iPad Boot Loop

• Ensure your iPad is not updating: Make sure your iPad is not updating: If the device shows a progress bar beneath the Apple logo, it may still be processing. Software updates can extend beyond an hour, particularly on older hardware or during major version shifts. Relax, set it aside, and return in about half an hour.
• Make sure your iPad is charged/charging correctly: Bootlooping can be an indication of battery/charging isuses. Doublecheck that your iPad is charging correctly, and has enough power when charging. It is reccomended you use a power brick that is 20W or greater for newer iPads. If you have your iPad's battery replaced recently, or the battery is old, jump to the Battery Issue Section.
• Force Restart your iPad: Force Restart Your iPad: If you initiated an update, where your iPad seems to be boot looping, and the progress bar has not progressed, then you can try force restarting your iPad. This clears any temporary software issues without the risk of deleting any personal data.
  • For iPads with Face ID or Touch ID in the Power Button: Press and release the volume up button, then volume down, then press and hold the power button until the screen goes black and the Apple logo reappears.
  • For iPads with a Home Button: Press and hold the home and power buttons until the display goes black. Release the power button and continue holding home until the screen goes black and the Apple logo reappears.

Low-storage warnings are easy to ignore, but devices need free space to function—like a sock drawer that won’t close when overstuffed. Your iPad may have reached that point.

• Try the force restart steps outlined at the beginning of this page again. This may take a few tries, but if you’re lucky, this should allow you the one successful boot you need to get in and clear some space. Often times pictures and saved videos are the normal culprit.
• If this doesn’t work, ultimately you’re going to need to reset your device—especially if you've been getting recent low storage warnings prior to the issue popping up. If it’s not already in recovery mode, you’ll need to get it there and restore your device by connecting it to a Mac or PC with iTunes.

During your iPad use, parts of the software may have been lost or currupted so the iPad no longer works. It is rare, but this often follows after a failed update, an app that disrupts function, or a failed jailbreak. To fix this, reinstall the operating system. You will need to enter recovery mode to start the process.

1. Connect to a Mac or PC with iTunes install using a USB cable.
2. Put your iPad into DFU restore mode by pressing the button combination that corresponds to the model of your iPad.
   • For iPads with Face ID or Touch ID in the Power Button: Press and release the volume up button, then volume down, then press and hold the power button until the screen goes black. Continue holding this button until the recovery mode screen appears
   • For iPads with a Home Button: Press and hold the home and power buttons until the display goes black. Release the power button and continue holding home until the recovery mode screen appears.
3. The connected computer should pop up with the message “There is a problem with the iPad that requires it to be updated or restored.” Start with updating your iPad before attempting a restore.
   • Oftentimes updating your iPad will take some time, but should normally resolve the issue without erasing your data.
   • If the update is unsuccessful, it's time to assess the state of your backups. If you're certain you have a recent backup or are willing to sacrifice your data to regain use of your iPad, proceed to restore. This will erase any data presently on your iPad.
   • If the update or restore fails with an error message, document it. Now might be a good time to visit the Answers forum, where you can get more personalized help. Be sure to mention the error message in your question!

If your device was recently repaired and this symptom emerged afterward, the battery connector may have been damaged during the repair. This is why all iFixit guides that require battery isolation include caveats about the potential damage to the battery connector. This damage can cause several different symptoms.

• This issue is specific to iPads with battery connections located on the underside of the logic board. Mini models are generally unaffected by this problem.
• To troubleshoot this issue, you’ll need to remove the logic board. Be prepared for a lengthy process. If necessary, refer to the Guide for your specific model.
• Make sure all pins are free of bends. If they are bent, gently bend the affected pin back into its original shape. You might be able to fix it that way. However, if the damage is severe, you may need to replace the battery connector. This requires soldering skills, which you may not have. If you lack this skill set, any shop that specializes in board-level repairs should be able to do it for you.
  • These pins often carry battery data. When the iPad is unsure of its battery charge level, it may reboot, show unpredictable charge levels, or shut off abruptly.

The iPad’s logic board serves as the central hub for its functionality. Small components on the board may have malfunctioned or been damaged, causing this issue.

• Board damage may result from liquid contact, electrical shock, a hard drop, or repeated shoving into your backpack. Check your board for bending, liquid stains, burning, or loose components. If liquid damage appears, cleaning it is the best response.
  • You can inspect your iPad’s logic board by following the appropriate logic board guide for your model.
• Replacing the logic board is often the most practical solution for a DIYer in this position.
  • If you feel especially curious, you might fix the small chips on the board through microsoldering. This practice is an art in itself, yet a rewarding pursuit for those who are adventurous. Interested? Watch this introductory video! Jessa’s YouTube channel is also excellent and offers many real-time repair clips. If you are uneasy about handling the repair alone, you could locate a local shop that might assist.