iPad Troubleshooting Quick Checks

Troubleshooting quick checks for all issues

Try these steps before continuing to issue-specific troubleshooting.

1. Ensure that a protective film, case, glove, or stylus aren’t causing interference. Touch the screen with your finger pads, not your fingernails.

2. Clean the display with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. If needed, clean the entire iPad.

   • Important: Unplug all cables and turn off the iPad first. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in openings and don't submerge the iPad in any cleaning agents. Don't use compressed air.

3. Check the iPad charging connector for debris. Gently clean the connector using a small, nonmetallic, soft-bristled brush. Ensure that the brush is clean and dry. Use just enough bristles to fit inside the connector. Twist the bristles to loosen and lift out debris. Brush debris away from the connector to avoid brushing debris into the connector.

   • Important: Unplug all cables and turn off the iPad first. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any openings and don't submerge the iPad in any cleaning agents. Don't use compressed air.

4. Use a compatible charging cable to plug the iPad into a power adapter that’s connected to an electrical outlet. Don’t plug the iPad into a computer to charge, or attempt to charge it wirelessly. Charge the iPad for 10 minutes or until an image appears on the screen.

   • Note: The iPad may have entered a deep discharge state that requires 20 to 30 minutes of charging to turn on. The charging icon should be visible after two minutes of charging.

5. Restart the iPad. If the iPad doesn’t restart, try to force restart the iPad.

6. Ensure that the device’s software is up to date before performing further troubleshooting. If necessary, update the iPad.

7. Find the appropriate section below and read the support articles to help resolve your issue.

8. If the issue persists after reading all relevant support articles and following all troubleshooting steps, restore the iPad and set it up again. Also refer to If you see an error when you update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod and iOS update and restore errors.

   • Caution: Restoring the iPad will result in the removal of all data from the iPad. Ensure that the iPad has been backed up before restoring it.

More resources

Read these support articles before continuing to issue-specific troubleshooting.