iPad Stuck on Loading Screen? Try These 7 Fixes

An iPad stuck on the loading screen is a frustrating scenario that many users may experience. This can happen for various reasons, from software issues to hardware problems.

But don't worry. In this article, we will show you effective troubleshooting methods to help you fix an iPad stuck on the loading screen.

Let's get started!

Why is My iPad Stuck on the Loading Screen?

There are several reasons why your iPad may be stuck on the loading screen. The most common are:

• Your iPad may be running out of storage.
• You recently updated the device, and the update process may have failed.
• You restored the iPad, and there was a problem with the backup file used for the restore.
• Corrupt data transfer or a corrupt file on the device.
• You have jailbroken your iPad, leading to many software issues.
• Hardware issues causing changes in the operating system or files on the device.

Charge Your iPad and Wait

Regarding older iPad models, automatic iPadOS updates can take longer to process than their newer counterparts. It's common for the iPad to appear stuck on the loading screen during this time, leaving you wondering if something went wrong.

Here's the lowdown: the key is to give your iPad the time it needs to complete the update. Even if it seems like it's at a standstill, the device could simply be processing more slowly.

Meanwhile, charge your iPad for at least an hour and check to see whether it turns on. Even if this doesn't solve the problem, it's still worthwhile to ensure that your battery is fully charged so that you can try some of the other troubleshooting steps.

Force Restart Your iPad

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A force restart is usually the first recommended solution for many iPad problems. Force restarting your device will refresh the apps' memory without deleting data stored on your iPad.

By doing a force restart, you may solve glitching apps or firmware crashes on your iPad. Even if it works temporarily, you can back up your data before attempting any more solutions.

Here's how to force restart your iPad:

For iPads with Face ID or Touch ID

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Top button. Release it when the Apple logo appears.

For iPads with a Home Button

1. Press and hold the Top button and the Home button simultaneously.
2. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Update Your iPad's Software Using iTunes

Having outdated software on your iPad can cause problems with its functionality, which may result in it getting stuck on the loading screen.

Since you are unable to update the device via settings, you can use these steps to update it in iTunes:

1. Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed on the computer.
2. Connect the iPad to the computer and then open iTunes.
3. Select the iPad in the top-left corner and then go to the "Summary" tab.
4. Click on "Check for Updates" and if updates are available, click "Download and Install" to update the device.
5. Restart the iPad when the update is complete.

You will only be able to use iTunes to update the device if iTunes can detect the connected iPad. This may not be possible if the iPad is unresponsive.

Fix Your iPad Effectively with TinyFix

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If the above three solutions fail to work, we suggest trying an iOS system repair tool such as TinyFix. This tool is one of the best troubleshooters to help you identify and repair your iPad in minutes, even if you are unsure of what is causing the problem.

This program is specifically designed to repair various iPadOS issues, including an iPad stuck on the loading circle. It provides a safe and simple platform to refresh the operating system without data loss.

What's more, it is compatible with all iPad models and all versions of iPadOS, and it has a user-friendly interface.

Here's how to restore your iPad to normal function using TinyFix:

Step 1: Download and install TinyFix on to your computer.

Step 2: Open it and then select "iOS System Repair" in the main window. Connect the device to the computer and click "Start."

Step 3: Choose "Standard Repair Mode" and when prompted.

Step 4: Click on the "Download" option to download the firmware needed to fix the device.

Step 5: Click "Fix Now" after the download is complete. TinyFix will repair the iPad, and it will restart in normal mode as soon as the repair is complete.

Restore iPad in Recovery Mode Manually

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Manually putting and restoring your iPad in recovery mode can be a great way to resolve any stuck issues. The process differs for different iPad models.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Connect your iPad to a computer.

• If you're using a Mac with macOS Catalina, open the Finder.
• If you're using a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or a Windows PC, open iTunes.

Step 2. Put your iPad in Recovery mode. The steps are quite different between generations of iPad models. Follow these instructions below:

Put iPads with Face ID in Recovery mode:

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Top button until your iPad begins to restart. Keep holding the top button until the recovery mode screen appears.

Put iPads with a Home Button in Recovery mode:

1. Press and hold the Power button and Home button at the same time.
2. Keep pressing the buttons until you see the "Connect to iTunes" screen.

Step 3. Once in recovery mode, iTunes will prompt you to restore or update the device. Choose "Update" first and allow iTunes to install the latest iPadOS.

Step 4. If you are unable to update the device, choose "Restore," and iTunes will erase the device and restore it to factory settings.

Restore Your iPad in DFU Mode

If all other solutions don't fix the issues, you can try the deepest form of restore possible: Device Firmware Update (DFU) restore. This mode is similar to recovery mode, but it's deeper, meaning all your data will get erased. Because this solution is often considered too extreme, Apple doesn't provide the steps you need to perform a DFU restore.

The process of putting your iPhone in DFU mode depends on the iOS and device version.

Put iPads with a Home button in DFU mode

Follow the instructions below to put iPads with a Home button in DFU mode:

1. Connect your iPad to a PC.
2. On your computer, open iTunes or Finder.
3. Turn off your iPad.
4. Press and hold the Side Button for 3 seconds.
5. Keep holding the Side Button, and then start to press and hold the Home Button for 10 seconds. If you see the Apple logo, you've held them too long and will need to start again.
6. If your iPad shows a black display screen and iTunes or Finder shows your device, your iPad is now in DFU mode.

Put iPads with Face ID in DFU mode

1. Plug in your iPad to a computer.
2. Press and release the Volume Up Button.
3. Next, press and release the Volume Down Button.
4. Press and hold the Side Button until the Power Off slider appears.
5. Drag the slider to power your device off.
6. Press and hold the Side Button for 3 seconds.
7. Continue to hold the Side Button while you press and hold the Volume Down Button.
8. Continue to hold both buttons down for 10 seconds. If you see the Apple logo, you've held them down for too long, so you'll need to try again.
9. Let go of the Side Button and continue to hold the Volume Down Button for another 5 seconds until iTunes or Finder shows your device and the screen remains black.
10. At this point, release the Volume Down Button. Your device is now in DFU mode.

Contact Apple and Check Your Repair Options

If none of the solutions above fix the device, it is time to consider getting the device repaired by a professional. If the iPad is still under warranty, Apple should cover the cost of the repair as long as the device doesn't have any additional damage.

Usually, if the software fixes we have recommended are not working, it means that there is liquid or physical damage that may require closer scrutiny. Apple should solve the issue for you as they can easily replace any hardware parts that may be causing the problem.

Always Have a Backup

If there's one thing to learn from this situation, it's the importance of always having a backup.

iCloud Backup

The first step to securing your iPad's data is setting up an iCloud backup. Think of it as a fail-safe mechanism that operates seamlessly in the background, eliminating the need for constant worry. By enabling iCloud Photo Library, you're not just protecting your photos and videos but creating a digital fortress for your memories.

Local Backup

If you prefer a hands-on approach, making local backups using a Mac or Windows PC is the way to go. This method gives you a tangible copy of your iPad's data, offering an additional layer of security.

Simply connect your iPad to your computer, open iTunes or Finder, and initiate the backup process. This straightforward method ensures you have a physical copy of your data on hand, providing peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Wrap Up

Of all the common iPad issues, an iPad stuck on the loading screen is one of the most common. As you can see from the solutions above, you can overcome this problem.

Start with a force restart and then implement the more complex solutions as needed: just be sure to follow the instructions outlined above.