Why are the Power and Custom buttons not working on my device?

My issue turned out to be related to the battery. A slightly swollen battery causes pressure and misalignment inside the phone, which can affect the buttons. To check this:

1. Power off your device.
2. Carefully remove the back cover (if removable).
3. Inspect the battery for any swelling or deformities.

Replacing the misaligned battery resolved my problem immediately.

A similar issue once led me to explore hidden settings in the ‘Accessibility’ options. Here’s what you can do:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Accessibility.
3. Scroll to ‘Interaction controls’ or a similar section.
4. Check if any settings here are interfering with your button functions.

Often, unintentional changes to these settings can cause such issues, and adjusting them resolved my problem immediately.

In my experience, software glitches are a common reason for such issues. A soft reset can sometimes clear minor bugs that cause button malfunctions. To perform a soft reset:

1. Hold down the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously until the device restarts.

Additionally, updating your device software to the latest version can fix issues as manufacturers release updates to address such problems.

When my buttons acted up, the issue was related to a rogue app running in the background. Booting the device in Safe Mode disables all third-party apps and helps identify if any are causing the problem. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the power button until the Power off menu appears.
2. Long press on Power Off until the Safe Mode option appears, then select it.

If the buttons function in Safe Mode, then a third-party app is likely the culprit. You will need to identify and uninstall the problematic app.

The first thing I did when I encountered similar issues was to check for any visible damage or dirt around the buttons. Dust and debris can accumulate over time, preventing the buttons from functioning properly. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use a small brush or compressed air to clean around the buttons carefully.
2. Inspect the buttons and the surrounding area for any cracks or damage.
3. Remove any protective case to ensure it isn’t obstructing the buttons.

This simple cleaning method often fixes the problem without needing further interventions.

From what I’ve seen, moisture can affect the phone’s internal circuitry subtly. When I faced a similar problem, I turned off my device and placed it in a bowl of uncooked rice overnight. The rice absorbs any moisture inside the phone, and the next day, my buttons worked perfectly. This method may sound old-fashioned, but it is surprisingly effective.

Sometimes, button functionality issues arise from settings being altered without the user’s knowledge. To resolve this:

1. Go to Settings > System.
2. Check for “Physical buttons” or similar settings.
3. Ensure they’re set correctly according to your intended use.

Adjusting these settings fixed my issue quickly as it appeared some options had changed without my knowledge.

Personally, I found a unique resolution with button remapping apps like Button Mapper. This app allowed me to reassign the power button function to another operational button on the device. This workaround helped me until I managed to get a permanent fix.