Is your iPad frozen? Here’s how to fix it!

• To fix a frozen iPad, first perform a force-restart. If that doesn’t work, you can update or reinstall iPadOS.
• If you’re still having problems, you can always contact Apple support for further help.

When it comes to computers and tablets, one way to deal with a frozen device is to stop using it, walk away, and give it a few minutes to return to normal. Like a watched pot that doesn’t boil, a frozen iPad seems never to come back, but with a bit of time, it just might.

If you are in hurry, then it’s time to get a bit more proactive in unfreezing that iPad.

Here are various things you can try to fix a frozen iPad.

How to fix a frozen iPad

Force-restart your iPad

If your iPad is frozen and you’re not able to power it off and then on again, you can force restart it to hopefully fix the issue.

Forcing a restart is different than a normal restart. Though that’s the first thing you should try in this situation, it may not be an option with a frozen iPad that’s completely unresponsive.

Forcing your iPad to restart will not erase any apps or data, so it’s a safe first resort. The steps to force-restart depends on your iPad model.

For iPad models with Face ID

If you have an iPad equipped with Face ID, such as the M4 iPad Pro, you need to do the following:

1. Quickly press and let go of the volume up button (the one closest to the top button).
2. Quickly press and let go of the volume down button (the one farthest from the top button).
3. Press and hold the top button until the device begins to restart.

For iPad models with a Touch ID sensor in the top button

If you have one of Apple’s recent iPad models with an edge-to-edge display and a Touch ID sensor in the top button, such as the M2 iPad Air, or 2024 iPad mini, the steps to force restart your iPad are the same as for the Face ID-equipped iPad Pro:

1. Quickly press and let go of the volume up button (the one closest to the top button).
2. Quickly press and let go of the volume down button (the one farthest from the top button).
3. Press and hold the top button until the device begins to restart.

For iPad models with a home button

If your iPad has a home button on the front, such as the 2021 iPad, you can force a restart by following these steps:

1. Press both the front home button and top button at the same time.
2. Let go of both buttons when the Apple logo appears on screen.

This method works both for iPads with Touch ID and older non-Touch ID models.

Force close the faulty app

A lot of the time, a bad app can be the reason why your iPad freezes. The app may crash when you open it or use it, freezing your iPad. To fix the problem, simply force close the faulty app.

To force close an app, swipe up from the bottom edge and pause in the center of the screen, then swipe up on the app. Double-click the Home button (on an iPad with a Home button), then swipe up on the app.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, consider deleting and then redownloading the app, as it may have become corrupted.

If the app continues to freeze your iPad’s screen, it’s probably best to just delete the app completely and find an alternative.

Charge your iPad

If your iPad is frozen and unresponsive, or too sluggish for use, chances are good that it’s very low on battery. Connect it to a power source and leave it alone to charge for an hour.

Reinstall iPadOS

As a last resort before contacting Apple Support, you can try updating or restoring iPadOS. This is a good option if your iPad successfully restarts but can’t get past the Apple logo. Here’s how to do it.

On your iPad without a Home button

1. Connect your iPad to a computer. On a Mac running macOS Catalina, launch the Finder. On a Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a PC, launch iTunes.
2. Locate your iPad on your computer.
3. While your iPad is connected:
   1. Quickly press and let go of the volume button closest to the top button.
   2. Quickly press and let go of the volume button farthest from the top button.
   3. Press and hold the top button until your device begins to restart. Keep holding the top button.
4. Keep holding the top button until you see the recovery-mode screen.
5. When you get the option to restore or update, choose Update. Your computer will update the iPad without deleting your apps and data. Do not choose Restore, which will erase all of your data.
6. If the Update doesn’t work, your final option is to choose Restore. This option will restore your iPad to its factory settings.

Important: If you choose Restore, iPadOS will be reinstalled and all of your data will be erased. You will, however, have an opportunity to restore a backup from iCloud.

On your iPad with a Home button

1. Connect your iPad to a computer. On a Mac running macOS Catalina, launch the Finder. On a Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a PC, launch iTunes.
2. Locate your iPad on your computer.
3. While your device is connected, press and hold both the Home button and the top button. Keep holding the buttons.
4. Keep holding the top button until you see the recovery-mode screen.
5. When you get the option to restore or update, choose Update. Your computer will update the iPad without deleting your apps and data. Do not choose Restore, which will erase all of your data.
6. If the Update doesn’t work, your final option is to choose Restore. This option will restore your iPad to its factory settings.

Important: If you choose Restore, iPadOS will be reinstalled and all of your data will be erased. You will, however, have an opportunity to restore a backup from iCloud.

Contact Apple support

If you still have had no luck fixing your frozen iPad, you should contact Apple support or schedule a Genius Bar appointment for further help.