Why is my iPad not turning on? 

Here’s how to fix when your iPad not turning on.

You need not panic if you suddenly see your iPad not turning on and the screen of your device has turned black and has become unresponsive even after pressing and holding its power button. In this article, I am going to show how to turn on iPad that won’t turn on and get your device working again by following a few simple steps.

The first thing that may come up in your mind – why is my iPad not turning on? Let’s, therefore, first look into the probable causes of why your iPad won’t turn on.

Why won’t my iPad turn on?

You may wonder ‘why my iPad won’t turn on even when plugged in? There are several reasons why your iPad doesn’t turn on. Below are some of the common causes when your iPad will not turn on and becomes unresponsive,

i. Dead battery: It is among the most common reasons for an iPad not turning on. If the battery is completely depleted the iPad won’t start or iPad won’t switch on because the iPad won’t have enough power to start up. It can happen if you haven’t charged the iPad for a long time. The charging cable or adapter might also be faulty if the iPad doesn’t respond to charging;

ii. Software issues: Software glitches can cause an iPad to become unresponsive or fail to turn on. This can happen due to a frozen app, a corrupt system file, or an issue with the operating system. If an app on the iPad becomes unresponsive, it can prevent the iPad from turning on;

iii. Hardware issues: Physical damage can cause hardware issues. Underlying hardware issues can prevent an iPad from turning on. Faulty hardware components may be the reason why your iPad doesn’t turn on. These components include a damaged power button, a defective battery, or a faulty display. The power button handles initiating the boot-up process; if it fails, the iPad won’t turn on. In the same way, iPad won’t power on due to a defective or degraded battery.

Once you can identify the root cause why won’t my iPad turn on, it will be easier for you to resolve the issue. Now let’s see how to fix iPad that won’t turn on.

iPad not turning on or charging – steps to fix

Firstly, make sure that your iPad is free from any hardware issues. One of the possible reasons, why your iPad will not turn on, may be due to the battery getting drained.

When you see your iPad not charging or turning on the charging port of the device seems to malfunction. If there is a problem with the charging port that is not allowing your iPad to charge adequately, clean the charging port and ensure that there is no physical damage inside. If you are not using an authentic cable, then there is also a chance that your iPad won’t power on as its battery won’t get sufficient power to turn it on. So make sure that your iPad battery is functioning without any defects.

How can I back up my iPad before troubleshooting power issues?

Before you dive into fixing your iPad, it’s a smart idea to back up your data—just in case. Creating a backup ensures you won’t lose your photos, messages, apps, and settings if you need to restore or update the device. Here’s how you can do it, depending on your computer:

If you’re using a Windows PC or a Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier:

• Install or update iTunes to its latest version.
• Connect your iPad to your computer using a cable.
• Launch iTunes, find and select the iPad icon, then head to the “Summary” tab.
• Click on “Back Up Now” to start backing up your data.

If you have a Mac running macOS Catalina or later:

• Open the Finder and connect your iPad via cable.
• Your device will appear in the left sidebar—select it.
• Under the “General” tab, choose “Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac.”
• Click “Back Up Now” to save everything.
  Backing up is a simple yet crucial step before attempting any fixes, so if your iPad powers on—even briefly—be sure to safeguard your data now.

Once you have done the inspections for any possible hardware issue follow the steps below to fix your iPad not turning on issue. After completing each step check if your iPad is turning on or not.

1. Force restart your iPad

Software crash is the most common problem that happens to many users after update of their iPad or iPhone. In such cases performing a forced restart should help to fix the problem of iPad won’t turn on or charge. To do this follow the steps below:

For iPads with Home button,

i. Press and hold the Home button and Top button simultaneously;

ii. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears;

For iPads without Home button,

i. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button;

ii. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button;

iii. Then press and hold the Top button until you see the Apple logo;

Hard resetting your iPad with iTunes

If force restarting your iPad doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try a hard reset using iTunes on your computer (for Windows or Macs with macOS Mojave or earlier). This process will restore your device to factory settings, so be aware that any unsaved data may be lost.

To perform a hard reset through iTunes:

1. Launch iTunes on your computer and connect your iPad using its USB cable.
2. If prompted, enter your device passcode or choose “Trust This Computer.”
3. In iTunes, click the iPad icon that appears near the top left.
4. Go to the “Summary” section in the sidebar.
5. Select Restore iPad, then confirm your choice. iTunes will download the latest software and complete the restoration.

After this process, your iPad should restart and display the familiar Apple logo—hopefully bringing your device back to life.

Back up your iPad with Finder on newer Macs

If you’re using a Mac with macOS Catalina or a more recent version, iTunes has been replaced by Finder for managing device backups. To make sure you don’t lose precious photos, documents, or app data while troubleshooting, it’s wise to create a backup.

Here’s how to back up your iPad with Finder:

1. Start by connecting your iPad to your Mac using a compatible charging cable.
2. Open the Finder window—you’ll see your iPad listed under “Locations” on the left sidebar.
3. Select your iPad. The main section will now display your device’s info.
4. Under the “General” tab, look for the “Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac” option and select it.
5. Click the “Back Up Now” button to begin the backup process.

Wait for Finder to finish the backup before you disconnect your device. This way, you’ll have a recent copy of all your iPad’s data safely stored on your computer, ready to restore if needed.

iPad stuck on the Apple logo during startup? Here’s what to do:

If your iPad powers on but gets frozen on the Apple logo, don’t panic—this is a fairly common issue. Usually, it’s caused by interrupted updates, corrupted files, or problematic apps. Here’s what you can try:

• Force restart your iPad: As described above, use the appropriate button combination for your model to force a restart. This can often shake your iPad free from the boot loop.
• Update or restore with Finder or iTunes: Connect your iPad to a Mac or PC and use Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier). Select your device and choose “Update” to try re-installing iPadOS without erasing your data. If that doesn’t work, you might need to select “Restore,” which will erase your device but can resolve stubborn problems.
• Third-party utilities: Programs like Tenorshare ReiBoot or Dr.Fone can sometimes fix stuck devices without data loss. Just be sure to use trusted software, and stick to well-reviewed options.

If your iPad remains stubbornly stuck on the Apple logo after trying these steps, it may be time to reach out to Apple Support or visit your nearest Apple Store for hands-on help.

2. Charge your iPad

At times drained battery leads to “iPad won’t turn on” problem. A device with a completely depleted battery will often not respond until the battery regains some life. Therefore, when you see your iPad not turning on the very first thing you should do is to make sure your iPad’s battery is charged enough to run the tablet. So connect your iPad to a wall outlet using the cable and charger that came with the device and let it charge for 15-30 minutes. This may turn on your iPad automatically with the Apple logo popping up, which means your iPad would start working normally.

If your iPad still shows a blank screen after being plugged in, don’t panic. Sometimes, it might take a few minutes—or even up to an hour—for the Apple logo to appear, especially if the battery was fully depleted. If nothing happens after an hour, try using a different USB cable or a different power outlet, just in case the issue lies with your charging accessories rather than the iPad itself.

However, even if the iPad turns on, it may still be low on power. So continue to charge until the battery is fully charged. Another thing that you need to check when iPad won’t turn on or charge is, the USB cable and the charger you are using. Many non-certified cables don’t work properly and your device might not be charging. Therefore, make sure that your charger and cable are Apple Certified (MFI) and working properly.

If you’re still having trouble getting your iPad to charge, take a close look at the charging port. Dust, lint, or debris can sometimes block the connection, so carefully inspect and clean the port if needed. Also, check for any signs of physical damage inside the port, as this could prevent your device from charging altogether.

Taking these steps ensures you cover the most common charging pitfalls before moving on to more advanced troubleshooting.

You may also like to read this post: Why my iPad won’t charge – here’re 7 proven solutions 

3. Restore with iTunes

Apart from other functions, iTunes can be used to back up or restore an iOS device as well, which can help to fix several issues related to your iPad. In order to fix the “iPad not turning on” issue with iTunes, follow the steps below:

Backing up your iPad with iTunes:

If you’re using a PC or a Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier, you’ll want to make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed before you start. Open iTunes, then connect your iPad to your computer using a cable. Once connected, click the iPad icon in the upper-left corner of the iTunes window. From there, go to the Summary section and click Back Up Now to create a fresh backup of your device.

Restoring your iPad with iTunes:

i. Connect your iPad to your computer and launch iTunes (make sure that you are using an updated version of iTunes). iTunes will automatically recognize your iPad;
ii. Select your device and go to its summary page and click on ‘Restore Backup’;
iii. Then click the ‘Restore’ button in the pop-up window;
iv. Wait for a while as iTunes restores your iPad;

Following these steps can often resolve stubborn software issues and get your iPad back up and running.

4. Put your iPad into Recovery Mode

If you are not able to fix the ‘iPad won’t turn on’ problem by trying the above solutions, you can next try to resolve the issue by taking the assistance of iTunes while putting your iPad into Recovery mode. This has been found to be a useful method in dealing with different errors on Apple devices. Here’re the steps to follow to fix the problem with the help of iTunes by entering Recovery Mode:

 For iPad with the Home button

i. Connect your iPad to your computer using the USB/lightning cable to it;

 ii. Press and hold down the Top and Home buttons simultaneously and keep holding them until you see the Recovery mode screen;

iii. Once iTunes detects your device, you will get a message giving the option to Restore or Update. To fix the “iPad not turning on” issue, select ‘Restore’ and let the software complete the restore process;

For iPad without the Home button

i. Connect your iPad to your computer;

ii. Press and quickly release the ‘Volume Up’ button;

iii. Next press and quickly release the ‘Volume Down’ button;

iv. Now, press and hold down the Top button until the device begins to restart and enters recovery mode;

v. Once iTunes detects your device it will analyze the error and display a message prompting you to Restore or Update. Select ‘Restore’ and let the software complete the restore process;

Additional Tips for Recovery Mode

• If your iPad screen stays black or you can’t see anything, don’t worry—just keep holding the necessary buttons until the recovery mode screen appears (you should see an image of a cable pointing toward a computer).
• Make sure your computer is running the latest version of iTunes if you’re on a PC or a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier. If you’re using macOS Catalina or later, open Finder instead.
• When prompted during the process, always choose Restore to erase your device and download the latest software. Leave your iPad connected while the software downloads and installs—this can take several minutes.
• Once your iPad restarts, it should be back to factory settings, allowing you to set it up as new or restore a backup if you have one.

Using recovery mode can resolve even stubborn issues like being locked out after too many passcode attempts or system errors that prevent a normal startup.

What to Do If Recovery Mode Times Out

Sometimes, if your computer takes longer than 15 minutes to download the needed software, your iPad may exit recovery mode before the process is finished. If this happens, don’t panic—it’s more common than you might think! Simply allow your device to power off, then repeat the relevant steps above to place your iPad back into recovery mode. Once you see the recovery mode screen again, you can restart the restore process from where you left off.

Using recovery mode can resolve even stubborn issues like being locked out after too many passcode attempts or system errors that prevent a normal startup.

5. Put your iPad into DFU mode

If your iPad wont turn on even after trying the above solutions, as a last resort you can put your iPad into DFU Mode. DFU stands for Device Firmware Update. This mode is usually used when a device updates to a new version of iOS. Nonetheless, the DFU Mode can also be used to resolve persisting technical issues like the one above and get your device back into working order.

There is one important thing that you need to take note of before using DFU mode restore. If your iPad is damaged in any way, especially if it is water-damaged, then a DFU restore may break or permanently damage your iPad.  Therefore, make sure before putting your device into this mode that your device has not incurred any physical damage.

To put your iPad into DFU mode, follow the steps below:

For iPads with the Home button:

Step 1: Just like in the previous method, connect your iPad to the computer and open iTunes. Ensure you have the latest version of iTunes;

Step 2: Press the Home button and the Power button simultaneously;

Step 3: Hold down the buttons for 10 seconds after the screen goes black;

Step 4: Next, slowly release the power button while still pressing the Home button for another 10-15 seconds until your iPad shows up in iTunes;

Step 5: Release the Home button once you see your iPad in iTunes then follow the on-screen instructions to start restoring your iPad through iTunes;

For iPads without the Home button:

Step 1: Connect your iPad to the computer and open iTunes;

Step 2: Press and quickly release the Volume up button;

Step 3: Press and quickly release the Volume down button;

Step 4: Press and hold the Side button (Power button) until the screen turns black;

Step 5: After the screen goes black, while holding down the Side button press and hold the Volume down button for 5 seconds;

Step 6: After about 5 seconds release the Side button but keep holding the Volume down button until your iPad shows up in iTunes (If your iPad shows a screen telling you to connect the device to iTunes, retry these steps);

Step 7: Release the Volume down button once you see your iPad in iTunes then follow the on-screen instructions to start restoring your iPad through iTunes;

Step 8: To exit DFU mode, quickly press the Volume Up button, then quickly press the Volume Down button, then hold down the Side button until the device reboots;

Frequently asked questions

Before I conclude let me also address some of the queries often made by iPad users when their iPad will not turn on or charge.

Why is my iPad black and my iPad won’t turn on?

If your iPad screen is black and iPad is not turning on, this is called “iPad black screen of death”. This may be a sign of software crash or drained battery.

A hard reset can fix if your iPad has a software crash.

How do I force my iPad to restart?

To force restart your iPad press and hold any of the volume buttons and the Top button simultaneously until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider and wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. To turn your device back on, press and hold the Top button until you see the Apple logo.

If your iPad screen is black or frozen

Depending on your iPad model, the force restart steps are slightly different:

On 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 until you see the device begin to restart.

On iPad with a Home button

• Press and hold both the Home button and the Top button at the same time.
• Keep holding until you see the Apple logo.

Still not turning on?

• If your iPad doesn’t turn on after these steps, check the hardware and connect it to a charger. Sometimes it may need up to an hour to charge enough to power on.
• If the screen remains black or unresponsive even after this, you might need to look into further troubleshooting or contact support.

Why did my iPad suddenly go black?

Generally, your iPad screen may suddenly go black which is also called iPad black screen of death, because of a software crash. A hard reset can temporarily fix if your iPad experiences a software crash.

Is the black screen of death permanent?

The iPad Black Screen of Death is usually caused by a software crash which can often be repaired. Black screens may also be the result of a more serious hardware problem that may require replacement of the device component. However, there is almost always a solution to this problem.

What is a hard reset (Factory Reset) on an iPad and when Should I use it?

A hard reset—also referred to as a factory reset—is a process that restores your iPad to its original settings, erasing all your personal data, apps, photos, and customizations along the way. Think of it as giving your device a fresh start, just like when it first came out of the box. It’s not something you want to do lightly, as all your content will be wiped, so always back up anything important beforehand.

But when should you actually consider a hard reset? Typically, it’s the last step in your troubleshooting playbook. If your iPad refuses to turn on or all other solutions (like charging, force restarting, or attempting a DFU mode restore) have failed, then a factory reset might be worth trying before seeking professional help. Just be aware: any existing issues from physical or water damage won’t be fixed by a reset.

How to Perform a Factory Reset
You can initiate a hard reset in a few ways, depending on your setup:

• Using a Computer (iTunes or Finder): Connect your iPad to your computer with a cable. On Macs running macOS Catalina or newer, use Finder; on PCs or older Macs, use iTunes. Once connected, locate your device and follow the prompts to restore or reset your iPad.

For Macs withmacOS Catalinaor later:

1. • 1. Open Finder, then connect your iPad to your computer.
     2. Enter your passcode if prompted.
     3. Click on your device under Locations in the Finder’s left sidebar.
     4. Click General at the top.
     5. Select Restore iPad, then confirm by clicking Restore again.
        This will erase your device and install the latest iPadOS, returning it to factory settings.

For PCs or Macs withmacOS Mojaveor earlier:

1. 1. Open iTunes and connect your iPad.
   2. Select your device when it appears.
   3. Choose Restore iPad and follow the prompts.

These methods will wipe your iPad clean, so double-check that you have a backup before moving forward.

• Via iCloud (Find My iPad enabled): If you’ve got Find My iPad set up, log in at iCloud.com, locate your device, and select the option to erase it remotely.To break it down step-by-step:
  1. Go to and sign in with your Apple ID.
  2. Click on the Find iPhone icon (don’t worry, it works for iPads too).
  3. In the All Devices dropdown at the top, select your iPad.
  4. Click Erase iPad to remotely wipe all content and settings.
  5. Just follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

  This is especially handy if you can’t access your iPad directly, but still want to give it a fresh start or securely erase your info before handing it off to someone else.

• On the Device (if it’s responsive): If your iPad is turning on but acting strange, you can use the Settings app under General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

Remember, a hard reset wipes everything—so make sure you really need to go down this road before proceeding. And don’t forget to keep a backup handy for smoother recovery!

You may also like to read this post: iPhone not turning on or charging – here’re 5 proven fixes to try

Conclusion

It is found that the steps suggested in the article help in most cases to resolve the “iPad not turning on” issue. However, if none of the above solutions can resolve the issue and your iPad won’t turn on, it may have a hardware failure that needs repair. In such case, your best chance to get your device working again is to contact Apple Support for help and instructions if you don’t have an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider nearby.