Why Is My iPad Not Turning On? The Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide

Nowadays Ipad’s are very essential whether you use it for entertainment or work. In this article, we’ll walk you through every possible reason your iPad might not turn on and offer step-by-step instructions to resolve the issue quickly and effectively.  If you're asking, “Why is my iPad not turning on?” — you're in the right place. Check Out Here for iPads Parts

1. Common Reasons Your iPad Won’t Turn On

Before we jump into repairs, it is crucial to know the underlying causes for “why is my ipad not turning on?”. Having knowledge of the possible causes helps you troubleshoot better.

1.1 Software Crash or System Glitch

iPads can occasionally experience system crashes, which cause the screen to be black or nonresponsive. In this situation, the iPad is still on but becomes frozen.

1.2 Hardware Failure

Internal components like the logic board, battery, or screen can fail. This is frequent in older iPads or those that have suffered water damage or physical stress.

1.3 iOS or iPadOS Update Failure

An incomplete or interrupted iOS update can leave the iPad in a non-booting state, especially during major version upgrades.

Drained batteries or faulty charging ports are also a common cause for it sometimes.

2. What to Do If Your iPad Won’t Turn On: Comprehensive Fixes

Let’s now explore actionable steps you can take to revive a non-working iPad. These fixes are arranged from the simplest to the more advanced, so follow them in order.

2.1 Charge the iPad for at Least 30 Minutes

Even if your iPad seems completely dead, it might just need more power.

• Plug it into a wall outlet, not a computer USB port, for maximum power.

• Use Apple-certified cables and power adapters.

• Wait at least 30 minutes before attempting to turn it on again.

Tip: If the battery symbol flashes with a red bar or remains black, your iPad is receiving power but might need time to charge.

2.2 Perform a Force Restart

If you still face the issue of “why is my ipad not turning on?” even after charging, a force restart might jolt it back to life.

• iPad with Home Button: Press and hold the Home button and the Power (Top) button simultaneously for at least 10–15 seconds until you see the Apple logo.
  
  

• iPad without Home Button:
  
  

• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.

• Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.

• Press and hold the Power (Top) button until the Apple logo appears.

This often resolves software glitches or frozen screens.

2.3 Inspect Charging Equipment

Check the cable and adapter for signs of:

• Fraying

• Exposed wires

• Loose connections

• Discoloration or scorch marks

Try using another Apple-certified charger and a different outlet. If possible, test your charger with another device or vice versa.

3. When the iPad Appears On but Stuck on Apple Logo

If your iPad shows the Apple logo but never boots fully, it’s likely experiencing a boot loop or software corruption.

3.1 Try Recovery Mode

Put the iPad into Recovery Mode and reinstall iPadOS:

1. Connect the iPad to a computer with iTunes (on Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina or later).

2. Initiate Recovery Mode:
   

• Use the force restart method as explained above, but keep holding the buttons even after the Apple logo appears.
  

3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery Mode screen (a cable and a laptop icon).

4. On your computer, choose Update (not Restore) to reinstall the OS without deleting data.

3.2 Use DFU Mode for Deep Restore

If Recovery Mode fails, use Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode — the most comprehensive restore mode available:

DFU mode erases all data, so use this only as a last resort.

1. Connect iPad to the computer.

2. Perform a button sequence:

• Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.

• Press and hold the Power button until the screen goes black.

• Keep holding Power and also press Volume Down for 5 seconds.

• Release Power but keep holding Volume Down until the computer detects the device in DFU mode.
  

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to Restore.

4. iPad Screen Is Black But Still Functional

Sometimes the iPad is actually on and functioning, but the screen is not displaying due to backlight failure or screen damage.

4.1 Check for Sound or Vibration

• Plug the iPad into a charger — do you hear a charging sound?

• Ask Siri a question (e.g., “What time is it?”).

• Try pinging the iPad using Find My from another Apple device.

If any of these actions respond, the screen is likely faulty or disconnected.

4.2 Screen Replacement

In case of backlight failure or cracked internal LCDs:

• Visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center for diagnosis.

• Screen replacement may be covered under AppleCare+ or other warranties.

5. iPad Water Damage: Silent Killer

Exposure to liquid or humidity can destroy internal components.

5.1 Signs of Water Damage

• Corrosion around ports

• Fog under the screen

• Random restarts or touch issues

• No charging or booting

5.2 What You Can Do

• Do NOT try to power it on if recently exposed to water.

• Dry it thoroughly with silica gel packs.

• Visit a repair shop for professional cleaning and assessment.

6. Battery or Logic Board Failure

If all other fixes fail, there may be internal component failure, especially if the iPad is old, heavily used, or has been physically damaged.

6.1 Replacing the Battery

Batteries degrade over time. If your iPad is over 3–5 years old, battery death is a strong possibility.

• Apple offers battery replacements for a fee (cheaper with AppleCare+).

• DIY replacement is possible but not recommended due to risk of damage.

6.2 Logic Board Issues

If the logic board is dead or shorted, the iPad won’t turn on under any circumstance.

• Only professional repair technicians can assess and replace it.

• If the iPad is out of warranty, repairs might not be cost-effective.

7. iPad Not Turning On After Update or Restore

Post-update or post-restore errors are common during major iOS/iPadOS upgrades.

7.1 iTunes or Finder Restore Fails

If you get error messages like Error 9, Error 4013, or Error 4005, they often relate to:

• Corrupt firmware

• Faulty USB cable

• Security software interference

7.2 Fixes

• Use a different USB port and cable.

• Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall software.

• Try using a different computer.

8. When to Seek Professional Help

If none of the above steps help, it's time to involve the experts.

8.1 Contact Apple Support

• Visit Apple’s Support Site

• Schedule a Genius Bar appointment

• Chat or call their tech support

8.2 Authorized Service Providers

These providers are certified by Apple and offer warranty-backed repairs using original parts.

8.3 Data Recovery Services

If you need data recovery from a dead iPad, specialized services can extract data directly from NAND chips—especially useful for business or sensitive information.

9. Preventing Future iPad Boot Issues

Once you've fixed the issue, take preventive steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

9.1 Regular Backups

• Use iCloud or iTunes/Finder to backup regularly.

• Automate backups for seamless data protection.

9.2 Avoid Third-Party Accessories

Use only Apple-certified charging accessories to prevent short circuits or power surges.

9.3 Install Updates Carefully

• Don’t interrupt updates mid-way.

• Plug the iPad into a charger while updating.

9.4 Handle with Care

• Avoid dropping or exposing the iPad to water.

• Use cases and screen protectors.

Common Reasons Why Is My iPad Not Turning On Explained

Our aim is to provide practical, actionable advice that ensures your device gets back to working condition as swiftly as possible.

1. Completely Drained Battery: The Silent Offender

A fully discharged battery is one of the most frequently overlooked causes of an iPad not turning on. This can occur if the device has been left idle without charging for an extended period or if an application caused abnormal battery drain.

Symptoms of a Drained Battery

• The screen remains black when pressing the Power button.

• No Apple logo or charging icon appears even after connecting a charger.

What to Do

• Plug the iPad into a wall outlet using an Apple-certified charging cable and adapter.

• Leave it connected for at least 30 to 60 minutes without interruption.

• Look for signs of life, such as a faint battery icon or backlight glow.

• After a sufficient charge, force restart the device (explained in Section 4).

2. Faulty Charging Accessories and Power Source

Using damaged or non-certified charging cables or adapters can prevent the iPad from receiving power altogether.

Signs Your Charger Isn’t Working

• The device does not show any sign of charging.

• The charging port feels loose or unstable.

• The cable has visible wear, fraying, or burn marks.

What to Check

• Test with another Apple charger.

• Plug the charger into a different power outlet.

• Use a different cable with the same adapter or vice versa.

• Inspect the iPad's charging port for dirt, debris, or oxidation.

Use only MFi-certified (Made for iPhone/iPad) accessories to avoid compatibility issues.

3. System Crash or Frozen Firmware

Sometimes the iPad is actually on, but a system crash causes the screen to remain black, giving the illusion that it's off. This often happens after a software update or while running a buggy app.

Indicators of a System Crash

• iPad becomes unresponsive after an update.

• A frozen screen that doesn’t respond to touch.

• The device heats up slightly, indicating internal activity.

Solution: Force Restart

• iPad with Home Button: Hold both the Home and Top (Power) buttons for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  
  

• iPad without Home Button:
  
  

• Quickly press and release Volume Up.

• Quickly press and release Volume Down.

• Press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears.

This action does not erase data and helps clear temporary software issues.

4. Defective Display or Screen Backlight Failure

In certain cases, the iPad powers on but displays nothing due to screen malfunction. This is often mistaken for a device that’s completely dead and may result in your question : “why is my ipad not turning on?”

How to Check

• Plug the iPad into a charger and listen for charging sounds or vibrations.

• Connect the iPad to a Mac or PC and see if it is recognized by iTunes or Finder.

• Use Find My iPhone from another Apple device to check if it’s online.

Next Steps

• If you hear sounds or feel haptic feedback but see nothing, it’s likely a screen or backlight issue.

• Seek assistance from an Apple Authorized Service Provider or the Genius Bar.

• Avoid DIY disassembly as this can void warranties and cause further damage.

5. iOS/iPadOS Update Interrupted or Failed

If your iPad was updating and shut down midway due to low battery or network issues, it may become unresponsive.

Typical Signs

• Apple logo stuck on the screen.

• Black screen with a spinning wheel.

• Reboot loop or failure to exit update screen.

Fix With Recovery Mode

1. Connect the iPad to your computer using a certified cable.

2. Launch iTunes (on Windows/macOS Mojave) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).

3. Force the iPad into Recovery Mode:
   
   

• Perform a force restart but continue holding the buttons even after the Apple logo shows.
  
  

4. A computer prompt will appear with options to Update or Restore.
   
   

• Choose Update to reinstall iOS/iPadOS without erasing your data.

6. DFU Mode: The Last Resort for Deep Software Corruption

Device Firmware Update (DFU) Mode allows the iPad to interface with iTunes or Finder without loading iOS.

Use DFU Mode If

• Recovery Mode doesn’t work.
  
  

• iPad remains stuck in a boot loop.
  
  

• You need to perform a clean system restore.
  
  

Steps to Enter DFU Mode

1. Connect the iPad to your computer.

2. For Face ID models:
   
   

• Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.

• Hold the Top button until the screen turns black.

• While holding Top, also press Volume Down for 5 seconds.

• Release Top but keep holding Volume Down for another 10 seconds

• The screen stays black, but iTunes or Finder will detect the iPad in DFU mode.
  
  

3. Restore the device using iTunes or Finder.

DFU restore erases all data. Only use this if data recovery isn’t a concern.

7. Physical Damage to Internal Components

Dropping, impacts, or pressure against the screen or casing can cause physical damage to internal parts like the logic board, connectors, or battery.

Evidence of Internal Damage

• IPad feels loose or rattles internally.

• Visible dents or cracks.

• No response to power, charging, or hard resets.

What to Do

• Book an appointment with an Apple Service Center for diagnostics.

• If under warranty or AppleCare+, repairs may be free or at reduced cost.

• If not covered, compare authorized vs. third-party repair costs.

8. Water or Moisture Exposure

A single splash or a short contact with moisture may trigger corrosion or short-circuiting, particularly for older units lacking water resistance.

Symptoms of Water Damage

• The device won't turn on or boot up intermittently.

• Charging issues.

• Corrosion in the charging port.

• Condensation under the screen.

Recommended Action

• Power off immediately. Do not attempt to charge.

• Place the iPad in an airtight container with silica gel packets.

• Leave it for 24-48 hours in a dry, warm location.

• Seek professional repair for inspection and board-level diagnostics.

Rice is not an effective drying method. It can introduce starch particles and clog ports.

9. Battery Degradation Over Time

iPad batteries are lithium-ion and degrade over 300–500 full charge cycles. A degraded battery may fail to hold a charge or power the device.

Warning Signs

• Rapid battery drain.

• Sudden shutdowns even at 20-30% battery level.

• IPad only works while plugged in.

Battery Replacement

• Apple offers battery service for a fee, often lower with AppleCare+.

• A new battery can restore an older iPad to near-original performance.

Conclusion: You Can Revive a Dead iPad With the Right Steps

An iPad that doesn’t turn on is not always a lost cause. Simple charging issues and software crashes to hardware faults, this guide offers a comprehensive playbook to “why is my ipad not turning on?” troubleshoot and fix the issue. 

Whether it’s a quick force restart or a deep DFU restore, most iPad issues can be resolved at home. For more stubborn cases, professional support is available and often necessary.

 Keep this guide bookmarked for the next time your iPad goes dark and you face the issue of “why is my ipad not turning on”, and you’ll be well-prepared to bring it back to life.