How to reboot iPad – what to do with a frozen tablet

The Apple iPad tablet is renowned for its dependable performance and impressive range of features. However, like any sophisticated device, it is not impervious to freezing, glitches, or other malfunctions. Fortunately, rebooting the iPad is often an effective solution to restore its functionality. It is advisable to familiarize oneself with the process of rebooting the iPad in the event of a hang.

Why you need to reboot iPad

While rebooting the iPad, the Random Access Memory (RAM) gets cleared, which becomes quite evident when using multiple resource-intensive programs concurrently. Numerous processes overwhelm the system, leading to sluggishness. Consequently, the tablet’s performance may deteriorate, causing errors or unexpected freezes.

Moreover, rebooting also assists in restoring a specific program’s proper functionality by completely unloading it from memory. This procedure prevents sudden device shutdowns and rectifies issues related to incorrect memory mappings.

Why the device hangs with a white or black screen

One of the common issues that can arise after flashing a tablet is freezing with a white or black screen. Typically, this occurs when there is an error during the installation of the operating system. In such cases, it is important to restart the tablet immediately using one of the available methods.

If a restart is not possible, it may be necessary to restore the system to its original state or re-flash the tablet.

Occasionally, a white screen may be caused by a short circuit within the device. Dust, debris, or moisture can interfere with the proper transmission of electrical pulses through the contacts. To address this, it is recommended to thoroughly dry the device and clean the contacts on the circuit board.

To remove moisture from a wet tablet, you can place it in a container filled with rice or any other moisture-absorbing cereal. It is important to avoid using a hair dryer or exposing the device to direct sunlight, as this can cause further damage. Once the tablet is dried, it is essential to check for any oxidation on the circuit board and ensure that the device is in proper working condition.

If you encounter a white or black screen when powering on the tablet, it could indicate a display damage or a loose cable connection. In such cases, it is recommended to take the device to a professional service center for repair.

How often it is recommended to reboot

According to Apple developers, there is no need to reboot the iPad tablet for preventive reasons. However, it has been discovered by users that regular reboots are essential for ensuring the stable performance of the device. It is recommended to reboot the device twice a month for optimal functioning.

Methods

There are multiple ways to restart an iPad, each of which is used in specific situations. The safest option is to use the standard software method, although it may not always be effective.

These methods are applicable to most models, such as iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Mini, Air, and Pro.

Standard method using the ON button and slider

The typical restart is employed by users as a swift way to ready the device for updates installation, bug fixes in any software, and memory clearance.

To restart the device, simply press the power button and bring up the pop-up menu. Then, initiate a swipe on the "Reboot" option.

In some cases, the issue with bugs can be resolved just by accessing the menu. If that happens, you can easily cancel the reboot process by pressing the "Close" button.

The hard way (Home and ON)

If your iPad is unresponsive and the screen is not working, you can perform a "Hard Reset" to reboot it. To do this, simultaneously press and hold the "Power" and "Home" buttons on the tablet until the device shuts off. This process usually takes about 10 seconds. This method is compatible with older versions of the iPad.

Rebooting the iPad using a hard method

In the case of newer iPad models, the absence of a traditional "Home" button means that you need to perform a hard reboot by simultaneously pressing the volume down button and the "Power" button. If the process is done correctly, the company logo will appear on the screen, indicating that the reboot has started.

It is important to note that the hard reboot method can have a significantly negative impact on the software of the tablet. In certain situations, it may even lead to the loss or damage of the user’s personal data.

Software methods if the buttons do not work

When encountering issues with buttons on certain tablets, this can present challenges when attempting to perform a reboot. In such situations, it is advisable to explore alternative software-based shutdown methods.

From the settings

In the settings of all iOS versions older than iOS 11, there is a shutdown button available. You can locate it in the "General" section, right beside the "Reset" option. Once you tap on the button, a regular dialog box will appear, providing you with the choice to power off the tablet or cancel the action.

Assistive touch

Assistive Touch is a helpful functionality that can be activated in the "Universal Access" section of the settings. To carry out a reset, follow these steps:

1. Choose Assistive Touch from the menu and tap on "Device".
2. In the displayed menu, choose "More" and click on "Restart".
3. Verify the action.

Changing the font

If you’re using a tablet that has an older operating system version prior to iOs 11, you’ll need to restart the device when you want to change the font. Just switch to a different system font and the program will prompt you to reboot.

Network reset

To perform a network settings reset means to completely reboot all settings. Exercise caution when using this feature, as it may result in the deletion of crucial data.

Resetting the network

1. Access the "Settings" menu.
2. Navigate to the "Basic" section and choose the "Reset" option.
3. Select the command "Reset network settings".
4. Provide the access code.
5. Proceed with confirming the operation.

Restore iPad using a PC and iTunes

Restoring your tablet to a previous state is possible by rolling it back. This can be achieved with the assistance of a computer and the iTunes software that is installed.

Restoring your iPad using your computer and iTunes

Here are the steps to restore your iPad:

1. First, connect your tablet to your computer.
2. Next, open the iTunes program (be sure to use the latest version).
3. Then, press and hold the "Home" button on your iPad until the iTunes menu appears.
4. From the iTunes menu, select the "Restore" option. It’s important to not disconnect your tablet from the computer or try to turn it on during the recovery process.

Prior to starting the recovery process, it’s recommended to create a backup so that you can restore any important user data if needed. Using cloud storage can help with this task.

Discharge the battery to zero

If the buttons and touchscreen on the tablet are not functioning, the only way to turn it off is by waiting for the battery to completely drain. It typically takes around 12 hours, or possibly even less, for the battery to lose all its power when the display is on.

Once it is turned off, you can then connect the charger to the device. If there is no charging indicator, it may indicate significant hardware issues that can be resolved by service centers.

What to do if freezes occur constantly

If your tablet constantly freezes, it is likely that one of the programs you have installed is malfunctioning. In this situation, the best course of action would be to revert your system back to a previous state.

Viruses on iPad

The main reasons for frequent freezes are:

• Errors in installing updates or violating the flashing process.
• Violation of the file system when performing a hard reset.
• Insufficient free space on the disk, which is not enough for stable operation of installed programs. It is recommended to remove unnecessary applications, clear the cache, or use specialized software. Transfer all photos or videos to a computer or cloud storage.
• Infiltration of viruses into the system. It is recommended to install special software and scan the device for malicious programs.

Encountering a situation in which the iPad becomes unresponsive while charging is rare. This is usually caused by using a non-original power cable that generates electromagnetic interference.

Unable to restart the device

If none of the mentioned manipulations have proven successful in restarting the device, it is advisable to connect the tablet to a charger and allow it to charge for approximately one hour. The device may not be responding to user actions due to a deep battery discharge. Once the battery has received the necessary amount of power, the charging screen should appear.

If the charging indicator does not appear even after an hour, it would be worthwhile to check the functionality of both the USB cable and the power adapter being used. The connectors should be securely connected to one another and thoroughly cleaned of any debris. Trying a different cable or charger may also be worth considering.

The issue of the iPad hanging on the Apple logo is a common occurrence for some users. They may also encounter instances where the screen turns red or blue. To resolve this problem, it is advised to follow these steps:

1. Connect your tablet to the computer and launch either the Finder or iTunes software.
2. Locate the device on your computer.
3. For iPads with Face ID, rapidly press the volume up button followed by the volume down button. Then, hold down the top button until the device enters recovery mode.
4. Select the "Update" option from the available choices. At this point, the computer will proceed to reinstall the operating system while keeping the user’s personal data intact.

Installing the operating system update may take a while. Once it’s finished, the tablet should boot up in the regular mode.

If even performing this step doesn’t resolve the issue, the next course of action would be to seek assistance from the support service or professionals at the service centers.