Platform-specific support
iPad troubleshooting
Apple Pencil that connects but will not write, keyboards that disconnect, apps that freeze and an iPad that overheats or will not charge: the iPadOS checks to try before a reset.
An iPad shares most of its software with the iPhone, so the first steps are the same: restart it, install the latest iPadOS, and test the problem on another Wi-Fi network. A forced restart, done by pressing volume up, volume down and then holding the top button until the Apple logo appears on iPads without a home button, clears a frozen screen without erasing anything.
Apple Pencil connects but will not write
A connected Pencil that will not draw can have a loose/worn tip, unsupported app state, low charge or model incompatibility. Test in Apple Notes before changing an art app.
Open record iPad · keyboardiPad keyboard covers a form or will not move
The on-screen keyboard may be docked, floating or split depending on model and settings. An app layout bug can look similar, so test the same field in Notes.
Open record iPad · Apple PencilApple Pencil charging behaves incorrectly or produces the wrong result
Open record iPad · Apple PencilApple Pencil charging is not working
Open record iPad · Apple PencilApple Pencil charging is unusually slow or delayed
Open record iPad · Apple PencilApple Pencil charging keeps disconnecting or working intermittently
Open record iPad · Apple PencilApple Pencil charging stopped working after an update, outage or hardware change
Open record iPad · Apple PencilApple Pencil charging works only on one app, network, account or location
Open record iPad · external displayiPad external-display output behaves incorrectly or produces the wrong result
Open record iPad · external displayiPad external-display output is not working
Open record iPad · external displayiPad external-display output is unusually slow or delayed
Open record iPad · external displayiPad external-display output keeps disconnecting or working intermittently
Open record iPad · external displayiPad external-display output stopped working after an update, outage or hardware change
Open record iPad · external displayiPad external-display output works only on one app, network, account or location
Open record iPad · keyboardiPad Magic Keyboard connection behaves incorrectly or produces the wrong result
Open record iPad · keyboardiPad Magic Keyboard connection is not working
Open record iPad · keyboardiPad Magic Keyboard connection is unusually slow or delayed
Open record iPad · keyboardiPad Magic Keyboard connection keeps disconnecting or working intermittently
Open record iPad · keyboardiPad Magic Keyboard connection stopped working after an update, outage or hardware change
Open record iPad · keyboardiPad Magic Keyboard connection works only on one app, network, account or location
Open record iPad · multitaskingiPad Stage Manager behaves incorrectly or produces the wrong result
Open record iPad · multitaskingiPad Stage Manager is not working
Open record iPad · multitaskingiPad Stage Manager is unusually slow or delayed
Open record iPad · multitaskingiPad Stage Manager keeps disconnecting or working intermittently
Open record iPad · multitaskingiPad Stage Manager stopped working after an update, outage or hardware change
Open record iPad · multitaskingiPad Stage Manager works only on one app, network, account or location
Open recordTroubleshooting an iPad: where to start
Check the model before following any guide. Settings, General, About lists the model and the model number, and the model number tells apart iPad, iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad Pro generations that look alike. Battery drain overnight is normal at a few percent; a large loss usually means an app is running in the background or an update is still indexing, which Low Power Mode and Background App Refresh settings help test.
If an iPad will not charge, test the cable and adapter first, clear lint from the port with a wooden toothpick while it is off, and try a different outlet. A screen that does not respond to touch only on charge points at the charger. Anything involving swelling, cracked glass or liquid is a repair for Apple or an authorized provider.
iPad problems divide between the iPad itself and its accessories. An Apple Pencil that connects but will not write needs the Pencil's tip checked and, if it has one, the Pencil unpaired and paired again; a keyboard that disconnects needs its connection, the Smart Connector or Bluetooth checked and a restart. Apps that freeze usually respond to an update or a reinstall, and an iPad that overheats while charging should be unplugged and left to cool, with the case removed.
Storage is a common problem on iPads with small capacity: Settings, General, iPad Storage lists the heaviest apps and offers to offload unused ones. A forced restart for models without a Home button is press and release Volume Up, Volume Down and then hold the top button until the Apple logo appears. iPadOS versions differ, so check the model and software under Settings, General, About.
What is the difference between a restart and a forced restart on an iPad?
A restart turns it off from the power slider; a forced restart uses the buttons to interrupt a frozen iPad and does not erase data.
How do I force restart an iPad without a Home button?
Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the top button until the Apple logo shows.