My iPad Won't Turn Off! Here's The Real Fix.

David Lynch

NOVEMBER 16, 2021

Your iPad isn't turning off and you aren't sure why. No matter what you do, you can't get it to shut down. In this article, I'll explain why your iPad won't turn off and show you how to fix the problem for good!

You Probably Already Know This, But...

Normally, you'd turn off your iPad by pressing and holding the power button, then swiping the red power icon from left to right across the screen.

slide to power off ipad

If you've tried this and your iPad still won't turn off, follow the steps below to fix the problem!

How To Fix An iPad That's Not Turning Off

5 Steps Total
1.

Hard Reset Your iPad

This step is a good way to temporarily fix a software issue that caused your iPad to freeze. It doesn't address the root cause of the problem, but it's a great way to get your iPad working again.

How Do I Hard Reset My iPad?

There are a couple different ways to hard reset your iPad, depending on which model you have:

If your iPad has a Home button

Simultaneously press and hold the Home button and the power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

If your iPad doesn't have a Home Button

Press and release the volume up button, press and release he volume down button, then press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears.

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2.

Turn On AssistiveTouch

AssistiveTouch creates a software version of the Home button, which is useful when the physical Home button isn't working.

How Do I Turn On AssistiveTouch?

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Accessibility.
  4. Tap AssistiveTouch.
  5. Tap the switch next to AssistiveTouch. You'll know AssistiveTouch is on when the switch is green.
  6. The AssistiveTouch button Assistive Touch Buttonwill appear on your screen.
  7. You can move the AssistiveTouch button anywhere on the screen by pressing, holding, and dragging the button.
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3.

Back Up Your iPad

It's important to save a backup so you don't lose your information if you restore your iPad or decide to get a new one.

How Do I Back Up My iPad?

You can backup your iPad to iCloud or iTunes:

iCloud

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap on your name at the top of the screen.
  3. Tap iCloud.
  4. Tap iCloud Backup.
  5. Tap Back Up Now.

iTunes

  1. Connect your iPad to a computer with iTunes using a Lightning cable.
  2. Open iTunes.
  3. Click the iPad icon in the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
  4. Click Back Up Now.

Finder (Macs Running Catalina 10.15)

  1. Connect your iPad to your Mac using a charging cable.
  2. Open Finder.
  3. Click on your iPad under Locations.
  4. Click the circle next to Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac.
  5. Click Back Up Now.
  6. You'll see the time and date updated under Latest Backup after the backup is complete.
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4.

Put Your iPad In DFU Mode

The DFU restore is the last step you can take to completely rule out an iPad software problem. By returning your iPad to its factory defaults, any software glitches or errors will usually be erased and eliminated.

Before putting your iPad in DFU mode, we recommend saving a backup of your iPad so you don't lose any of your information such as your contacts and photos.

How Do I Put My iPad In DFU Mode?

If your iPad has a Home button:

  1. Use a Lightning cable to plug your iPad into a computer.
  2. Open iTunes if you have a PC or a Mac running macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier.
  3. Open Finder if you have a Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15 or newer.
  4. Hold down the power button and the Home button simultaneously.
  5. Keep holding both buttons for three seconds after the screen goes black.
  6. Let go of the power button while holding down the Home button.
  7. Keep holding the Home button until your iPad appears in iTunes or Finder.
  8. Click Restore iPad.

If your iPad doesn't have a Home button:

  1. Connect your iPad to your computer with a Lightning cable.
  2. Open iTunes or Finder.
  3. Press and hold the power button again.
  4. Wait 3 seconds, then press and hold the volume down button while still holding the power button.
  5. Hold both buttons for 10 more seconds, then let go of the power button.
  6. Keep holding the volume down button for another 5 seconds.
  7. Release the volume down button when your iPad appears in iTunes or Finder.
  8. Click Restore iPad.
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5.

Repair Your iPad With Apple

Apple can repair your iPad in-person at an Apple Store or through their mail-in service. When you get your iPad repaired by Apple, you can be certain it's being done by an expert and that all the replacement parts of official Apple parts.

If you have an AppleCare+ protection plan, an Apple repair is probably your best option.

How Do I Repair My iPad With Apple?

  1. If you want to take your iPad into your local Apple Store, visit Apple's website to schedule appointment at a store near you.
  2. If you want to mail in your iPad to Apple, visit Apple's website or call 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753) to set up your repair.
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Rest Easy, iPad!

You've fixed the problem with your iPad and now it's turning off. Next time your iPad won't turn off, you'll know how to fix the problem! Leave any other questions you have for us in the comments section below.

Applies To: iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Mini, iPad Air

AUTHOR

David Lynch

David Lynch is an expert on cell phones, cell phone plans, and other tech. After using a flip phone into his early 20s, he learned the ropes about iPhones and Androids from a former Apple employee. Today, his articles and videos are read and viewed by millions, and he has been cited by major publications including Reader's Digest, Wired, CMSWire, Consumers Advocate, and more.

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jjj
jjj
2 years ago

thanks sooooo much

Dee
Dee
3 years ago

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You helped me fix my frozen iPad with clear & accurate directions! Saved me $$$. THANKS!