What To Do When Your iPad Won't Turn On

Check for a Drained Battery

One of the most common reasons why an iPad won’t turn on is because the battery is drained. Before assuming the worst, it’s important to check if the battery level is the root cause of the issue. Here are the steps to follow:

Connect your iPad to a power source: Plug your iPad into a wall outlet using the charging cable and adapter that came with it. Make sure the outlet is working properly, as sometimes the issue can be as simple as a faulty electrical socket.
Leave it to charge: Allow your iPad to charge for at least 15 minutes. In some cases, the battery level may be extremely low, and it needs a few minutes to accumulate enough power to turn on.
Look for charging indicators: While your iPad is charging, look for any signs that it is receiving power. Typically, a battery icon will appear on the screen, indicating that the device is charging. You may also notice a small lightning bolt symbol next to the battery icon.
Attempt to turn it on: After the designated charging time has passed, try turning on your iPad by pressing and holding the power button. If your device powers on, then the drained battery was indeed the cause of the issue.

If your iPad still won’t turn on after charging it for a sufficient period, there may be other underlying factors contributing to the problem. In such cases, it’s best to explore additional troubleshooting options.

Try a Hard Reset

If your iPad still refuses to turn on after checking the battery, the next step is to try a hard reset. This method can help resolve minor software glitches that may be preventing the device from powering on. Follow these steps:

Press and hold the power button: Locate the power button on your iPad. Depending on the model, it can be found at the top or side of the device. Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds.
Look for the Apple logo: As you continue holding the power button, keep an eye out for the Apple logo to appear on the screen. This logo indicates that the hard reset process has begun.
Release the power button: Once you see the Apple logo, release the power button. Your iPad will now restart and should hopefully turn on normally.

If the hard reset is successful, your iPad will boot up and be ready for use. However, if it still refuses to turn on, you may need to explore other troubleshooting options.

It’s worth noting that performing a hard reset will not result in any loss of data. The process simply clears out temporary files and resets the device’s software, allowing for a fresh start without affecting your personal information or settings.

Charge the iPad for a Longer Period

If your iPad is not turning on, it’s possible that it requires an extended charging period to revive the battery. Sometimes, the battery level may be extremely low, and a standard charging time may not be sufficient. Here’s what you can do:

Connect your iPad to a power source: Use the charging cable and adapter to connect your iPad to a wall outlet. Ensure that the outlet is functioning properly by testing it with another device.
Leave it to charge: Allow your iPad to charge for an extended period. It’s recommended to leave it plugged in for at least one to two hours, ensuring a steady flow of power to the device.
Look for charging indicators: While your iPad is charging, keep an eye out for the charging indicators. You should see a battery icon on the screen, indicating that the device is receiving power. You may also notice a small lightning bolt symbol next to the battery icon.
Try turning it on again: After the extended charging period, disconnect your iPad from the charging cable and attempt to turn it on. Press and hold the power button to see if the device powers up.

If your iPad still doesn’t turn on, even after charging it for a longer duration, there may be an underlying hardware or software issue. In such cases, it’s recommended to move on to other troubleshooting methods or seek assistance from an authorized service center.

Remember, it’s essential to use original charging accessories that are compatible with your iPad model to ensure proper charging and avoid potential issues.

Check the Charging Cable and Adapter

If your iPad still won’t turn on, it’s important to inspect the charging cable and adapter for any potential issues. A faulty cable or adapter can prevent the device from receiving adequate power. Follow these steps to check them:

Examine the charging cable: Inspect the charging cable for any visible signs of damage, such as frayed wires or bent connectors. If you spot any issues, it’s advisable to replace the cable with a new one.
Inspect the charging adapter: Check the charging adapter for any physical damage or debris that may be blocking the connection. Clean the adapter using a soft, dry cloth to ensure proper contact between the adapter and the charging cable.
Try a different power source: In some cases, the problem may not lie with the cable or adapter, but rather the power source. Plug your charging cable into a different wall outlet or try using a different USB port on your computer to eliminate the possibility of a faulty power source.
Use a different cable or adapter: If possible, try charging your iPad using a different cable and adapter to see if the issue persists. This will help determine whether the problem lies with the original accessories or not.

If you find any issues with the charging cable or adapter, replacing them with genuine Apple accessories is recommended. Using counterfeit or low-quality cables and adapters can potentially damage your iPad and may not provide the correct voltage or current required for charging.

If checking the charging cable and adapter does not resolve the issue, there may be other factors contributing to the problem, and further troubleshooting steps will be needed.

Clean the Charging Port

If your iPad is not turning on, another possible culprit could be a dirty or obstructed charging port. A buildup of dust, lint, or debris can interfere with the connection and prevent the device from charging properly. Follow these steps to clean the charging port:

Power off your iPad: Before cleaning the charging port, make sure your iPad is powered off completely. This will prevent any accidental damage during the cleaning process.
Inspect the charging port: Take a close look at the charging port on your iPad. Use a flashlight if necessary to check for any visible debris or obstructions. Be careful not to insert anything into the port at this stage.
Use compressed air: If you notice any debris in the charging port, gently blow on it or use compressed air to remove the particles. This can help dislodge any dust or lint that may be blocking the connection.
Softly clean the port: If the debris persists, you can carefully clean the charging port using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a clean, dry toothpick. Gently brush or scrape the port to remove any remaining residue or obstructions. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure or damage the port.
Verify the charging cable connection: Once the charging port is clean, reinsert the charging cable and ensure it fits snugly into the port. A loose or faulty connection can still prevent the iPad from turning on.
Try charging your iPad again: After cleaning the charging port, plug in your iPad to a power source and attempt to charge it. If the port was the issue, proper charging should now take place, and your iPad may turn on as expected.

If cleaning the charging port does not resolve the issue, it’s recommended to explore additional troubleshooting options or seek assistance from a professional technician or Apple Support.

Connect the iPad to a Computer

If your iPad is still not turning on, connecting it to a computer can help troubleshoot the issue and potentially revive the device. Here’s what you can do:

Use a USB cable: Connect your iPad to a computer using the USB cable that came with your device. Make sure the computer is powered on and running the latest version of iTunes or Finder (for macOS Catalina and later).
Check for a connection: Once connected, check if your computer recognizes the iPad. Look for a notification or prompt on your computer screen indicating that a device has been connected.
Start iTunes or Finder: If your computer doesn’t automatically open iTunes or Finder, launch the application manually. iTunes will detect the connected iPad and display it in the sidebar (for older versions of macOS) or in the device list (for macOS Catalina and later).
Follow on-screen prompts: If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to trust the computer or enter your passcode on the iPad. This is necessary for establishing a secure connection.
Attempt a restore: Once the iPad is recognized by the computer, you can try restoring the device using iTunes or Finder. This process erases all data on your iPad, so it’s vital to have a recent backup. Follow the instructions provided by the software to initiate the restore process.
Monitor the restore process: Stay attentive to the restore process and keep your iPad connected to the computer until it is completed. The device may restart multiple times during the restore, which is normal.
Check if the iPad turns on: After the restore process is finished, disconnect the iPad from the computer and check if it turns on using the power button. With luck, your iPad will now power up as expected.

If connecting the iPad to a computer and attempting a restore doesn’t resolve the issue, there may be other underlying factors contributing to the problem. In such cases, consider exploring additional troubleshooting options or contacting Apple Support for further assistance.

Put the iPad in DFU Mode

If all previous troubleshooting steps have failed and your iPad still won’t turn on, putting it in Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) mode may help. DFU mode allows for a deeper level of device recovery and can resolve more stubborn software-related issues. Here’s how you can put your iPad in DFU mode:

Connect your iPad to a computer: Use the USB cable to connect your iPad to a computer. Ensure that the computer is running the latest version of iTunes or Finder (for macOS Catalina and later).
Launch iTunes or Finder: Open iTunes or Finder on your computer. If your computer doesn’t automatically open the application, launch it manually.
Put the iPad in DFU mode: Press and hold the power button and the home button (or the volume down button for iPad models without a home button) simultaneously. Keep holding both buttons for about 10 seconds.
Release the power button: After 10 seconds, release the power button while continuing to hold the home button (or volume down button) for an additional 5 seconds.
Look for the recovery mode prompt: Check the screen of your iPad and monitor your computer. You should see a prompt indicating that the device is in recovery mode and needs to be restored.
Restore your iPad: Follow the instructions provided by iTunes or Finder to restore your iPad. This process will erase all data on your device, so it’s crucial to have a recent backup before proceeding.
Monitor the restore process: Stay attentive to the restore process on your computer screen and keep your iPad connected until the restoration is completed. The device may restart multiple times during this process.
Check if the iPad turns on: After the restore process is finished, disconnect your iPad from the computer and press the power button to check if it turns on. If all went well, your iPad should power up normally.

If putting your iPad in DFU mode and restoring it does not solve the problem, it’s recommended to seek professional assistance from an authorized service center or reach out to Apple Support for further guidance.

Contact Apple Support

If you have tried all the previous troubleshooting methods and your iPad still refuses to turn on, it’s time to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. Apple’s support team is well-equipped to handle various issues and can provide specific guidance tailored to your situation. Here’s how you can contact Apple Support:

Visit the Apple Support website: Go to the Apple Support website (support.apple.com) using a computer or another Apple device with internet access.
Select your region: Choose your country or region from the available options on the Apple Support website. This ensures that you are connected to the respective support team.
Select your iPad model: Navigate to the “iPad” section on the Apple Support website and select your specific iPad model from the list provided.
Choose a support option: Apple offers several support options, including phone support, chat support, and email support. Choose the option that best suits your preference and availability.
Provide necessary details: Before contacting Apple Support, gather any relevant information about your iPad, such as the model, serial number, and any specific error messages or symptoms you have encountered. This will help the support team diagnose the issue effectively.
Engage with the support team: Once connected with an Apple support representative, explain your issue and follow their instructions carefully. They may guide you through additional troubleshooting steps or recommend service options if needed.

Remember, Apple Support is there to assist you with technical issues and provide the best possible solution. They may suggest repairs, replacements, or alternative solutions depending on the specific circumstances.

If your iPad is still covered under warranty, it’s advisable to mention it during your conversation with Apple Support, as it may affect the available services and solutions provided to you.

By contacting Apple Support, you’ll have access to reliable assistance and guidance, ensuring that you take the necessary steps to resolve the issue with your iPad and get it back up and running again.