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A user-friendly guide to cleaning, protecting, and caring for your iPad
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Most smudges on your iPad screen can be wiped away with a dry, lint-free or microfiber cloth. If you have more stubborn spots, you can use 70% isopropyl alcohol—just be sure to avoid putting liquid directly on the device itself. Apple advises against using any cleaners containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide to clean your screen. This wikiHow will show you the best ways to clean an iPad screen without damaging it.

Things You Should Know

  • Always power down your iPad completely and disconnect any connected wires before cleaning it.
  • Wipe the screen with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion. For stubborn dirt, dampen the cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
  • Avoid spraying cleaning products directly onto the iPad. Spray it onto a cloth first.
Section 1 of 2:

Cleaning the Screen

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean an iPad Screen
    Turn off your iPad completely. Before you begin cleaning your iPad, make sure to completely power it off and disconnect any connected cables.
    • If your iPad has Face ID , press and hold the Power button and Volume up button until the slider appears. Swipe the slider to power it off.
    • If your iPad has a Home button, press and hold the Power button until the slider appears. Swipe the slider to power it off.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean an iPad Screen
    Choose a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a lens cloth or microfiber cloth. Use a gentle, circular motion.
    • The iPad's screen coating repels oil, so only a dry cloth is needed to wipe away smudges and fingerprints.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean an iPad Screen
    Dampen a lint-free cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your iPad. This includes the screen and exterior surfaces. Make sure to avoid getting any moisture in the speaker holes or charging port .
    • There are products made specifically for iPad screens, though Apple advises against using cleaning products on your iPad. If you choose to use one, spray it onto the cloth, never directly onto your screen. This can cause water damage , and you may need to contact Apple for repairs. [1]
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Section 2 of 2:

Maintaining the Screen

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean an iPad Screen
    Wipe down your screen when smudges are obstructing your view of the content on the screen. If your iPad comes into contact with anything harmful, clean it right away.
    • The fingerprint-resistant coating on the screen weakens from friction over time, so rubbing your screen can wear down its coating.
  2. This includes rough fabrics or cloth, dirt or sand, and more. Abrasive materials can scratch your screen, as well as rub off the screen’s coating much faster than normal wear.
  3. Never allow moisture or liquids to get into the openings of your device. Don’t use harsh chemicals on or near your iPad. [2]
    • For instance, don’t use solvents, aerosol sprays, window cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia or bleach on or near your iPad.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean an iPad Screen
    Disconnect any cables and turn your iPad off. Wipe your device with a lint-free towel. Let it air dry completely before turning it back on.
    • Never use any heat source, such as a hair dryer, to dry your iPad. Even compressed air can cause internal damage to your iPad.
    • If you suspect your iPad may have been damaged by liquid, place it in a sealable bag with a few silica gel packets. Seal the bag and leave it alone for 72 hours before turning your iPad back on.
    • Putting your iPad in a bag of uncooked rice is not a reliable method to dry it, as the grains can get lodged inside.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What is the best thing to use to clean an iPad screen?
    Marcus Shields
    House Cleaning Professional
    Marcus is the owner of Maid Easy, a local residential cleaning company in Phoenix, Arizona. His cleaning roots date back to his grandmother who cleaned homes for valley residents in the 60’s through the 70’s. After working in tech for over a decade, he came back to the cleaning industry and opened Maid Easy to pass his family’s tried and true methods to home dwellers across the Phoenix Metro Area.
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    I recommend using Scotchbright Glass pads. They're blue, which means they're glass-safe.
  • Question
    Can I use apple cider vinegar to clean my iPad screen?
    Kris
    Community Answer
    No, apple cider vinegar is corrosive and can damage your screen. You can clean with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth.
  • Question
    What should you get when you don’t have Screen Cleaner?
    Joanne doherty
    Community Answer
    If you don't have Screen Cleaner, you can use alcohol wipes. Wipe over screen with the wipes and let it dry naturally, smear free.
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean your iPad screen, make sure your iPad is turned off and disconnected from any cables before you begin. Then, wipe the screen with a lint-free cloth in a circular motion. For stubborn stains, wipe the screen with a t-shirt dampened with water. Alternatively, breathe onto the screen to create moisture, and wipe it with a soft rag. For tips on what to do if your iPad gets wet, read on!

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