iPad Won’t Turn On or Charge? Here’s How to Fix It

If your iPad won’t turn on and you’re searching for ways to fix it, then we’ve got the right place.

iPads are considered among the most powerful tablets on the market, with each version being more powerful than the predecessor. However, iPads still have their share of minor issues or bugs from time to time.

iPad won’t turn on is a common issue iPad users face, often because its battery has completely died. Charging may help, but if it doesn’t help, the problem could be due to a software or hardware failure.

Why Is My iPad Not Turning On?

There are several reasons why my iPad won’t turn on, including:

• Completely drained battery
• Damaged charging cable or adapter
• Dirty or damaged charging port
• Frozen or unresponsive iPadOS
• Failed software update
• iPad stuck on a black screen
• Battery or hardware failure
• Physical or liquid damage

If your iPad won’t power on, start with the simplest solutions before moving to more advanced fixes.

How to Fix an iPad That Won’t Turn On

1. Charge your iPad

If your iPad battery is completely discharged, your iPad won’t turn on. To test this, plug your iPad into its charger for at least an hour. This should show on its display, with enough charge allowing it to turn back on and function normally.

Also read: iPad Not Charging? 9 Proven Fixes That Work Instantly

2. Check the Charging Cable and Adapter

If your iPad won’t turn on or charge, the charging accessories could be the problem.

Try these steps:

• Use another compatible charging cable.
• Try a different power adapter.
• Plug the adapter into another wall outlet.
• Check the cable for visible damage.
• Make sure the connector is firmly inserted.

If the iPad starts charging with another cable or adapter, the original accessory may be faulty.

3. Restart your iPad

A forced restart (also known as a “hard reset”) is a powerful way to restart compared to a normal restart. If it is activated, all operating processes are shut down while the system gets restarted. Usually, the forced restart will resolve any minor or temporary issues.

This is different from an iPad Factory Reset, which erases all settings and content stored on its hard drive, leaving only apps compatible with its initial configuration installed on it.

For iPads without a Home button:

• Quickly press and release the volume button closest to the top button.
• Quickly press and release the other volume button.
• Press and hold the top button.
• Release it when the Apple logo appears.

For iPads with a Home button:

• Press and hold the Home and top buttons together.
• Keep holding them until the Apple logo appears.
• Release both buttons.

This process does not normally erase your personal data.

4. Check for Physical Damage

Physical damage could be a reason why your iPad won’t turn on. If it took an unexpectedly hard drop, fragile components might have been damaged.

• Check your iPad for scratches, dents, or physical damage.
• Look for cracks or chips on the screen.
• Inspect the charging port for dust or blockage.
• Look for water or liquid around the iPad

If nothing seems to help, and your device still won’t respond, then chances are high that something crucial within it has become damaged – in which case, contact Apple tech support as soon as possible for further help.

5. Use the Recovery Mode

The Recovery Mode lets users connect their iPad to a computer and boot it to restore software. In most cases, if the force restart option is not working, users turn to Recovery Mode as their last resort.

• Connect your iPad to a computer with the USB cable
• Open Finder or iTunes on your computer
• Then enter recovery mode using the button combination for your iPad model.
• You’ll spot the Apple logo displayed on the screen.
• Continue pressing the Home button for as long as the computer shows that your iPad is in Recovery mode.
• After Recovery mode is activated, you see two options: update your iPad and restore it (more about this later).

Also read: Unable to Activate iPad? 5 Simple Fixes to Try Before Repair

6. Contact Apple Support

If your iPad will not turn on after charging it and trying different accessories or performing a force restart and software troubleshooting techniques, the problem could be hardware-related.

iPad Won’t Turn On or Charge: What Should You Do?

If your iPad won’t turn on or charge, focus on the charging system first.

Try this quick checklist:

• Use a different charging cable.
• Try another compatible power adapter.
• Test another wall outlet.
• Inspect the charging port.
• Leave the iPad connected for at least 30 minutes.
• Perform a force restart.
• Try connecting it to a computer.

If none of these steps work to fix the iPad won’t turn on issue, the battery, charging port, or another internal component may require service.

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

Final Thoughts

If your iPad won’t turn on, begin with simple solutions like charging, checking the device, checking its cable/adapter setup, and performing a force restart before proceeding. If this doesn’t help, recovery mode or professional service may be required. If your iPad has physical or liquid damage, avoid these troubleshooting methods and contact Apple Support.

FAQs: iPad Won’t Turn On