iPads are durable devices that rarely experience issues apart from the occasional glitch. However, sometimes your iPad may get stuck in a boot loop where it restarts continuously. So, what causes the boot loop, and how can you fix it?
Your iPad may keep restarting due to a software glitch, faulty flash memory, outdated firmware, or hardware problems. You can fix the problem by doing a force restart, updating the iOS and apps, freeing up storage, adjusting the settings, or restoring the iPad in recovery or DFU mode.
If none of these fixes work, you may have to send in your iPad for repairs. Let’s take a closer look at the possible causes of the boot loop problem and some easy fixes that you can try at home.
Why is My iPad Turning On and Off Repeatedly?
Your iPad (on Amazon) may be turning on and off repeatedly because of faulty flash memory, full storage, software problems, or faulty apps. If the iPad overheats, gets wet, or has a hardware problem, it might also get stuck in the so-called boot loop.
Here are the most common reasons why your iPad might keep restarting:
Faulty Flash Memory
Faulty flash memory is often the main culprit if your iPad is stuck in a boot loop. There may be a virus in an app’s cache, or your iPad’s memory may have a temporary glitch that causes it to shut down repeatedly.
When the iPad gets stuck in a boot loop due to faulty memory, the iPad will automatically shut off to protect the iOS. The boot loop is a warning sign that something’s wrong and also a means to prevent further damage to the iPad.
Depending on the type of memory bug that your iPad has, this issue can be resolved by a simple restart or by resetting the iPad.
The Storage Is Full
If the iPad’s storage is at critical levels, it may no longer function effectively and may shut down repeatedly. Storage problems may also cause the iPad to freeze, show a black screen, or run slower than usual. Unfortunately, older iPad versions are more likely to run out of storage, especially if you’re running the latest versions of apps.
Since there’s no way of increasing the storage capacity on the iPad, you’ll have to either backup the data and delete it or get rid of unused apps. You’ll usually get a few warnings when the iPad’s storage is nearly full, so avoid waiting for a software problem before freeing up storage.
Software Bugs and Glitches
Software glitches and temporary bugs may also cause the iPad to get stuck in a boot loop. These glitches are often caused by an outdated iOS or running outdated apps. Older firmware is more susceptible to viruses and glitches. However, sometimes, your iPad can get stuck in a boot loop if you’ve just installed an iOS update.
If you have a lot of outdated apps on your iPad, they may cause the iPad to crash when you run these apps. Installing the updates will usually solve the problem, but you may have to uninstall and reinstall the apps in some cases.
Faulty Apps
Faulty apps may contain malware or glitches that can cause your iPad to turn on and off repeatedly. If you’re running an unsupported app, it’s more likely to cause glitches and software problems. While iPads officially can’t download from anywhere other than the App Store, many people jailbreak their iPads to authorize third-party app downloads.
Even though jailbreaking does give you more options when it comes to apps you can install, it’s also riskier since many of these apps aren’t secure. Similarly, if you’ve installed an app update and your iPad is running an outdated iOS, the iPad may crash when you run the app.
The iPad Overheats
If your iPad gets too hot, it may malfunction and go into the boot loop. Crucial hardware components like the motherboard and memory chips may malfunction at higher temperatures, causing the iPad to shut down completely. If your iPad gets hot regularly, it may cause permanent hardware damage.
If you get the overheating warning sign, you’ll have to leave your iPad to cool off before using it again. Also, avoid leaving the iPad in direct sunlight or using it while it’s on charge, as these are common causes of an iPad overheating.
The iPad Gets Wet
Water damage is another reason why your iPad may be stuck in a boot loop. If you’ve dropped your iPad in the pool or spilled water on it and it goes into boot loop soon after, switch it off immediately. Using a wet iPad can cause short-circuiting and permanently damage its hardware.
While none of the iPad models are waterproof, your iPad probably won’t get damaged if it gets submerged in water very briefly. However, you’ll have to wait until it’s completely dry before switching it on.
Hardware Problems
Damaged hardware components could also be behind a boot loop problem. A damaged screen or faulty battery is the most common type of hardware problem. If you have an older iPad, wear and tear of memory chips and other essential components may also cause issues.
While you can still fix an iPad that has a minor hardware problem, resolving the boot issue is only a temporary solution. In such cases, it’s best to have your iPad checked by a professional. If the iPad’s components are damaged by wear and tear, you’ll have to get a new one.
How Do You Stop Your iPad From Restarting?
If your iPad is stuck in a boot loop and continuously restarts, you can force restart it, update the iOS and other apps, free up memory, reset the iPad, or restore it in recovery mode.
If these steps don’t work, you’ll have to restore your iPad in DFU mode or send it in for repairs.
Let’s look at these fixes in detail:
Force Restart the iPad
If your iPad won’t stop restarting, the first fix to try is a hard restart. This will clear any memory bugs and help your iOS start properly. Since memory glitches are the main cause of the boot loop, doing a force restart is often the best solution. Follow these steps to force restart your iPad:
- Hold down the power and home button simultaneously for about 30 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
- If your iPad doesn’t have a home button, press and release the volume up button followed by the volume down button and then hold down the power button until the Apple logo appears.
- Wait for the iPad to restart.
You can also do a force restart occasionally as a preventive measure since it will help clear temporary cache or memory bugs.
Update the iOS
If you’re running an outdated iOS version, you may have to deal with bugs and glitches more often. The same is true if you haven’t installed any app updates in a while.
If your iPad is stuck in a boot loop, you’ll have to update it through the iTunes app with a laptop or computer. Follow these steps to update the iPad’s iOS through iTunes:
- Connect the iPad to a computer through a Lightning cable (on Amazon).
- Open the iTunes app and click on the iPad icon.
- Click on ‘Summary‘ and then ‘Update.’
Your laptop and iPad should be connected to the internet, or the update may fail.
Once you can access the iPad, update all the apps. To update the iPad’s apps, go onto the App Store and click on your profile. Look for apps that have updates and update them. This should clear out any app glitches that may have caused the boot loop problem.
Free Up Storage
Another common cause of iPad boot problems is a lack of storage space. Never install new apps or download new files when you get the first storage warning. If your iPad’s storage is at a critical level, you’ll have to delete unwanted apps or files.
Go onto general settings and select ‘Storage.’ In the list of downloaded apps, look for ones that you rarely use. It helps to filter the app list by usage time and capacity so you can delete apps that consume the most space first.
While you can backup app data to iCloud storage, there isn’t any alternative to increase the iPad’s internal storage capacity, which is one of the downsides of the iPad.
Reset the iPad’s Settings
Sometimes, faulty iPad settings may be behind the boot loop problem. To fix this issue, you’ll have to reset all of the iPad’s settings. This isn’t the same as resetting the iPad, so you don’t have to worry about losing data.
Resetting the iPad’s settings is easy and can be done with these simple steps:
- Go into Settings and select ‘General.’
- Scroll down and select ‘Reset.’
- Click on ‘Reset all Settings.’ Don’t choose another option as it may reset the iPad.
- Enter your password to authorize the reset.
- Restart the iPad.
This should get rid of most bugs or system glitches that may cause the boot loop problem, and you won’t have to worry about data loss either.
Restore the iPad in Recovery Mode
If your iPad is stuck in a boot loop, you may not be able to start it normally, so you’ll have to do a system restore in recovery mode. Here’s how to restore your iPad in recovery mode:
- Connect the iPad to a computer that has the latest version of iTunes.
- Open the iTunes app and press the volume up button. Release it and instantly press the volume down button.
- Press and hold the power button until the recovery screen appears.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to restore the iPad.
If the bugged system was caused by a recent update, the iPad would restore to a previous iOS version. However, the boot loop problem should be resolved.
Restore the iPad in DFU Mode
If you can’t access recovery mode or restoring the iPad in recovery mode doesn’t work, you can try restoring it in DFU mode. Remember, DFU mode should only be used as a last resort if nothing else works.
Follow these steps to restore your iPad in DFU mode:
- Connect the iPad to a computer and launch iTunes.
- Hold the power button for about 3 seconds, and then hold the home button for 10 seconds or until the screen turns black.
- Simultaneously hold the power and home buttons for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds, release the power button and continue pressing the home button for another 10 seconds.
- The iPad should enter DFU mode if the screen stays black. You can follow the instructions on the iTunes app to restore the iPad.
Remember, DFU mode may damage your iPad if it’s been jailbroken. However, if you haven’t jailbroken the iPad, it should work.
Send the iPad in for Repairs
If none of the above fixes work, you’ll have no option but to repair hardware problems with the iPad. Never try to open the iPad yourself, and always have it repaired by a qualified Apple technician. If you try repairing the device by yourself, any warranty that you may have will be canceled.
If the repairs are too costly or the iPad can’t be repaired, you should consider getting a new one.
How Long Does an iPad Last?
Most iPads start having performance issues after about 5 years, but your iPad can last for much longer if you take good care of it. However, once you start facing major software issues or hardware problems, you may need to consider replacing the iPad.
Here are some signs that your iPad needs to be replaced:
iOS Incompatibility
If your iPad isn’t compatible with the latest iOS version, you may have to replace it. If you have a model older than the iPad 2, you won’t be able to install the latest iOS updates, and even the iPad 2 may become redundant when new updates are released.
The iPad’s Storage Isn’t Enough
If you’re always running out of storage space, you may need to upgrade to a bigger model. New apps have better functions and graphics, but these come at a cost to storage space. So, if you always have to delete apps to make room for new ones, it may be time to get a new iPad.
The Display or Battery Stops Working Regularly
If your iPad’s battery life has significantly decreased or the screen’s pixel quality isn’t up to the mark, it’s a sign that your iPad needs to be replaced. While you can still carry on using it until you face a major hardware issue, it’s best to salvage something off your iPad while you can.