How to Hard Reset or Restart an iPad (All Models)

This article explains how to restart an iPad and, if it's unresponsive, how to force it to restart. It also includes other options for how to reset an iPad.

The Easiest Way to Restart an iPad (All Models)

The basic restart—in which you turn the iPad off and then turn it back on—is the easiest to do and the first thing you should try when you're having problems with an iPad. The process won't delete your data or settings. Follow these steps:

1. Your steps depend on whether your iPad has a home button or not:

   • For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold the top button. It's located in the top right corner of the iPad.
   • For iPads without a Home button: Press and hold the top button and one volume button simultaneously, and then skip to Step 4.

2. Hold the button until a slider appears at the top of the iPad screen, and then let go of the button.

3. Move the slider left to right to turn off the iPad (or tap Cancel if you change your mind). When the screen goes dark, the iPad is off.

4. Restart the iPad by holding the top button until the Apple icon appears. Let go of the button, and the iPad will start up again.

   Alternatively, go to Settings > General > Shut Down > and drag the slider to power off the iPad. Turn the device back on by pressing and holding the top button.

How to Hard Reset iPad (All Models)

If an iPad is unresponsive, the standard restart process likely won't work. In that case, you need to try a hard reset. This technique forces the iPad to restart. Here's how to do this:

1. Again, the steps differ based on whether your iPad has a Home button or not.

   • For iPads with a Home Button: Hold down the Home button and the top button.
   • For iPads without a Home Button: Quickly press volume up, then quickly press volume down, then press and hold the top button. Skip to Step 3.

2. Continue holding the buttons even after the slider appears on the screen. The screen will eventually go black.

   If the iPad is completely frozen, the slider might not appear. Continue holding down the button until the screen goes black.

3. When the Apple logo appears, let go of the buttons and let the iPad start up like normal.

More Options for Resetting an iPad

One other kind of reset you might consider is a factory reset. This technique isn't usually used to solve problems, but it can work if the issues are bad enough.

Instead, erasing/resetting an iPad is most often used before selling it or sending it in for repair. For this context, however, it's a drastic step. But sometimes you need it.