iPad Keeps Turning Off

Before disassembling or attempting any elaborate repair steps, try these basic troubleshooting steps first...

• Verify the iPad isn't experiencing display issues: Make sure your iPad isn't having a screen issue and is actually turning off and restarting. Look for signs the iPad is turning off, such as an Apple logo after it turns off. If you find the iPad isn't turning off completely, the issue may be with your display.
• Check your charging source: Most iPads require a power adapter rated at 10-12W or greater to charge reliably. Check the power brick that you are using to charge your iPad, and make sure it's not a smaller 5W charging brick.
• Restart your iPad: Troubleshooting 101, one of the first steps that you should take is restarting your device.
  • For iPads with Face ID or Touch ID in the Power Button: Press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button. Next, press and hold the Power Button until the screen turns black and the Apple logo reappears.
  • For iPads equipped with a Home Button, press and hold the Home and Power buttons simultaneously until the display turns completely black. Release the Power button, then keep holding the Home button until the screen goes black again and the Apple logo reappears.
• Free up storage space: If your iPad's storage is full or nearly full, your system won't have room to run background processes, which can make iPadOS unstable. Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage.
• Remove any magnetic cases: Most iPad models after the iPad 2 have a Hall effect sensor built into the bezel for smart cases, like the Apple Folio, and it primarily senses when the device is closed. If the magnets are misaligned or the iPad senses a strong magnet, it can cause issues with how the iPad functions.

Temporary system bugs can cause your iPad to crash unexpectedly. Try updating your iPad to the latest version of iPadOS.

If your iPad is stable enough to update through Settings, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Follow the on-screen instructions, and plug your iPad into a power source to keep it charged during the update. Once the update is complete, test whether the device is more stable.

If your iPad isn't stable enough to update on its own, you can try updating it using a Mac running macOS Catalina or later.

1. Connect your iPad to your Mac using the appropriate cable.
2. Open the Finder application on your Mac. (If prompted, enter the passcode to your iPad.)
3. Select your iPad from the left-hand sidebar of the Finder window under Locations, then click the General tab.
4. Click Check for Update. If an update is available, then click Download and Update. Keep your iPad plugged in until the update finishes and the device restarts.

If you don't have a computer that is running macOS, you can update your iPad through Windows.

1. Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC and download the Apple Devices app.

# Connect your iPad to your computer using the appropriate cable. (If prompted, enter the passcode to your iPad.)

1. Open the Apple Devices app on your computer and choose your iPad from the left-hand sidebar.
2. Click the General tab, then click Check for Update. If an update is available, then click Download and Update. Keep your iPad plugged in until the update finishes and the device restarts.

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 can happen from liquid contact, electrical shock, a hard drop, or even repeated shoving into your backpack. Inspect your board for any signs of bending, liquid stains, burning, or loose components. If you notice liquid damage, the best course of action is to clean it.
  • 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’re feeling particularly curious, you can repair the tiny bits and chips on the board using microsoldering. It’s an art form in itself, but a worthwhile endeavor for those who are adventurous. Interested? Check out this introductory video! Jessa’s YouTube channel is also fantastic and has loads of real-time repair videos. If you’re not comfortable doing this repair yourself, you may be able to find a local shop that can help!