Troubleshooting: iPad won't start, screen black - unable to turn on

Troubleshooting: iPad won't turn on

Your iPad won't start or turn on? The screen is black and the iPad isn't responding?

Sometimes the iPad stops responding for no apparent reason. It doesn't wake from standby and seems completely non-functional.

If your iPad won't turn on or the screen is just black, you can try these steps:

1. Check the screen

• Brightness: Make sure the screen brightness isn't completely dimmed.
• Damage: Check if the screen might be damaged.

2. Check the battery

• Charging: Connect your iPad to a charger for at least 30 minutes.
• Check accessories: Use an original Apple charger or a certified cable.
• Clean the charging port: Make sure the port is free of dirt or dust.

3. Force restart

A forced restart can get your iPad running again:

1. For iPads with Face ID or without a Home button:

   • Quickly press the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button.
   • Hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears.
     

2. For iPads with a Home button:

   • Hold the Home button and the Power button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears (about 10–15 seconds).

4. Connect the iPad to a computer

• Connect your iPad to a computer with iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave) or Finder (macOS Catalina or later) installed.
• If your iPad is recognized, you have two options:
  • Update: Install the latest software without data loss.
  • Restore: Reset the iPad to factory settings.

5. Try DFU mode

If your iPad still doesn't respond, you can use DFU mode (Device Firmware Update):

1. For iPads with Face ID:

   • Quickly press Volume Up, then Volume Down.
   • Hold the Power button until the screen turns black.
   • Hold both the Power button and the Volume Down button for 10 seconds. Then release the Power button but keep holding the Volume Down button.
     

2. For iPads with a Home button:

   • Hold the Home button and the Power button together for 10 seconds.
   • Release the Power button but continue holding the Home button.

In this mode, your iPad will be recognized by iTunes or Finder, and you can restore it.

6. Contact Apple Support

If nothing helps, there might be a hardware issue. In this case:

• Contact Apple Support or
• Visit a certified repair service.