If your iPad won't turn on or is frozen

If your iPad has a frozen screen, doesn't respond when you touch it or becomes stuck when you turn it on, find out what to do.

If your screen is black or has frozen

Follow the steps for your device.

On an iPad without a Home button

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button furthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button until the device begins to restart.
  4. If your iPad doesn't turn on, follow these steps to check your hardware and charge your device. You may need to charge for up to an hour.
  5. If your iPad still doesn't turn on, contact Apple Support.

On an iPad with a Home button

  1. Press and hold both the Home button and the top button until you see the Apple logo.
    An iPad with arrows pointing to the Home button and the top button.
  2. If your iPad doesn't turn on, follow these steps to check your hardware and charge your device. You may need to charge for up to an hour.
  3. If your iPad still doesn't turn on, contact Apple Support.

If your iPad turns on but gets stuck during start-up

If you see the Apple logo or a red or blue screen during start-up, try these steps:

  1. Connect your iPad to a computer. On a Mac with macOS Catalina, open the Finder. On a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a PC, open iTunes. Find out which macOS your Mac is using.
  2. Locate your device on your computer.
  3. While your device is connected, follow the steps for your device:
    • On 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 furthest from the top button. Press and hold the top button until your device begins to restart. Keep holding the top button.
    • On an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold both the Home button and the top button.
      An iPad with arrows pointing to the Home button and the top button.
  4. Keep holding the button (or buttons) until you see the recovery mode screen.
    An iPad showing the restore screen.
  5. When you get the option to restore or update, choose Update.
    A Finder window showing a prompt with the choice to update or restore your iPad. Update is selected.
  6. Your computer will download the software for your device. If it takes more than 15 minutes, your iPad will exit recovery mode, and you'll need to repeat steps 2-4.

If you need more help

Contact Apple Support to set up service.

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