How to Force Restart An iPad(Safe & Fast)

Need to restart your iPad quickly? Whether it’s a frozen screen or another issue, our methods can help you fix it. From push-button operation to professional applications, we have a wide range of options for you. Learn how to get your iPad back up and running in an emergency now!

Author Avatar Joy Taylor Last Updated: Jul. 22, 2024

Apple’s iPads are known for their high-quality performance and user-friendly interface, but even the best devices can run into issues that require a force restart. As the famous saying goes, ‘Restarting can solve 90% of computer problems.’

Knowing how to force restart an iPad is essential to resolving common problems like frozen screens, app crashes, and unresponsive touchscreens. This guide will walk you through the steps to effectively force restart an iPad, helping you get your iPad back to normal use without professional help.

How to Force Restart an iPad (With Home Button)

When using iPad, you may encounter the situation that the device is unresponsive or the application is stuck. At this time, force restarting iPad is a quick and effective solution. Especially for iPad users with Home button, this operation is simple and practical. This section will introduce in detail how to force restart iPad by key combination.

Step 1: Press and hold the Home button and the top (or side) power button at the same time:

Find the Home button and the top (or side) power button on your iPad, and press and hold them both at the same time.

Step 2: Keep holding until the Apple logo appears:

Continue to hold the Home button and the Power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This may take about 10 seconds or so.

Step 3: Wait for iPad to restart:

Once you see the Apple logo, you can release the two keys and wait for iPad to restart. Once the reboot is complete, you can check if the problem has been resolved.

The force restart method described above is applicable to the following iPad models that feature a Home button:

  • iPad (1st to 6th generation)
  • iPad Mini (1st to 4th generation)
  • iPad Air (1st generation)
  • iPad Pro (9.7-inch and 12.9-inch, 2015)
  • iPad (7th generation and later)

How to Force Restart an iPad (Without Home Button)

If you are using iPad Pro (3rd generation, 11-inch), iPad Pro (3rd generation, 12.9-inch), iPad Air (4th generation) or other iPads without a home button. Then the following method may help you successfully force restart your iPad.

To force restart an iPad without a home button, follow these steps:

Step 1: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button:

Find the Volume Up button on the side of iPad.

Step 2: Quickly press and release the Volume Down button:

Next, find the Volume Down button, also located on the side of the iPad.

Step 3: Press and hold the power button (top button):

Continue to hold the power button (also called the top button) until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.

Step 4: Wait for iPad to restart:

After the Apple logo appears, release the power button and wait for iPad to restart.

This method allows you to force restart an iPad without a home button, which can help resolve issues like iPad unresponsiveness or freezing.

If you still have questions, you can visit Apple Support.

How to Force Restart an iPad (With Computer)

Here’s a way to force restart by using iTunes (or Finder, if you’re using macOS Catalina or newer) on your computer.

This method is usually used when the iPad cannot be forced to restart through conventional methods due to a serious failure, or when a system recovery is required.

Here are the steps to perform a force restart using this method:

Step 1: Connect iPad to Computer:

Use the iPad’s data cable to connect it to the computer’s USB port.

Step 2: Open iTunes or Finder:

Open iTunes (or Finder, if you are using macOS Catalina or newer) on your computer.

Step 3: Enter Recovery Mode:

Press and hold the Power and Home buttons on your iPad (or the Volume Down button, depending on your iPad model) until you see a “Connect to iTunes” screen. Once you see this screen on your iPad, release all the keys.

Step 4: Choose Restore or Update:

In iTunes or Finder, a pop-up window will appear asking you if you want to “Restore” or “Update” your iPad. Select “Restore” to perform a force restart and restore your iPad’s operating system. Please select “Update” to try to preserve your data and update your iPad’s operating system.

Step 5: Wait for iPad to restart:

Wait for iTunes or Finder to complete the force restart and restore operation. Once completed, you can disconnect your iPad and check if it has restarted.

Performing a force restart using this method may result in data loss on your iPad, so make sure to make a backup before doing this.

Of course, if your iPad encounters startup problems and you are worried about data loss, then I recommend you to use PhoneRescue.

Your data will not be deleted after a force restart using PhoneRescue’s advanced mode.

Quick Ways to Fix iPad Force Restart Not Working

If the traditional solutions above still don’t work, you should consider a system repair. This may be because your iPad system problem prevents the forced restart. AnyFix is ​​a professional iOS system repair tool that can not only help you quickly solve the problem of iPad forced restart failure, but also detect other problems and solve them together during the repair process.

Main features of AnyFix:

  • Covers more than 150 iOS system problems, including various common faults such as device freezing and unable to restart.
  • After rigorous testing and optimization, it ensures a very high repair success rate and effectively avoids various troubles encountered by users during operation.
  • User-friendly design makes it easy for even users who are not good at technical operations to get started and solve problems quickly.
  • Provide 24/7 all-weather technical support to ensure that users can get timely help and guidance at any time.
AnyFix – Fix iPad Force Restart Not Working 1-Click

Is your iPad force restart always failing? Just one click to fix iPad issues in minutes.

Download AnyFix for free to fully detect and fix iPad system issues.

Step 1. Download  AnyFix and connect your iPad to the computer with USB cable > Choose System Repair mode.

AnyFix System Repair Option

AnyFix System Repair Option

Step 2. Choose Device Bug and the click the Start Now button.

AnyFix System Repair Device Bug

AnyFix System Repair Device Bug

Step 3. Then choose the repair mode. You can try Standard Repair first.

AnyFix Standard Repair

AnyFix Standard Repair

Step 4. Click the Download button to download the firmware for your iPad.

AnyFix System Repair Firmware Download

AnyFix System Repair Firmware Download

Step 5. Then click Start Standard Repair to start repairing. Minutes later, you’ll see iOS repairing completed page.

Repair Is Completed

Repair Is Completed

When iPad cannot be force restarted, an effective way to solve the problem is crucial. AnyFix, as a professional iOS system repair tool, can easily solve the problem of iPad force restart in just a few steps.

AnyFix covers more than 150 solutions to iOS system problems, whether the device cannot restart normally or other system failures, can be quickly fixed. If you want to quickly and safely fix iOS device problems, you can experience the free version of AnyFix first.

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Of course, in order for you to choose the appropriate method to force restart your iPad according to your own needs, here is a simple comparison:

Method Success Rate Data Security Ease of Operation
Method 1: Use the Home Button Moderate Data remains intact Simple, no additional tools required
Method 2: Force Restart without Home Button Moderate Data remains intact Requires simultaneous button presses, less convenient
Method 3: Connect iPad to Computer Moderate Data security depends on the operation, may lead to data loss Requires computer and USB cable support, slightly complex operation

FAQs about Force Restarting iPad

If you have questions about other conditions on your iPad, here are some related FAQs.

Q1.What Is The Difference Between Force Restart And Force Reset?

A force restart is used to restart a device experiencing software issues without erasing data. It resolves temporary glitches.

A force reset, however, resets the device to factory settings, erasing all data. It’s a last resort for serious issues.

Q2.How To Perform A Hard Reset On iPad?

To perform a hard reset on your iPad:

1. Press and hold the Power button.

2. Simultaneously press and hold the Home button (for iPads with Home buttons) or the Volume Down button (for newer models without Home buttons).

3. Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears.

4. Release the buttons and wait for the iPad to restart.

Final Thought

When faced with the problem of iPad not being able to force restart, it is crucial to choose the right method. This article details how to force restart iPad safely and quickly, and emphasizes the importance of using AnyFix, a professional iOS system repair tool. With the methods provided in this article, you can easily deal with various system problems and ensure that your device is back to normal operation.

In summary, how to force restart iPad is a key skill, especially when faced with an unresponsive device or system failure. Choosing the right tools and methods, such as using AnyFix, can not only solve the current problem, but also prevent similar situations from happening. I hope the guidance provided in this article can help you better manage and maintain your iPad device and ensure its stable operation for a long time.

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Author Avatar
Joy Taylor Twitter Share Facebook Share

Senior writer of the iMobie team as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS & Android-related issues.

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