Usually, when your iPad shows a black screen, it’s in sleep mode waiting for you to press the Power button or tap on the screen to wake it up. However, it can be dead scary when your iPad refuses to turn on, no matter what you do. Before you freak out, you should know that you can fix this issue at your end. We’ve mentioned 6 tried and tested ways to fix iPad not turning on problems. Without any ado, let’s get in right there and bring your iPad back to life!
Force Restart the iPad
Sometimes, your iPad may not respond when you long-press the Power button. If it shows a black screen and doesn’t wake up, it may be due to a software bug or glitch. The most effective remedy to fix an unresponsive iPad is to perform a force restart. This method can reset the device and resolve temporary issues.
To force restart an iPad without a Home Button, follow these steps:
- Press and quickly release the Volume button closest to the power button.
- Press and release the Volume button farthest from the power button.
- Press and hold the Power button until you see the Apple logo.
If your iPad has a Home Button, the steps are slightly different:
- Simultaneously hold the Power Button and Home Button.
- Release both buttons when you see the Apple logo.
If restarting your iPad resolves the issue, great! However, if this problem occurs frequently, consider checking for unverified or misbehaving apps. If a specific app is causing issues, uninstall it. Additionally, backing up your important data and performing a factory reset may help.
Charge the iPad
If your iPad shows a black screen after a force restart, it could indicate a dead battery. When the battery runs out completely, the system cannot boot up, resulting in a persistent black screen. Plugging in a charger is essential to revive your iPad.
Make sure to use a compatible charging cable and adapter. Let your iPad charge for at least 30 minutes before checking if it turns on. If it doesn’t charge, consider the following tips:
- Ensure you’re using official or MFi-certified charging accessories.
- Inspect your charging cable and adapter for any signs of damage.
- Check the power source to ensure it’s functioning properly.
- Clean the charging port of any debris or dirt.
Update iPad using Mac/PC
If charging the device doesn’t work, updating your iPad's software via a Mac or PC may help. This process can resolve software bugs and improve overall performance. To update your iPad using Finder or iTunes, follow these steps:
- Connect your iPad to a Mac or PC with a compatible cable.
- On Macs with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder and select your iPad under Locations. For older Macs or PCs, open iTunes and click the iPad icon.
- If your iPad isn’t recognized, it might be out of battery; let it charge before attempting again.
- Click on Check for Update in the window that appears.
If an update is available, click Download and Update, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. This method can effectively resolve issues related to outdated software.
Troubleshoot Hardware Problems
If your iPad won’t turn on at all, hardware damage may be the culprit. This can be due to physical damage from drops or exposure to liquid. If your device has been damaged, it may not power on correctly.
To check if your iPad is recognized by a Mac or PC, connect it to the computer. If it shows up, it means the device is powered on; back up your data and consider seeking repair services. However, if your computer doesn’t recognize your iPad, it’s best to visit the nearest Apple Store for diagnosis.
Update iPad in Recovery Mode
If your iPad turns on but gets stuck at the Apple logo or shows a red/blue screen during startup, you may need to put your device in Recovery Mode to resolve iPadOS installation issues. Here’s how to do it:
- Connect your iPad to a computer.
- On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder and select your iPad. On older Macs or PCs, open iTunes and click the iPad icon.
- Force restart your iPad to enter Recovery Mode.
- Keep holding the buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
- On your computer, choose Update when prompted.
If you receive a message stating that your iPad can’t be updated, choose the Restore option. Be aware that this process will erase all data and settings on your iPad, so ensure you have a backup before proceeding.
Update the iPad in DFU Mode
If all else fails, you may need to use Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode. This method addresses complex software issues that might prevent your iPad from turning on. Here’s how to perform a DFU restore:
- Connect your iPad to a Mac or Windows laptop.
- Open Finder on a Mac or iTunes on a Windows computer.
- For iPads without a Home Button, press and hold the Power/Top button for 3 seconds, then hold the Volume Down button simultaneously for 10 seconds. Release the Power button but keep holding the Volume button.
- For iPads with a Home Button, hold the Power and Home buttons simultaneously, then release the Power button after a few seconds while continuing to hold the Home button.
- When your iPad appears on your computer, release the Volume/Home button.
- Click Restore iPad and then Restore and Update.
If your iPad still shows a black screen after completing these steps, it may indicate a more severe internal issue. In such cases, it's advisable to seek professional assistance from Apple or certified repair services.
Some of the most common reasons why your iPad won’t turn on include:
- A dead battery
- Outdated or corrupted software
- Physical or water damage
- Misbehaving or unverified apps
- Charging or overheating issues
