While iPads are generally quite reliable devices that don’t get damaged too easily, they do face errors from time to time. One such case is when your iPad keeps crashing, and that can be quite irritating. So, why is your iPad crashing, and what can you do to fix it?
Your iPad may be crashing due to memory or storage issues (no storage left), overheating, outdated software, or some other more exotic problem. To fix it, restart the device, then check the internal storage and clear up space if needed. Then, update the software to the newest version.
Let’s dive into the main causes of iPads crashing and discuss some easy fixes for this problem. Before you know it, your iPad will be up and running without a hitch.
Why Is My iPad Crashing?
Your iPad may be crashing because of a memory overload, outdated iOS, hardware problems, overheating, or battery problems. Sometimes malware or viruses may also cause your iPad to crash; this is more common among jailbroken iPads.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why your iPad may be crashing:
Storage/Memory Overload
A memory overload is one of the main reasons why most phones, laptops, and iPads crash. If your iPad has a memory overload, it may first slow down and then crash unexpectedly. You’ll usually get a warning when the memory is at a critical level, and you won’t be able to install new apps until you free up memory.
Most iPads have at least 1 GB of RAM, and this should be enough for most functions. However, the RAM may fail for no reason in some older iPads, causing the iPad to crash. The same applies if the storage is full. While some of the later versions have 32 GB of storage or more, earlier versions have only 16 GB.
This may not be enough for the latest games and apps. So, if there’s a storage problem on your iPad, consider freeing up the storage or increasing the storage capacity.
Outdated iOS
Another common cause of iPad crashing is outdated iOS. While Apple hasn’t discontinued support for older iPad models, you’ll have to update them regularly to keep them functional. You’ll usually get a notification when there’s a new update available, or you can check for updates in the iPad’s settings.
Running older iOS versions is risky as it exposes your iPad to viruses and malware, and you won’t get the software patches that are released with each update. Sometimes, you may notice that your iPad crashes after an update, but this is usually a temporary issue.
Overheating
Overheating is the main cause of most crashes, especially if you’re using the iPad to play power-intensive games. Unlike laptops, iPads don’t have built-in internal fans to keep the hardware cool, and the device may fail if it overheats.
Overheating may also be caused by a virus, using the iPad for too long, leaving the iPad in direct sunlight, or if the external temperature is too hot. You’ll get a warning sign when your iPad overheats, and you’ll have to wait for it to cool down before using it.
Battery Problems
Sometimes, a low or drained battery may cause your iPad to crash. The iPad may crash when the battery is draining too fast, even if it’s not low. This may be caused by a defective app or if you’re running too many power-intensive apps simultaneously.
The iPad may also crash if the battery is faulty, so you’ll have to test the battery if it crashes regularly. Sometimes, a software glitch may cause the iPhone to show full battery, even when the battery is completely drained. You can resolve this by restarting the device or doing a system restore.
Hardware Problems
If you’re sure that there’s nothing wrong with your iPad’s software, the issue could be in the hardware. Overheating, dropping the iPad, or exposing it to water may damage the hardware components, causing the iPad to crash.
If the damaged hardware component is easily replaceable, you can repair the iPad. If not, you’ll have to get a new one since hardware problems may result in a loss of data. Also, once the iPad gets a hardware failure, it will repeatedly crash until it can’t be repaired anymore.
How to Force a Restart
If your iPad keeps crashing, the first thing you should do is force a restart. Doing a hard reset will likely clear out any bug that may cause the iPad to crash, and it won’t result in a loss of data. Follow these steps to force a restart on your iPad:
- Press and hold the Home and Power buttons simultaneously. If your iPad doesn’t have a home button, press the up volume button quickly, followed by the down volume button, and then hold down the power button.
- Continue holding the buttons even when a slider appears on the screen.
- Release when the Apple logo appears on the screen. The iPad should restart.
You can also shut down the iPad using the power button and sliders, but this usually doesn’t work if your iPad is crashing, and it won’t clear out memory bugs.
How to Update Your iPad’s Software
If forcing a restart doesn’t do the trick, the next best option is to update your iPad’s software. If you’re running an older iOS software version, your device will be more susceptible to malware attacks or glitches. Follow these steps to update your iPad’s software:
- Go onto the general settings and click on ‘Software Update.’
- If there’s an update available, install the update.
- Make sure all the other apps on your iPad are updated. You can do this by clicking on these apps in the settings or updating them from the App Store.
- Keep an eye out for notifications on future updates.
Updating the iOS will resolve most bugs and security flaws that may be causing your iPad to crash. It’s important to install the most recent update, even if it causes your iPad to crash initially.
Ways to Free Up Space on Your iPad
If your iPad is crashing because of a lack of storage space, you’ll have to free up some space. You can do this by deleting unnecessary apps and files. Here are a few easy ways to free up space on your iPad:
Delete Unnecessary Apps
The best way to free up storage is to delete unnecessary apps. Do you have apps that you rarely use? Or a game that you’re tired of playing? Deleting these apps will save you more space than deleting other files, especially if they have a lot of in-app data.
Delete Unused Music Files
Many people listen to certain music for a time and then forget about it after a while. If you have many music files that you haven’t listened to in a while, deleting them may save you space. Go into settings, click on ‘Music,’ and delete songs, albums, or artists from your collection.
Delete App Cache
Browser cache and other app cache can take up unnecessary space. To delete the browser cache on your iPad, go onto Safari, click on ‘Clear History and Website Data,’ and choose when you want to delete it.
Deleting the browser history along with the cache will save more space. You can also delete emails, game data, and other app cache to free up space.
Other Troubleshooting Methods
If you’ve tried doing a forced restart, clearing out memory, and updating the iPad’s software, but it still keeps on crashing, you can try restoring the iPad via iTunes or resetting the iPad completely.
You’ll have to back up the data before resetting the iPad. Follow these troubleshooting methods as a last resort to resolve the crashing issue:
Restore the iPad via iTunes
If updating the software on your iPad doesn’t work or the crashing error is caused by the new update, restoring it via iTunes should do the trick. Follow these steps to restore your iPad via iTunes:
- Connect your iPad to a laptop via cable.
- Launch the iTunes app.
- Click on ‘Summary‘ and ‘Check for Updates.’ If there aren’t any updates, you can proceed to restore the iPad.
- Click on ‘Restore iPad‘ and follow the on-screen instructions.
Reset Your iPad
This method is usually the last resort before you begin looking at the hardware. Resetting the iPad will wipe all the data, so make sure you backup important data before doing so. Follow these steps to reset your iPad:
- Go into General Settings.
- Click on ‘Reset‘ and then ‘Reset all content and settings.’
- Enter your iPad’s passcode and wait for the device to reset.
While the reset will work in most cases, it should be your last option as you’ll be clearing out all the data.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried everything from restarting the iPad to clearing out all the data and resetting it, and the iPad still crashes, then it’s certainly a hardware problem, and you’ll have to call a professional.
Hardware issues can range from a damaged battery to a failed motherboard, and there’s no guarantee that your iPad can be repaired.
However, most minor hardware problems can be repaired for less than the cost of getting a new one. Always contact your local Apple repair center or check if you have time left on the warranty.
If you bought the iPad from Amazon, Walmart, or BestBuy, you should have a 1-2 year warranty, so repairing will be free of cost. Even if you have to pay for repairs, always do it through the official Apple Store or Apple-affiliated repair shops.
How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your iPad
If you send the iPad in for repair and it’s damaged beyond repair or the iPad is too old to support the latest iOS version, you should consider getting a new iPad (on Amazon).
If you’ve bought the iPad recently and you still have time on the warranty, you can get a replacement. However, only Best Buy and a few other stores will replace your device if it’s damaged beyond repair.
If your device isn’t under warranty, you’ll have to pay for repairs and can then sell the functional iPad as a second-hand device.