How to Fix an iPad That Will Not Turn On

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Verify the charging hardware

   Inspect your USB-C or Lightning cable for physical damage, fraying, or bent pins. Ensure the power adapter is securely plugged into a functional wall outlet and that the cable is firmly seated in the iPad's charging port.

   Note: Use a known-working cable and adapter to eliminate hardware failure as the root cause.
2. 30 min

   Perform a deep charge

   Connect the iPad to power and allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes without interruption. If the battery was completely depleted, the display may remain black for several minutes before showing the charging icon.

   Note: If no charging icon appears after 30 minutes, inspect the charging port for lint or debris using a non-conductive tool.
3. 1 min

   Force restart a Face ID iPad

   For iPads without a Home button, quickly press and release the Volume Up button. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Top Power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

   Note: Timing is critical; perform the button presses in rapid succession.
4. 1 min

   Force restart a Home button iPad

   For iPads with a physical Home button, press and hold both the Home button and the Top Power button simultaneously. Continue holding both buttons until the Apple logo illuminates on the display.

   Note: Do not release the buttons when the screen goes dark; wait for the Apple logo.
5. 10 min

   Restore via computer

   Connect the iPad to a Mac or PC. Open Finder or iTunes, then force restart the iPad while it is connected to enter Recovery Mode. Follow the on-screen prompts to Update or Restore the firmware to resolve deep software corruption.

   Note: Restoring will erase all data on the iPad unless a backup is available.