iPad won't turn on: don't panic, usually easy to fix
Your iPad won't turn on. Black screen. No sign of life. You press the power button, hold it down, try every trick you know. Nothing. Panic sets in: are all your documents, photos, and apps stuck in this dead device? You'll soon have to go to the Apple Store, shell out hundreds of euros for repairs, or even buy a new iPad Pro .
But wait a minute. Nine times out of ten, the problem isn't with your iPad itself, but something much simpler. A dead battery that's been drained too deeply. A crashed app. A broken charging cable . Problems you can fix yourself in five minutes, without spending a single euro. In fact, with the right approach, you'll not only save your iPad, but also prevent this from ever happening again.
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Step 1: Check the basics first
An iPad that won't turn on feels like a disaster, but the solution is usually surprisingly simple. Start with the most obvious cause: a dead battery. This might sound too simple, but it happens more often than you think.
Connect your tablet to the charger and wait at least fifteen minutes. Why so long? If the battery is completely drained (what we call "deep discharge"), the device needs time to gather enough power before it can even start up. You won't see any indication on the screen during this period—no battery icon, no Apple logo, nothing.
It's best to use the original Apple adapter and cable. A cheap, counterfeit cable may not provide enough power, especially with older models like the iPad Air or standard iPads. Also try a different outlet—sometimes that's the problem.
Charger Checklist
- Check that the cable is not damaged
- Check that the Lightning or USB-C port is free of dust and dirt
- Test with a different adapter (for example, the one from your iPhone)
- Try charging directly from a wall socket instead of via a computer
Step 2: Perform a forced restart
If charging doesn't help, the next step is a forced restart. This fixes software issues without erasing your data. The method varies by model:
For iPads with home button
Press and hold the Power and Home buttons simultaneously. Continue holding both buttons, even if the screen remains black. After about ten seconds, the Apple logo will appear. Then release both buttons.
For iPads without a home button
This applies to newer models such as the iPad Pro from 2018:
- Press and release the volume up button
- Immediately afterward, press the volume down button briefly
- Then press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears
You need to perform this sequence quickly. If you don't succeed, try again. Sometimes it takes a few tries before you master the timing.
Step 3: Restore via recovery mode
If the first two steps don't work, it's time for recovery mode. This is a more thorough reset that fixes software issues that a forced restart can't resolve.
You'll need a computer with iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac) installed. Make sure you have the latest version installed. Connect your tablet to the computer with a Lightning or USB-C cable.
Activate recovery mode
For models with a Home button: Hold down the Home button while connecting the device to the computer. Continue holding the button until the recovery screen appears.
For models without a Home button: Connect your computer, then perform the forced restart combination, but continue holding the power button after the Apple logo appears. Wait until the recovery screen appears.
In iTunes or Finder, you'll now see two options: "Update" or "Restore." Choose "Update" first—this installs the latest software without erasing your data. Only if updating doesn't work should you choose "Restore." Note: Restoring will erase all data on your tablet.
When professional help is needed
Sometimes an unresponsive iPad indicates a hardware problem. Signs you need professional help:
- You hear strange noises coming from the device
- The screen is cracked or has water damage
- The housing is bent or damaged
- The device becomes extremely hot during charging
- Recovery mode gives error messages
In these cases, repair is often possible, but sometimes a refurbished replacement is more economical. Repair costs can quickly mount up, especially with older models.
Prevention: prevent future problems
An iPad that won't turn on can often be prevented with proper maintenance. Here are some practical tips to avoid problems:
Battery maintenance
Never let the battery run completely flat. Charge it when the level drops below 20 percent. Don't use the device intensively while charging—this will significantly extend the battery life.
Avoid extreme temperatures. Don't leave your tablet in the car in freezing or hot weather. The ideal operating temperature is between 0 and 35 degrees Celsius.
Keeping software up to date
Install updates as soon as they're available. Apple regularly fixes bugs that can cause crashes. Turn on automatic updates in Settings > General > Software Update.
Back up regularly via iCloud or iTunes. If you ever need to restore, you won't lose any important data.
Use quality accessories
Cheap, counterfeit cables and adapters can damage your device. They often provide unstable power, which eventually damages the battery and charging port. Invest in certified accessories —it'll save you money and frustration in the long run.
Specific model issues
Some iPad generations have known vulnerabilities. The iPad Air 2, for example, sometimes has issues with the power button getting stuck. In the first-generation iPad Pro, the Touch ID sensor can cause startup problems.
Older models running iOS 12 or earlier sometimes become unresponsive after a failed update. In that case, a full restore via iTunes is usually the only solution.
The latest models with USB-C have fewer issues, but be aware that not all USB-C cables are suitable for charging. It's best to use the included cable or one with sufficient wattage.
Conclusion
An iPad that won't turn on is rarely the end of the device. In most cases, you can solve the problem within a few minutes with these three steps. Always start by charging it, then try a forced restart, and use recovery mode as a last resort.
If none of these solutions work, replacement is sometimes more cost-effective than repair. A refurbished iPad offers the same functionality as a new one, but is more durable and affordable. Plus, you get a warranty and the assurance of professionally tested hardware.
Conclusion: usually a quick fix
An iPad that refuses to boot feels like a nightmare, but it's usually easy to fix. Nine times out of ten, you can fix the problem by charging it, forcing it to restart, or using recovery mode. If that doesn't work, and everything points to hardware damage, consider weighing the repair costs against a refurbished alternative .
Regular maintenance and genuine accessories will also help you prevent most problems. This way, your iPad will keep running smoothly for years to come.
