You can use the Side Switch to lock screen orientation or to silence notifications and sound effects on your iPad Mini.
- Lock the screen in portrait or landscape orientation: Go to Settings > General > Use the Side Switch to, then tap Lock Rotation.
- Mute notifications and other sound effects: Go to Settings > General > Use the Side Switch to, then tap Mute. The Side Switch doesnt mute audio or video playback. Use the volume buttons on the side to silence these sounds.
Note: This article will work on all iPads using iOS 6; including iPad Mini, iPad 2, The New iPad (iPad 3), iPad 4 (iPad with Retina display).