Sometimes when you're using your iPad, the screen can suddenly go black with a spinning wheel on the screen. This is a common problem that is often referred to as an iPad getting stuck on the loading screen.
If this is what you are experiencing, we have a list of troubleshooting solutions that may be very useful to you.
There are a lot of reasons why your iPad may be stuck on the loading screen. The following are the most common of them:
Since it will sometimes work to resolve the issue or at the very least give you access to your device, we recommend that you start with a force restart. Even if it works temporarily, you can backup your data before attempting any more solutions. Here's how to force restart your iPad:
If the problem occurred while transferring data or restoring the device in iTunes, it may be very important to check the USB cable you are using as well as the USB port. You may even benefit from trying to use a different USB cable or connecting the iPad to a different USB port on the device.
If you are unable to determine the problem or a new USB cable still presents problems, you can try to use a different computer. After that we recommend that you plug your iPad in to a charger and let it charge for a while before trying to restart it.
Having outdated software on your iPad can also cause problems with the device's function which may in turn cause it to get stuck on the loading screen.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:
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.
If the above 3 solutions fails to work, we suggest that you try an iOS system repair tool such as TinyFix, which is one of the best troubleshooters that can help you get to the bottom of the issue and repair your iPad in minutes, even if you are unsure of what is causing the problem.
This program is specifically designed to repair up to all common kinds of iPadOS issues and even provides a safe and simple platform to refresh the operating system on the device without any issues and data loss.
What's more, it is compatible with all iPad models and all versions of iPadOS and it also has a simple user interface that can make the repair process very simple.
Here's how easy it is to restore your iPad to normal function using TinyFix:
Manually putting your iPad in recovery mode can be a great way to resolve any stuck issues on your iPad. The process is different for the different iPad models. Here's how to do it:
iTunes will prompt you to restore or update the device. Choose "Update" first and allow iTunes to install the latest iPadOS.
If you are unable to update the device, choose "Restore" and iTunes will erase the device and restore it to factory settings.
If all other solutions don't fix the issues, you can try the deepest form of restore possible, Device Firmware Update (DFU) restore. DFU is different from all other forms of restore in that it will reload the iPad's firmware, not just the software. This is especially essential if hardware malfunctions are affecting the software function of the device as firmware reprogramming can control how the hardware works.
Because this solution is often considered too much, Apple doesn't provide the steps you need to perform a DFU restore. But iMore has described the entire process in this article previously. If the process doesn't work, come back here for additional solutions.
If none of the solutions above fixes 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 you find the software fixes we have recommended above 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 very easily replace any hardware parts that may be causing the problem.
Of all the common iPad stuck issues, an iPad stuck on the loading screen is one of the most common. And 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.
Mako is a technical freelance writer with a passion for all things tech. Whether you're wondering about how to fix your iPhone or trying to get something to work in your settings, Mako is your go-to for professional help. He loves writing, testing solutions, and most of all, making sure his research is factually accurate.