To get back to the home screen on iPhone 11, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen. This gesture works from any app or screen and is the primary method for all Face ID iPhones, including the iPhone 11.
How to get back to the home screen on iPhone 11
The quickest way to return to the Home Screen on your iPhone 11 is a single swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen. This gesture works at any time, whether you are in an app, on the Lock Screen, or navigating home screen and apps. Apple documents this as the standard "Go Home" action for all iPhone models with Face ID. Swiping up from the bottom and pausing in the middle of the screen activates the multitasking view; swiping up once more from there returns to the Home Screen.
Using AssistiveTouch to go home
If the swipe-up gesture is difficult to perform or you prefer an on-screen button, AssistiveTouch provides an alternative way to return to the Home Screen.
- Open Settings and go to Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
- Turn on AssistiveTouch. A virtual button will appear on your screen.
- Tap the AssistiveTouch button, then tap Home in the menu to go to the Home Screen.
You can customize the AssistiveTouch top-level menu to include a Home Screen shortcut for quicker access. You can also set up the Accessibility Shortcut to activate AssistiveTouch quickly. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut and select AssistiveTouch. Then, triple-click the Side button to toggle AssistiveTouch on or off.
VoiceOver and the home gesture
When VoiceOver is turned on, the gesture to return to the Home Screen is slightly different. Drag one finger up from the bottom edge of the screen until you feel a vibration or hear two rising tones, then lift your finger. This adapted gesture works on all Face ID iPhones, including the iPhone 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get back to the Home Screen on iPhone 11?
Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen. This is the documented Home gesture for all iPhone models with Face ID. You can use Siri voice commands ('Hey Siri, go to the home screen') to return to the Home Screen.
Does the Side button take you Home on iPhone 11?
No. Apple’s support page for the Side button does not list a separate "go Home" action for iPhone 11. The Side button is used for functions like Siri and the Accessibility Shortcut, not for returning to the Home Screen.
Can AssistiveTouch return to Home?
Yes. Apple documents "Go to the Home Screen" as an available action within AssistiveTouch. You can tap the AssistiveTouch button and select Home from the menu.
Is the swipe-up gesture the same on all Face ID iPhones?
How do I force restart an unresponsive iPhone 11?
Quickly press and release volume up, then volume down, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
