Changing a creative in a playlist to portrait dimensions is not enough to display vertical playlists properly. You also need to rotate the Android operating system to portrait mode or allow apps to rotate the screen.
Some Android models include a setting like “Allow app to rotate”, which enables individual apps to rotate independently, without rotating the entire system.
Most modern Android-based media players and SoC smart displays include screen rotation settings under:
Display → Screen rotation / Screen direction / Screen orientation
If this setting exists, you’re good to go.
If it doesn’t, you may consider modifying your device.
Warning: This is a technical process meant for advanced users only. It may be risky and typically works only on older Android versions (4.2–7).
To rotate the Android OS manually, follow these two phases:
Root your Android device
Change system rotation properties
Tested on: Tronsmart MK908II
This method may also work on other Android devices and can help you avoid the more complex process of flashing your device with custom firmware.
Please note that not all Android devices come pre-rooted. To use this method, your device must be rooted. The ES3 Explorer app mentioned in this guide cannot root most devices on its own. If your device isn’t already rooted, you may need to use a different app (like Kingo Root or similar) to do so.
Not sure if your device is rooted? You’ll find out when you reach Step 6 of the instructions.
Open Google Play Store
Search for “ES3” (light blue & white icon)
Download and install the app
Open the ES3 app
Open the left-side menu → Tap “Tools”
Scroll and turn “Root Explorer” ON
Important: If it won’t turn on, it means you won’t be able to root this device using the ES3. Instead you might need to download, install and run another rooting application (such as Kingo) or a super user application or flash the device with a custom rooted firmware. Also, here is a link to the 7 best Android root software with or without computer.
Click “Root Explorer” again
In the menu click “Mount R/W”
In the new settings popup window:
Change /Path and /system from RO to RW
Click OK (this will grant you read/write permissions on the system folders and files).
In the left menu, click “Local”
Click the “Device” option and you will see the root folder of the device.
Scroll down to find the “system” folder and then click it to enter.
Click the file “build.prop” and choose the “ES Note Editor” to edit it.
Scroll down and find the line “ro.sf.hwrotation=270”.
Click the top-right menu icon and from the menu choose the “Edit” option.
Now, when you’re in edit mode, change the number 270 to 180 (degrees of rotation).
Right-click on the screen to go back and the editor will ask you to confirm saving the properties file.
Confirm “Yes” to save
Unplug the device from the power and re-plug it (if it has a power button, you can just turn it off and then turn it on).
