An iPad Pro that won’t turn on can be frustrating. Many users rely on their iPad Pro for work, entertainment, and communication. It’s crucial to figure out why it’s not responding and how to fix it. The first step to try if your iPad Pro won’t turn on is a force restart.
Different iPad models have slightly varied steps for a force restart. For iPads without a Home button, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then do the same with the Volume Down button, and finally hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears. For iPads with a Home button, press and hold both the Top button and the Home button at the same time until you see the Apple logo.
If these steps don’t work, consider connecting your iPad to a computer. Use Finder or iTunes to check if the device needs an update or recovery. This can resolve more stubborn software issues that prevent the iPad from turning on.
iPad Pro Won’t Turn On: Troubleshooting Tips and Solutions
An iPad Pro that won’t turn on can be frustrating—especially if you rely on it for work, school, or creativity. The good news is that many power-related issues can be fixed with a few simple troubleshooting steps. This guide walks you through practical solutions, from quick checks to more advanced fixes.
1. Check the Basics First
Before assuming a serious problem, start with these quick checks:
- Charge the iPad Pro: Connect it to a power adapter and cable you know work. Leave it charging for at least 30 minutes.
- Inspect the charging cable and adapter: Try a different cable or adapter if possible.
- Check the charging port: Look for dust, lint, or debris inside the USB‑C or Thunderbolt port. Gently clean it with a soft brush or wooden toothpick.
If the battery was fully drained, the screen may stay black for several minutes before showing the charging icon.
2. Force Restart Your iPad Pro
If your iPad Pro is unresponsive but has some power, a force restart can often fix the issue.
How to force restart an iPad Pro (with Face ID):
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Power (Top) button.
- Keep holding until you see the Apple logo, then release.
This does not erase your data.
3. Check for Screen or Display Issues
Sometimes the iPad is actually on, but the screen isn’t displaying anything.
- Look closely for a very dim image under bright light.
- Listen for sounds (notifications or charging chime).
- Connect the iPad Pro to an external display using a compatible adapter.
If you notice signs of life, the issue may be a damaged or malfunctioning display rather than a power failure.
4. Try Recovery Mode
If your iPad Pro still won’t turn on, Recovery Mode can help fix system software problems.
Steps to use Recovery Mode:
- Connect your iPad Pro to a Mac or PC with a cable.
- Open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows or older macOS).
- Force restart the iPad, but keep holding the Power button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
- When prompted, choose Update (this reinstalls iPadOS without erasing data).
If Update fails, you may need to select Restore, which erases the device.
5. Check for Battery or Charging Problems
If your iPad Pro:
- Turns on briefly, then shuts off
- Only works while plugged in
- Gets unusually warm while charging
The battery may be degraded or failing. Battery issues are common in older devices or those exposed to extreme temperatures.
6. Consider Recent Damage or Water Exposure
Ask yourself:
- Was the iPad dropped recently?
- Was it exposed to water or moisture?
- Did it stop working after an iPadOS update?
Physical or liquid damage can prevent the device from powering on, even if it looks fine on the outside.
7. Reset Using DFU Mode (Advanced)
DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is a deeper restore method used as a last resort.
- It completely reinstalls the firmware and software.
- It erases all data on the device.
DFU mode is recommended only if Recovery Mode fails and you’re comfortable following detailed instructions.
8. When to Contact Apple Support
If none of the above steps work, it’s time to seek professional help.
Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider if:
- The iPad Pro shows no signs of power at all
- There is visible physical or liquid damage
- The device overheats or smells unusual
- Recovery and DFU modes fail
If your iPad Pro is under warranty or AppleCare+, repairs may be covered.
Final Thoughts
An iPad Pro that won’t turn on doesn’t always mean it’s permanently broken. In many cases, the issue is related to charging, software glitches, or a frozen system. By following the steps above—from basic checks to advanced recovery—you can often bring your device back to life.
If the problem persists, professional repair is the safest next step to protect your data and your device.
Key Takeaways
- Force restart your iPad Pro to try fixing the issue.
- Different models have different steps to force restart.
- Connect to a computer for further troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting iPad Pro Power Issues
Addressing why an iPad Pro won’t turn on involves checking both software and hardware components. Understanding the steps to restart, update, and potentially restore your device can resolve many common problems.
Initial Checks
First, check if the iPad Pro has enough battery life. Connect it to a power source using a Lightning cable or USB-C cable and power adapter. Wait a few minutes to see if the Apple logo appears. If it remains unresponsive, inspect the charging port for any debris or damage.
If the iPad still won’t power on, try a simple reboot. For iPads without a Home button, press and release the Volume Up button, followed by the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo shows up. For iPads with a Home button, press and hold both the Top button and the Home button until the logo appears.
Advanced Solutions
If the initial checks do not work, move to more advanced solutions. A force restart might be necessary to fix any software glitches. Follow the same steps as for a simple reboot. If the issue persists, connect the iPad to a computer and use iTunes on Windows or Finder on a Mac to update or restore the device.
To enter Recovery Mode, connect your iPad to a computer. Press the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and hold the Top button until you see the Recovery Mode screen. Choose “Update” to reinstall iOS without erasing data. If this fails, select “Restore” which will erase and reinstall the system.
If none of these steps work, the device might have a hardware issue. It’s advisable to visit an Apple Store or contact Apple Support. They can provide additional support and determine if a repair is needed.
