How to Unfreeze an iPad

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This wikiHow teaches you how to restart or reset an iPad with a frozen screen. An iPad can become frozen if an application or the operating system stops working, battery charge is too low, or if the unit has not started up properly.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Force-closing a Frozen App

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    If you're using an iPad running iOS 12 or later, this will display a list of currently-open apps. When your finger reaches the middle of the screen, pause your upward-swipe. [1]
    • If you're using an older version of iOS, double-click the Home button at the bottom of the screen to show a list of recently-used apps.
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    If the frozen app does not appear on this screen, swipe left or right until you see it. [2]
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    This should close the app.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Restarting the iPad

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    This button is usually on the top or side of the iPad. If the iPad is frozen but the home screen (or an app) is still visible, you may be able to use this method to restart it.
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    Your iPad will shut down.
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    If your iPad turns back on and works properly, you should be all set. If not, try doing a hard reset. [3]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Hard-resetting an iPad Pro

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    If the iPad's screen is black or otherwise unusable, use this method to perform a hard reset.
    • Use this method if you have an 11” or 12.9” iPad Pro.
    • This method also works for the iPhone X, XR, and other X models.
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    As soon as you release your finger, move quickly to the next step. [4]
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    Again, move quickly to the next step once you release your finger.
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    This should reboot your iPad to a functional home screen.
    • If your iPad does not come back up or is still unusable, try charging it for an hour.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Hard-resetting an iPad Mini or Standard

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    If the iPad's screen is black or otherwise unusable, use this method to perform a hard reset.
    • Use this method for standard iPads and the iPad Mini.
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    Continue holding these buttons for about 10 seconds.
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    This should reboot your iPad to a functional home screen.
    • If your iPad does not come back up or is still unusable, try charging it for an hour.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Charging the iPad

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    If your iPad won't start up or turn on, it may need to be charged for an extended period of time. Use the cord that came with your iPad (or a compatible replacement) to connect your iPad to a wall charger, your computer, or another power source.
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    If you are able to view the home screen, you should see a tiny lightning bolt at the top-right corner (to the right of the battery indicator). This means the iPad is charging. [5]
    • If you can see the home screen but the iPad is not charging, try connecting it to a different power source. If that doesn't work, try to use a different charging cable.
    • If the iPad will not turn on, allow it to charge for approximately one hour. [6]
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    Press and hold the Power button on your iPad to turn it back on.
    • If you are still not able to use the iPad, see How to Restore an iPad to learn how to restore your iPad to its original factory settings.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I reset an iPad without a passcode by connecting to my computer?
    Aydin Yildiz
    Electronics Repair Specialist
    Aydin Yildiz is an Electronics Repair Specialist and the Founder of Aasha Inc. With more than five years of experience, he specializes in phone, tablet, and computer repairs. Aydin holds an MBA from Southern States University.
    Aydin Yildiz
    Electronics Repair Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, this is possible. You can connect to iTunes to do a restore. You need to connect the iPad and put it on DFU (device firmware update) mode before you start. Ensure you have the latest updates on your laptop and iTunes before proceeding. Then follow the prompts provided.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What can I do if the power off button doesn't appear?
    Community Answer
    Hold the power off button down for 5 seconds to turn it off. To turn it on, press the button again for 5 seconds.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What can I do if it does not let me turn it off all of the way?
    Community Answer
    Push the off button for a good amount of seconds and it will turn off and restart with out any changes or damage.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201330
      2. ↑ https://www.imore.com/how-force-quit-apps-iphone-ipad
      3. ↑ http://applehelpwriter.com/2011/12/10/how-to-unfreeze-your-ipad/
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201412
      5. ↑ http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4060
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201412

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      • Cate C.

        Jan 25, 2021

        "I did the hard reset and it worked like a miracle! Thank you so much! My iPad is really glitchy sometimes and I get ..." more
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