Is your iPad frozen? Learn how to easily force restart any iPad model. This quick guide shows the exact steps for iPads with and without a home button.
Key Takeaways
Dealing with a frozen iPad where the touch screen is completely unresponsive can be incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, you can easily force restart your device to get it up and running again fast.
The method you need to use depends entirely on the design of your iPad, specifically, whether or not it features a physical Home button. Below is a quick and easy guide to force restarting any iPad model.
How to Force Restart an iPad With a Home Button
If you are using an older iPad model or an entry-level iPad that still has a physical Home button at the bottom of the screen, the process requires holding two buttons simultaneously.
Follow these steps:
FAQ
Why is my iPad screen frozen and not responding to touch?
A frozen iPad screen typically occurs due to minor software glitches or overloaded system memory. When your touch screen becomes completely unresponsive, performing a force restart is the fastest and easiest way to reboot the hardware and restore normal functionality.
Will a force restart delete any of my data or apps?
No, performing a force restart on your iPad will not delete your apps, photos, or personal data. It is perfectly safe and simply forces the device to power cycle when the software is unresponsive.
Press and hold the Home button and the Power button at the same time.
Keep holding both buttons down, even if you see the power off slider appear on your screen.
Release both buttons as soon as the Apple logo appears.
Once the Apple logo is on the screen, your iPad will successfully force restart and return to normal operation.
How to Force Restart an iPad Without a Home Button
Most modern iPads (such as the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini) no longer feature a Home button. To force restart these models, you need to execute a specific three-button sequence.
Follow these steps:
Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Power button (the top button).
Keep holding the Power button until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen, then let go.
Your unresponsive iPad will now reboot.
Quick Reference Guide
If you need a fast reminder in the future, use this quick reference table to determine the right button sequence for your specific device.
iPad Model Type
Button Sequence
When to Release
With Home Button
Press and hold the Home button + Power button simultaneously.
Release when the Apple logo appears.
Without Home Button
Quickly press Volume Up, quickly press Volume Down, then press and hold the Power button.
Release when the Apple logo appears.
Keep Learning
If this guide helped you fix your frozen screen, keep expanding your tech knowledge! You can learn more essential device tips by checking out what to watch next here.
How do I know if my iPad needs the newer three-button restart method?
If your device does not have a physical Home button on the front bezel, you will need to use the newer method. This is standard for most modern Apple tablets, including the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini.
What should I do if my iPad is still completely unresponsive after trying a force restart?
If your iPad will not turn on or remains frozen after attempting a force restart, try plugging it into a power source for up to an hour. For more device tips and to expand your tech knowledge, check out what to watch next here.
