iPad Won’t Restore? Here’s The Fix!

You’re trying to restore your iPad, but it’s not working. You’ve plugged your iPad into your computer and started the restore process, but you’re seeing an error message like "This iPad cannot be restored" and you don’t know what to do. In this article, I’ll explain why your iPad won’t restore and exactly how to fix the problem.

Don’t panic: this is an extremely common issue. Restoring an iPad erases everything on it, and it’s the go-to fix for iPad software problems — especially serious ones. So let’s get to it!

Apple’s Support Article Doesn’t Cut It

Apple’s own support page about what to do when your iPad won’t restore is very limited, and frankly, it’s incomplete. They suggest a couple solutions, and they’re valid, but there are numerous reasons why an iPad won’t restore. In fact, this issue can be traced to both software and hardware problems — but it’s easy to solve if you approach it in the right way.

Because of this, I’ve come up with a list of several solutions for fixing an iPad that won’t restore. These steps address both software and hardware problems in a logical order, so you’ll be able to restore your iPad again in no time.

How To Fix An iPad That Won’t Restore

1. Update the Software On Your Computer

First off, it’s important to make sure that the software you use to restore your iPad is up-to-date. It’s easy to check!

On a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, you’ll use the Finder to restore your iPad — there’s no separate app to update. To make sure your Mac is current, click the Apple menu at the upper-left corner of your screen and check for software updates. (On macOS Ventura or later, go to System Settings > General > Software Update. On macOS Catalina through Monterey, go to System Preferences > Software Update.) Install any available updates before trying to restore.

On a Windows PC, you’ll use the Apple Devices app (or iTunes if your PC doesn’t support it). To update the Apple Devices app, open the Microsoft Store on your PC, go to Library, and click Get updates. The Microsoft Store will update the Apple Devices app if a newer version is available.

If you’re using iTunes (on a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or on an older Windows PC), check for updates within iTunes itself:

1. Open iTunes on your computer.
2. On a Mac, click the iTunes button in the menu bar. On a PC, click the Help button.
3. Click Check For Updates from the drop-down menu. iTunes will then either update itself or notify you that your copy of iTunes is already up-to-date.

2. Reboot Your Computer

If your software is already up-to-date, the next step in fixing your iPad is to reboot your computer. On a Mac, just click the Apple button at the upper-left-hand corner of the screen and click Restart from the bottom of the drop-down menu. On a PC, click on the Start Menu and click Restart.

3. Force Restart Your iPad When It’s Plugged Into The Computer

We don’t always recommend force restarting your iPad, but it may be a necessary step when your iPad won’t restore. Make sure your iPad is plugged into your computer while performing the force restart.

The process of force restarting an iPad depends on which model you have:

• iPad without a Home button: Press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button, then press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button, then press and hold the top button. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.
• iPad with a Home button: Press and hold both the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

4. Try A Different USB-C / USB Cable

Oftentimes, an iPad won’t restore because of a broken or otherwise faulty cable. Try using a different USB-C cable, or borrow one from a friend. If you have an older iPad that uses Lightning, try a different Lightning cable instead.

Make sure you use a cable that supports both data and charging — not a charge-only cable. Using third-party cables that are not certified by Apple can cause restore problems. For best results, use the cable that came with your iPad or an Apple-certified replacement.

5. Use A Different USB Port Or Computer

Problems with the USB port on your computer can cause the restore process to fail, even if that same port works with other devices. An iPad won’t restore if one of your USB ports is damaged or doesn’t supply enough power to charge your device throughout the entire restore process. With this in mind, always try using a different USB port to restore your iPad before you move on to the next step.

6. Put Your iPad In Recovery Mode

It’s time to try a recovery mode restore if, after trying a new USB port and cable, your iPad still won’t restore. Recovery mode is a special type of restore that reinstalls iPadOS and erases all of your data, giving your iPad a completely clean slate. Oftentimes a recovery mode restore will fix iPads that are experiencing software difficulties that prevent normal restores.

To enter recovery mode, connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable, then open the Finder (Mac) or Apple Devices app (PC). If your PC doesn’t have the Apple Devices app, or your Mac is using macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes instead. Keep your iPad connected and do the following:

• iPad without a Home button: Press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button, press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button, then press and hold the top button. Keep holding the top button until you see the recovery mode screen.
• iPad with a Home button: Press and hold both the Home button and the top button at the same time. When your iPad turns off, release the top button, but keep holding the Home button until you see the recovery mode screen.

Your computer will give you the option to Restore or Update. If you haven’t tried updating yet, try that first — it reinstalls iPadOS without erasing your data.

7. If All Else Fails: Options For Repairing Your iPad

If your iPad is still not restoring, there’s a chance that your iPad needs to be sent in for repair. Luckily, this doesn’t have to be an expensive or time consuming process.

If you decide to go to an Apple Store for help, make sure to make an appointment at the Genius Bar first so you don’t end up waiting in a very long line. You can also start a support request at getsupport.apple.com to explore your repair options.

Happy Restoring!

In this article, you learned how to fix an iPad that won’t restore, and if you ever have the problem again, you’ll know exactly what to do. I hope this article helped you to fix your iPad, and let us know if it did in the comments section below!