Sometimes, your iPad (Mini, Air, Pro) might take a while to start up, reset, upgrade, transfer data, restore, or do other things. But if something goes wrong and it stays stuck on the Apple logo for over an hour, that’s a problem.
It might seem really technical and hard to fix, but you can actually try to fix it yourself by troubleshooting.
Enter Recovery Mode on iPad
Updating to the latest iOS or iPadOS software version might help solve the issue. This can resolve any problems with settings or conflicts in older software versions. Typically, you can update the firmware using iTunes or Finder to fix an iPad stuck on the Apple logo.
However, if iTunes or Finder doesn’t recognize the device, you’ll need to use Recovery mode to update it.
Note: If you’re stuck on the black Apple logo screen while updating your iPad using a computer, skip to troubleshooting resolution 2.
If you’re using Finder, ensure your Mac is updated. If using iTunes, update it too. Then, follow the instructions below to put your device into Recovery mode.
- Enter recovery mode. Make sure your device stays connected throughout.
- Link your iPad to your computer and launch iTunes or Finder to update it.
For iPads with Face ID: Quickly tap the Volume Up button, then quickly tap the Volume Down button. Hold down the Power button until the recovery mode screen shows up.
For iPads with a Home button: Hold down both the Home and Power buttons until the recovery mode screen pops up.
- A dialog box will appear in iTunes or Finder. Click on Update.
Your computer will then attempt to reinstall the latest software version without deleting your personal data. Once done, your iPad should boot up normally, getting past the stuck Apple logo.
Restore from DFU Mode
Just like in any other guide for fixing iDevices, DFU restore is usually the last option for resolving software problems. It wipes everything from your device – photos, messages, app data, settings, etc. – and brings it back to its original settings.
It’s recommended to try this only if nothing else works or if your iPad is completely unresponsive and stuck on the Apple logo after jailbreaking.
Note:
- These steps are time-sensitive, so read through them carefully a few times.
- Make sure you have a recent backup to prevent data loss.
- Feel free to try again or multiple times if it fails halfway.
Now, connect your device to a computer with iTunes (the latest version) or Finder open, and follow the step-by-step guide below to enter DFU mode.
For any iPad model with Face ID:
- Quickly tap the Volume Up button, then quickly tap the Volume Down button. Hold the Power button for 3 seconds.
- While still holding the Power button, press and hold the Volume Down button. Keep both buttons held for 10 seconds.
- Release the Power button, but keep holding the Volume Down button for 5 seconds.
- Let go of the Volume Down button when you see a message on the iTunes or Finder screen. If your device’s screen is black, it’s now in DFU mode.
- Click OK on the message, then choose Restore and Update.
For any iPad model with a Home button:
- Hold down both the Power and Home buttons together for 10 seconds.
- Release the Power button, but keep holding the Home button for about 5 seconds.
- Let go of the Home button when a message shows up on the iTunes or Finder screen. If your device’s screen is black, it’s in DFU mode.
- Click OK on the message, then choose Restore and Update.
