Basic iPad Troubleshooting Tips

How to fix your iPad's problems

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by Daniel Nations 

Updated November 14, 2019

The iPad is a great device, but occasionally, we all run into problems. 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 each other 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 give it trouble connecting to the internet.

Denys Prykhodov / Shutterstock

How to Fix Problems With Your iPad

1. Close apps. The iPad keeps apps open even if you aren't using them. So if you're noticing some sluggishness, closing resource-hogging programs might solve the issue. Open the App Switcher by pressing the Home button twice or using a multitasking gesture by drawing four or five fingers together on the screen. Close apps by dragging their windows toward the top of the screen.

   

2. Delete troublemaking apps. If you can track your iPad's problems to a single app that is either incompatible with others or possibly corrupted, you can try deleting 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, you can 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.
3. Reboot the iPad. If you are having a problem with an app and closing it doesn't fix the issue, or if you're having any other type of problem, try rebooting the iPad. Resetting will clear out the available memory and give the iPad a fresh start. Hold down the Sleep/Wake button on the upper rim of the iPad to bring up a slider that will let you power off the iPad. Once it is powered down, press the Sleep/Wake button again to turn the iPad back on.

   

4. Do a hard reset. If your specific issue is causing your iPad to freeze, the normal reset 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.
5. 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 both working and strong enough. If it isn't, move closer to your router or try resetting 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.
6. 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 any of your photos or contacts.
7. Ask for help. If none of these steps work, you might need to take your iPad into an Apple Store 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.