While there could be more than one reason why iPad stuck on Apple logo, the issue mostly occurs when iOS is experiencing downtime. However, corrupt files and system failures are no less responsible for the black screen of death.
Whatever could be the cause of this terrible problem, you can always fix your iPad stuck on the Apple logo screen while updating or for that matter resetting the device. And that’s exactly what we are going to sort out in this troubleshooting guide!
What to Do If iPad Stuck on Apple Logo: 4 Solutions to Troubleshoot the Black Screen of Death
Sometimes, the progress bar could take a little longer to finish. So, whether the iPad got stuck on the Apple logo during the software update or reset, you’ve got to have a little patience to let it finish. Though it mostly takes around 10-15 minutes to complete during the update and around 5 minutes during reset, you might have to wait a little longer on some occasions. Therefore, take a cup of hot coffee and sit tight until the progress bar, which appears underneath the Apple logo, disappears.
If the iPad is Frozen on the Apple Logo Screen, Get on with the Solutions
Now that you have spent enough time waiting for the progress bar to finish and know that the iPad is completely frozen on the Apple logo, it’s time to cut the chase.
Solution #1. Force Restart Your iPad
A force restart can be pretty helpful in this situation. Probably, the best part about it is that it can let you troubleshoot the iPad stuck on the Apple logo problem even without having to restore the device. So, do give it a shot right away.
On the iPad with Face ID:
- Press and release the volume up button. After that, you need to press and release the volume down button.
- Next, you have to press and hold the top button up to 10 seconds.
On the iPad with Touch ID:
- Hold down the sleep/wake and the Home buttons simultaneously for up to 10 seconds.
Once your iPad has rebooted, the stuck Apple logo screen will disappear. If it has, you are ready to go.
Solution #2. Update Your iPad Using Recovery Mode
More often than not a hard reset can help you sort out the black screen of death issue on your iPad. But just in case, it didn’t work for you, no need to lose hope as Recovery Mode has long been like a de facto troubleshooter for it. Moreover, you can get rid of the problem without losing your data.
Step #1. First off, connect your iPad to a computer using Lightning or USB-C cable. Then, launch Finder on your Mac running macOS Catalina.
On your PC or Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes. Ensure that the latest version of iTunes is installed on your computer.
Step #2. Now, select your iPad in iTunes/Finder.
Step #3. Next, we are going to put the tablet into Recovery Mode.
On iPads with Face ID
- Press and release the volume up button. After that, you need to press and release the volume down button.
- Next, press and hold the top button until the iPad restarts. Make sure to hold the top button until the device has entered recovery mode.
On iPads with Touch ID
- Hold down the sleep/wake button and the Home button simultaneously. Continue to hold down the buttons until the “Connect to iTunes” screen appears.
Step #4. Now, a message will appear on the screen with the option to restore or update the device. Make sure to choose Update.
The computer will reinstall iPadOS/iOS on your iPad without erasing the data.
Sticky Notes:
- Normally, it would take up to 15 minutes to complete the process. Just in case, it takes more than 15 minutes, your iPad will automatically exit recovery mode and you’ll have to repeat steps 3 and 4.
- If the process fails again, select Restore in the last step. Keep in mind, it will wipe out all the existing data on your device.
- Once you have restored your iPad, you can choose to restore from the backup during the setup process.
Solution #3. Erase Your iPad and Restore Using DFU Mode
DFU mode (Device Firmware Update) is just as efficient as Recovery mode when it comes to fixing complex issues like this one. So, if your iPad is still stuck in the limbo with the Apple logo screen after an ill-fated software update or faulty rest, do not fail to give it a chance.
Do note that it will erase all the existing data on your iPad. So, ensure that you have the backup of your iPad.
Step #1. To get started, connect your iPad to Mac or PC and launch iTunes/Finder.
Step #2. Now, it’s time to enter DFU mode on the iPad.
On iPads with Face ID
- Press and release volume up button. Then, immediately, press and release the volume down button. After that, hold down the power button for 10 seconds.
- While still holding the Power button, make sure to press and hold the volume down button for 5 seconds.
- Now, let go of the power button but keep holding the volume down button for another 10 seconds
On iPads with Touch ID
- Press and hold the sleep/wake button and the Home button simultaneously for 10 seconds.
- After 10 seconds, let go of the sleep/wake button but continue to hold the Home button for another 5 seconds.
Step #3. Next, you should see an alert saying something like, “iTunes/Finder has detected an iPad and will allow it to be restored.” Now, go ahead and restore your device as usual.
Side Note:
- While it’s not an ideal solution per se, you can use iCloud.com to erase your iPad and then restore it from the previous backup. Simply, head over to icloud.com and sign in using your Apple ID. Click on Find My iPad → All Devices → Your device → Erase iPad and confirm.
Solution #4. Use Third-Party Recovery Tool
Having been on the wrong end of this problem a few times, I can say that you may not have to come this far. But if luck is yet to smile on your iPad and you don’t mind spending a few bucks, it wouldn’t be bad to try out a third-party tool. There are couple of tools that I have found reliable: PhoneRescue, and dr.fone toolkit. Check them out, if you need more help.
Also, don’t forget to knock on the door of Apple Support, if the Apple logo continues to haunt your iPad.
Wrapping Up…
I guess you have finally resolved the problem, getting rid of the progress bar. Especially when dealing with issues like this one, it’s always better to have a little extra patience to endure some unexpected tantrums.