The iPad is a hugely popular device, but occasionally, you may run into problems with it. However, a problem with your iPad doesn’t have to mean a trip to the nearest Apple Store or a phone call to tech support. You can solve most iPad problems by following a few troubleshooting tips. 

Causes of iPad Issues

When an iPad has a problem, it could have a few root causes. Apps can interfere with one another or with the iPad’s operating system. These malfunctions can affect the device’s resource management or corrupt parts of its memory. The tablet might also have network issues that cause trouble connecting to the internet.

How to Fix Problems With Your iPad

Follow these troubleshooting steps to determine the problem with your iPad and find a fix.

  • Close apps. The iPad keeps apps open—most in a suspended state—even if you aren’t using them. So if you notice some sluggishness, closing resource-hogging programs might solve the issue. Open the App Switcher by pressing the Home button twice, dragging a finger from the bottom to the middle of the screen, or using a multitasking gesture by drawing four or five fingers together on the screen. Close apps by dragging their windows toward the top and off the screen.
  • Delete troublemaking apps. If you can track your iPad’s problems to a single app that is either incompatible with others or possibly corrupted, delete it. On the Home screen, hold a finger on the app until all of the apps start to shake. Tap the X in the upper-left corner of the icon to delete the app.
  • Apps can become corrupted. After you’ve deleted one, download it again from the App Store to see if it works better after you reinstall it.
  • Deleting an app also removes its data, so back it up if possible before you uninstall it.
  • Reboot the iPad. If you have a problem with an app and closing it doesn’t fix the issue, or if you experience another type of problem, reboot the iPad. Turning the iPad off and back on clears the available memory and gives the iPad a fresh start. Hold down the Sleep/Wake button on the upper rim of the iPad (or the power button and volume up button on recent iPad models) to bring up a slider that lets you power off the iPad. Once it is powered down, press the Sleep/Wake button again to turn the iPad back on.
  • Do a hard reset. If your specific issue causes your iPad to freeze, the reboot may not work. Do a hard restart by holding down the sleep/wake and home buttons for a few seconds until the iPad shuts down. Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears on the display.
  • Check your network. You may have problems connecting your iPad to the internet. These issues may or may not be coming from the iPad. If possible, do a speed test to see if your wireless connection is working and strong enough. If it isn’t, move closer to your router or reset your Wi-Fi hardware. Start by unplugging your router and modem (if they’re separate), and then wait 30 seconds and plug them back in. You can also reset your iPad’s network settings.
  • Reset your iPad. This step is different and more intensive than a restart; it involves deleting everything on your iPad and then reinstalling it. Before you do this, back up your iPad to make sure you don’t lose your photos or contacts.
  • Ask for help. If none of these steps work, you might need to take your iPad to an Apple Store Genius or authorized service center for servicing. Before contacting Apple Support, you may want to check if your iPad is still under warranty. The standard Apple warranty grants 90 days of technical support and a year of limited hardware protection. The AppleCare+ program gives two years of both technical and hardware support. Call Apple support at 1-800-676-2775.

Close apps. The iPad keeps apps open—most in a suspended state—even if you aren’t using them. So if you notice some sluggishness, closing resource-hogging programs might solve the issue. Open the App Switcher by pressing the Home button twice, dragging a finger from the bottom to the middle of the screen, or using a multitasking gesture by drawing four or five fingers together on the screen. Close apps by dragging their windows toward the top and off the screen.

Delete troublemaking apps. If you can track your iPad’s problems to a single app that is either incompatible with others or possibly corrupted, delete it. On the Home screen, hold a finger on the app until all of the apps start to shake. Tap the X in the upper-left corner of the icon to delete the app.

Apps can become corrupted. After you’ve deleted one, download it again from the App Store to see if it works better after you reinstall it.

Deleting an app also removes its data, so back it up if possible before you uninstall it.

Reboot the iPad. If you have a problem with an app and closing it doesn’t fix the issue, or if you experience another type of problem, reboot the iPad. Turning the iPad off and back on clears the available memory and gives the iPad a fresh start. Hold down the Sleep/Wake button on the upper rim of the iPad (or the power button and volume up button on recent iPad models) to bring up a slider that lets you power off the iPad. Once it is powered down, press the Sleep/Wake button again to turn the iPad back on.

Do a hard reset. If your specific issue causes your iPad to freeze, the reboot may not work. Do a hard restart by holding down the sleep/wake and home buttons for a few seconds until the iPad shuts down. Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears on the display.

Check your network. You may have problems connecting your iPad to the internet. These issues may or may not be coming from the iPad. If possible, do a speed test to see if your wireless connection is working and strong enough. If it isn’t, move closer to your router or reset your Wi-Fi hardware. Start by unplugging your router and modem (if they’re separate), and then wait 30 seconds and plug them back in. You can also reset your iPad’s network settings.

Reset your iPad. This step is different and more intensive than a restart; it involves deleting everything on your iPad and then reinstalling it. Before you do this, back up your iPad to make sure you don’t lose your photos or contacts.

Ask for help. If none of these steps work, you might need to take your iPad to an Apple Store Genius or authorized service center for servicing. Before contacting Apple Support, you may want to check if your iPad is still under warranty. The standard Apple warranty grants 90 days of technical support and a year of limited hardware protection. The AppleCare+ program gives two years of both technical and hardware support. Call Apple support at 1-800-676-2775.

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