The button on the side of the iPhone 13 is the Side button, and it is your device's primary physical control for power, Siri, Apple Pay, and emergency features. Understanding what is the button on the side of the iPhone 13 means knowing it replaces the traditional home button's core functions while adding new capabilities for daily tasks and safety.
What is the button on the side of the iPhone 13?
The button on the side of the iPhone 13 is officially called the Side button by Apple. It is the elongated button on the right edge of the device, located below the volume buttons. The Side button serves as the main hardware control for turning your iPhone on and off, activating Siri, making secure payments with Apple Pay, taking screenshots, and accessing Emergency SOS features. It is distinct from the Action button found on newer iPhone models like the iPhone 15 and later, which offers more customizable functions.
Primary functions of the Side button
The Side button handles several core operations that you will use daily, including navigating home screen and apps. Here are the step-by-step actions:
- Turn on your iPhone 13: Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
- Turn off your iPhone 13: Simultaneously press and hold the Side button and either volume button until the "power off" slider appears, then drag the slider to the right.
- Activate Siri: Press and hold the Side button alone. By default, this summons Siri for voice commands. You can enable or disable this feature in Settings > Siri & Search under "Press Side Button for Siri."
- Force restart an unresponsive iPhone 13: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
The Side button can be customized to assign different actions to single presses, double presses, and long presses through the Settings app.
Using the Side button for Apple Pay and transactions
Double-clicking the Side button opens Apple Pay (the Wallet app) to make purchases at stores, online, or in apps. After double-clicking, you must authenticate with Face ID or your passcode to complete the transaction. You can turn this "Double-Click Side Button" feature on or off in Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay.
Taking screenshots and Emergency SOS
The Side button works with the volume buttons for two important functions:
- Take a screenshot: Quickly press and release the Side button and the Volume Up button simultaneously. The screen will flash, and the screenshot will be saved to your Photos app.
- Alternatively, you can rapidly press the Side button five times if "Call with 5 Presses" is enabled in Settings > Emergency SOS. This feature immediately contacts emergency services and shares your location with emergency contacts.
Troubleshooting an unresponsive Side button
If the Side button becomes unresponsive or feels stuck, try cleaning around its edges with a soft, dry cloth to remove debris that may affect its functionality. Restarting your iPhone 13 can also resolve minor software issues. Note that the iPhone 13's Side button cannot perform functions found on newer models: it does not have the customizable Action button, and it does not support Crash Detection or Emergency SOS via satellite, which are features available on iPhone 14 and later models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Side button to answer calls?
Yes, you can press the Side button once to answer an incoming call, or press it twice to decline the call and send it to voicemail.
Does the Side button control audio playback?
When the iPhone 13 is locked, pressing the Side button once will silence incoming calls and notifications. A double-press will skip to the next track, and a triple-press will go back to the previous track.
What if my Side button is stuck or damaged?
If cleaning and restarting do not fix a physically stuck or damaged Side button, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for service. A non-functional Side button can limit your ability to turn the device on or off and use emergency features.
Can I change what happens when I press and hold the Side button?
Yes, you can customize the press-and-hold action in Settings > Siri & Search. You can disable Siri activation entirely or choose a different action, such as Voice Control.
Can the side button on the iPhone 13 be customized for different functions?
Yes, you can assign specific functions to double-pressing or triple-pressing the side button through the Accessibility settings, such as opening a specific feature or shortcut.
Related reading: Where Is The Home Button On IPhone 11.
