What To Do If Your iPad Won’t Turn On: Some Simple Tips

iPad won’t turn on is a serious issue. So if you unfortunate enough to encounter it, you should find a way to fix it right away.

Is your iPad won’t turn on all of a sudden? Maybe it stayed black after charging, or refuses to power up even when plugged in. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many iPad users face this annoying issue.

Whether your iPad won’t turn on after an update, has charging problems or is totally frozen, this guide will help you troubleshoot step by step and get your device working again.

iPad Won’t Turn On And Something May Help You Fix It

You’re probably feeling confused or even a little panicked when your iPad won’t turn on. But try to stay calm. There are steps you can take to fix it

1. It’s Really Just Dead?

Even if you’ve plugged it in, the battery might be too depleted to show anything, not even the low-battery icon. On Reddit, a user shared:

“I’ve tried plugging it in but it doesn’t show me battery flat symbol… isn’t being recognized by the PC”.

Another remarked it can take hours or even a couple of days to charge an old, very drained iPad. so patience is key.

What to try:

• Use the original Apple wall adapter and cable, and plug straight into a wall outlet – not a power strip or PC.

• Leave it charging undisturbed for at least 1–2 hours, or overnight.

2. Clean or Replace the Charging Cable and Port

Dust, lint, or a worn cable can block charging.

Steps:

1. Inspect the Lightning or USB-C port carefully.

2. Clean gently using a non-metal tool (like a wooden toothpick) or an isopropyl-alcohol–dampened swab.

3. Try a different cable and adapter if available.

Several Reddit users have confirmed that simply replacing the cable or cleaning the port helped get their device to charge again.

3. Force Restart / Hard Reset

If your iPad is on but frozen, a force restart can help.

For models without a Home button (e.g. recent iPads):

1. Quickly press Volume Up, then Volume Down.

2. Press and hold the Power (top) button until the Apple logo appears.

For models with a Home button:

1. Press and hold both Home + Power buttons simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.

Reddit user reports:

“Try a force restart… press and release each volume button quickly … then hold the power button till Apple logo comes on.”

4. Let It “Rest” for a Few Days

It might sound strange, but some iPads stuck in a deep low-power state come back to life after a break.

One Redditor said:

“Plugged it in last night…won’t turn on, hard reset won’t connect… EDIT: IPAD IS ALIVE! Let it sit a couple days and then tried force reset.”

Another mentioned leaving it plugged in 37 hours before attempting hard reset worked. Of course, this method only works if you’re able to wait.

Not everyone has the luxury to let their iPad sit untouched for days and personally, I’d be way too impatient to wait that long. But if your situation allows, it might just surprise you.

Read More:

• New iPad Battery Drains Quickly, Here’s What You Need To Know
• iPad stuck on Apple logo: Why it happens and how to fix it

5. Try Recovery Mode Using a Computer

If a force restart doesn’t work but your computer recognizes the iPad, use Recovery Mode:

1. Connect the iPad to a Mac (Finder) or PC (iTunes).

2. Trigger force restart but keep holding until the recovery screen appears.

3. Choose Update or Restore when prompted (Update tries reinstalling without erasing data).

This often solves issues after updates, since incomplete or corrupted updates can break booting.

6. Try DFU Mode (Advanced)

If even Recovery Mode fails, DFU Mode may help, but it’s trickier and can erase data.

AppleSupport forums suggest:

• Hold Power + Home for ~15 seconds until Apple logo => continue holding or release power to enter DFU => use recovery tools.

Only perform this if you’re comfortable, and preferably after backing up.

7. Beware of Hardware Faults

If none of the above works, it’s likely a hardware issue:

• Failed battery.

• Damaged charging port or power IC.

• Other internal component failure.

One user shared they replaced the motherboard for $146 USD, more than cost of a used modern iPad.

What to do next:

• Visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider (data diagnostics are often free under warranty).

• If out of warranty, explore third-party repair or consider battery replacement (~$99 USD at Apple).

Special Case: iPad Won’t Turn On After Charging or Update

After a system update, some iPads freeze or fail to boot. This usually points to software corruption.

Steps to fix:

1. Charge the iPad fully.

2. Use force restart (Volume Up, Volume Down, hold Power).

3. If stuck, connect to computer and enter Recovery or DFU mode.

These steps often resolve issues arising from interrupted or failed updates.

Summary Table: Quick Reference

Stop, Look, and Listen: Common Mistakes

• Never rush into opening or repairing yourself, you risk losing data or voiding warranty.

• Avoid cheap, uncertified cables or chargers that may fail or damage charging circuits.

• Be patient, some iPads need extended charging periods, especially older models or long-discharged batteries.

Final Advice 

If your iPad won’t turn on after charging or iPad won’t turn on even when plugged in, always try these steps in order:

1. Charge it properly (wall outlet, certified cable) for several hours or longer.

2. Clean the port and use a good cable.

3. Perform a force restart (different patterns depending on model).

4. Use Recovery Mode via computer if still unresponsive.

5. As a last resort, enter DFU Mode (advanced).

6. Visit service provider or Apple Store for diagnostics and potential repair.

Start with the easiest steps, sometimes a good, old-fashioned wait can be all it needs.

Real Voices from Users

“Let it sit a couple days…then tried force reset. works!”.
“Try a force restart…press and release each volume button quickly…then hold the power button till Apple logo comes on.”

These stories show how patient charging and correct reset techniques often bring a dead iPad back to life.

Wrapping Up

Facing an unresponsive iPad can be stressful, especially with important data onboard. But countless users have revived theirs through a combination of charging, force restarts, and Recovery Mode.

If all else fails, smart diagnostics and affordable repairs, or a new or refurbished iPad can be your next step. With these real-world tips and trusted Apple procedures, you’re in good shape to troubleshoot or recover your device.