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Using iPad Recovery Mode to Fix a Frozen or Unresponsive Device
The Download
- Reboot first: Press and hold top button and Home button for 20 seconds, or press the Volume Up, Volume Down, and top button.
- Recovery Mode: Connect iPad to a computer > open Finder (Catalina or later) or iTunes > restart > Update from the recovery screen.
- If you don't have access to a computer, use iCloud to wipe the iPad remotely.
This article explains how you can force your iPad into Recovery mode if it's locked or stuck at the Apple logo. This resets the iPad to factory default settings. Instructions apply to iPadOS 13 or later on macOS Catalina (or later) or Windows 10.
Try Forcing a Restart First
Before you force your iPad into recovery mode, try a forced restart. This process forces the iPad to shut down when the normal shutdown process doesn't work. How you force the iPad to restart depends on whether it has a Home button:
- Home button: If the iPad has a Home button, press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
- No Home button: If the iPad has Face ID, press and quickly release the Volume Up button, press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the top button. Release the top button when the Apple logo appears.
If the iPad freezes at the Apple logo, you'll need to force it into Recovery Mode.
Before Forcing Recovery Mode
If you're using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, you'll use Finder in this process. If you're using a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or if you're using a PC, you'll use iTunes.
Before you begin:
-
On a Mac: Update to the latest version of macOS or use iTunes if you're running macOS Mojave or earlier.
- On a Windows PC: If you installed iTunes, open it. If a new version of iTunes is available, the app notifies you (or, you can select Help > Check for Updates). If you haven't installed iTunes, download it from Microsoft Store.
Expert Tip: Note
Use Recovery Mode only when you can't get into the iPad to operate it. If your iPad starts but freezes while you're using it, try the basic iPad troubleshooting steps to fix the problem first. If your iPad is frozen on an app or other screen, learn how to fix a frozen iPad.
How to Force iPad Into Recovery Mode
To force the iPad into Recovery Mode, complete the following steps:
Use the cable that came with the iPad to connect the iPad to your PC or Mac.
On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. On a Mac with macOS Mojave (10.14) or earlier, or on a PC, open iTunes.
Expert Tip: Note
If iTunes was open or automatically opened when you connected the iPad to the computer, close iTunes, and then reopen it.
A Recovery Mode screen appears.
Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, press and quickly release the Volume Down button, and then press and hold the top button until the iPad enters Recovery Mode.
Expert Tip: Note
On iPads with a Home button: Press and hold the Home button and the top button a the same time until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
Locate your iPad on your computer, and then select Update.
Expert Tip: Important
It may take a long time to download the needed files. If the iPad shuts down during this process, start over.
When the update is complete, go through the iPad setup process, similar to when you first set up your iPad.
Expert Tip: Note
The iPad setup process works from any computer. If you don't own a computer, use this process on a friend's Mac or PC.
How to Recover Your iPad Without a Computer
If you don't have access to a computer but Find My is enabled on your iPad, you can wipe your iPad remotely from iCloud.
If you backed up your iPad using iCloud or iTunes, you can recover everything up to the point of the backup.
If you didn't back up your iPad, you can recover apps that you previously purchased by downloading those apps from the App Store.
Related: How to Unlock an iPad Without a Passcode
Frequently asked Questions
How do I factory reset an iPad without the passcode?
To factory reset an iPad without the password, put your device in Recovery Mode and connect it to your computer. On the computer, select the iPad in Finder or iTunes and select Restore. Or, log in at iCloud.com and go to Find All Devices > your iPad > Erase This Device.
Will Recovery Mode erase everything on my iPad?
Yes. Using Recovery Mode to reset your device will remove all of your apps and personal data, so back up your iPad if possible.
Why is my iPad stuck on the Apple logo?
If your iPad is stuck on the Apple logo, restart the device, put your iPad into Recovery Mode, or use DFU Mode. If you still have trouble, you may need to get your device repaired by Apple.