slightly).
• If the button feels sticky, keep it dry and wipe the phone’s side gently with a soft cloth (no sharp tools).
• Turn on an on-screen button (iPhone AssistiveTouch or Android accessibility/assistant menu) so you can lock the screen without forcing the key.
• If the button works sometimes, avoid repeated hard presses — use the on-screen option and plan a repair only if it keeps worsening.
• If the phone also has bigger issues (won’t charge, random shutdowns, water exposure), get it checked sooner to avoid further damage.

Why the side (power) button stops working (and why it can feel sudden)

A phone’s side/power button can fail for simple reasons like a tight case, dust around the button, or normal wear. It can also happen after a drop or water exposure, even if the phone looks fine. Sometimes it only feels “sudden” because an update changed button behavior (press/hold shortcuts), making you notice it more. The safest first step is to check for case pressure and use a temporary on-screen button so you don’t have to force the key.

What to check first: case pressure, stuck button, settings changes, or wear

Start with low-risk checks: remove the case, press gently, and see if the button feels normal or sticky. If it clicks but doesn’t lock the screen, it may be a behavior/setting difference rather than a total failure. If it’s inconsistent even without a case, that points more to wear or debris. While testing, turn on an on-screen option (like AssistiveTouch or an accessibility menu) to stay in control and avoid hard presses.

Side button not working — gentle troubleshooting tips for seniors

Most power button issues come from case pressure, debris, or wear — not something you did wrong.

Best approach: remove the case, avoid pressing hard, and use a safe on-screen button so you can lock the screen and access power options. If the phone was recently dropped or got wet, be extra gentle and avoid repeated pressing while it dries. If the button is getting worse over time, it may need a repair, but you can often manage safely in the meantime. Avoid “quick fix” apps that claim to repair hardware — focus on safe checks and simple workarounds.

Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated and intended for general guidance only. Avoid making multiple system changes at once. For device-specific steps, consult a verified expert on Whizz-Tech or the manufacturer’s support before making decisions.

Additional troubleshooting options

Getting Started Is Easy

Ask for help, 24/7

Members enjoy round-the-clock access to 12,000+ verified Experts, including Samsung restart prompts, Device Care “restart when needed,” update-related restart requirements, and safe app conflict checks.

Expert will respond in minutes

We’ll help you identify whether the restart message is routine maintenance, an update requirement, low storage pressure, or an app conflict — without risky trial-and-error.

Save time & money

Safe diagnostics help you confirm the cause (Device Care vs app vs stability issue) before you spend money on unnecessary repairs or make changes you can’t easily reverse.

FAQ

Why did my phone side button stop working suddenly?

It can feel sudden if a new case started pressing the button, or if dust built up around the button opening. A small drop can also affect the button even when the screen looks fine. Sometimes you only notice it when you need to lock the screen or restart the phone. Start with the least risky checks: remove the case and test gently.

Did an update cause my power button to stop working?

An update usually doesn’t break the physical button, but it can change what a press or press-and-hold does. For example, the phone may open a voice assistant or a different menu, which feels like “nothing happened.” If the button still clicks, it may be behavior/settings rather than total failure. Use an on-screen option while you confirm what changed.

Is this a hardware problem or just settings?

If the button feels sticky, weak, or inconsistent even with no case, that leans toward hardware wear or debris. If it clicks normally but triggers an unexpected action, settings or shortcuts may be involved. If the phone works normally otherwise, you can usually manage safely without rushing to repairs. An expert can narrow it down quickly once you share your phone model.

Can this be fixed without going to a repair shop?

Often, yes — at least temporarily. Many people solve it by removing a tight case and using an on-screen button (AssistiveTouch or an accessibility/assistant menu). This reduces stress on the failing button and keeps you able to lock the screen and access power options. Service is more likely needed if the phone was dropped, exposed to water, or the button is getting worse over time.

Sources

Filed under: Touchscreen & Buttons

Matt Verified Icon
Matt ● replies in < 1 min
Technician Expert
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Trusted by 27,000+ customers
Avatar
Alex · Expert's Assistant
5 Tech Support Specialists are online right now.