If you can't update or restore your iPad

You can put your iPad in recovery mode, then restore it using your computer.

In these situations, you might need to use recovery mode to restore your iPad:

  • Your computer doesn't recognize your iPad or says it's in recovery mode.

  • If your screen is stuck on the Apple logo for several minutes with no progress bar.

  • You see the recovery mode screen.

Learn what to do if you see the progress bar on your screen for several minutes

Put your iPad in recovery mode and set it up again

  1. Make sure that your Mac is up to date. If you're using iTunes, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes.

  2. On a Mac with macOS Catalina, open the Finder. On a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a PC, open iTunes. If iTunes is already open, close it, then open it again. Find out which macOS your Mac is using.

  3. Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable.

  4. Keep your iPad connected and wait until the recovery mode screen appears:

    • For an iPad without a Home button: Press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button. Press and hold the top button.

      An animation of an iPad and an iPad mini with arrows pointing to the Volume Up button, then to the Volume Down button, and then to the top button.

    • For an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold both the Home and the top (or side) buttons at the same time.

      An animation of an iPad with arrows pointing to the Home button and the top button

  5. Keep holding the button (or buttons) until you see the recovery mode screen:

    An iPad showing the recovery mode screen

  6. Locate your iPad on your computer. When you see the option to Restore or Update, choose Update. Your computer will try to reinstall the software without erasing your data. Wait while your computer downloads the software for your iPad. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and your iPad exits the recovery mode screen, let the download finish, then repeat step 3.

  7. After the Update or Restore completes, set up your iPad.

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