How to Fix iPad Pro 12.9 Stuck: Easy Solution

Bolded Quick Summary:
If your iPad Pro 12.9 is stuck, a forced restart is usually the easiest and quickest fix. Simply hold the power and volume buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears. This common troubleshooting step can resolve many temporary software glitches, getting your powerful tablet back in action without data loss.

It can be pretty startling when your beautiful, big iPad Pro 12.9 suddenly freezes up, maybe showing the Apple logo and refusing to budge. You might feel a bit of panic, especially if you’re in the middle of an important task or just want to relax with a movie.

Don’t worry! This situation, often called being “stuck on the Apple logo” or simply a frozen screen, is more common than you might think. It’s usually a temporary software hiccup that can be resolved with a few simple steps.

The good news is that fixing a stuck iPad Pro 12.9 is often straightforward. We’ll walk you through the easiest solutions step-by-step, so you can get back to enjoying your device in no time. Keep reading to learn how to bring your iPad back to life.

Why Does My iPad Pro 12.9 Get Stuck?

Several things can cause your iPad Pro 12.9 to freeze or get stuck on the Apple logo. Most of the time, it’s a minor software glitch. Sometimes, an app might not close properly, or a background process could get tangled up, leading to a system freeze.

Other culprits can include issues during iOS updates. If an update is interrupted or doesn’t install correctly, it can leave your iPad in an unusable state. Occasionally, corrupted system files or even insufficient storage space can contribute to performance issues that might manifest as a frozen screen.

It’s also worth mentioning that a low battery can sometimes play a role, though it’s less common for it to cause a complete freeze on the Apple logo itself. Think of it like a computer that needs a quick reboot to clear its temporary memory and start fresh.

The Easiest Solution: Force Restart Your iPad Pro 12.9

This is your go-to method for almost any iPad issue, especially when the screen is unresponsive or stuck on the Apple logo. A force restart is like a hard reset; it shuts down and restarts your iPad’s operating system without erasing any of your data. It’s incredibly effective for clearing out minor software bugs.

Steps to Force Restart Your iPad Pro (with Face ID)

If your iPad Pro 12.9 model has Face ID (meaning it doesn’t have a Home button), the process is specific. You’ll need to press a sequence of buttons. This method works for iPads released in 2018 and later.

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 (also known as the power button or side button). Keep holding it down.

4. Continue holding the Top button until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. This might take about 10-15 seconds.

5. Once the Apple logo shows up, you can release the Top button. Your iPad should now start booting up normally.

Steps to Force Restart Your iPad Pro (with Home Button)

If your iPad Pro model has a physical Home button, the restart process is slightly different and simpler. This applies to older iPad Pro models that still feature a circular Home button below the screen.

1. Press and hold both the Home button and the Top button (power button) at the same time.

2. Keep holding both buttons down. Don’t let go!

3. Continue holding them until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This usually takes around 10-20 seconds.

4. As soon as the Apple logo appears, let go of both buttons. Your iPad will then begin its startup sequence.

After the force restart, your iPad Pro should boot up just like it normally does. Check to see if it’s responsive and if the issue is resolved. For most users, this single step is all that’s needed to get their iPad working again.

When the Force Restart Isn’t Enough: Other Solutions

If you’ve tried the force restart and your iPad Pro 12.9 is still stubbornly stuck on the Apple logo or won’t boot up properly, don’t despair! There are other steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. These usually involve connecting your iPad to a computer to perform more advanced recovery actions.

The next logical steps involve putting your iPad into Recovery Mode. This mode allows your computer to communicate with your iPad to try and fix software issues. It’s a more in-depth process but often very effective.

You will need a computer (Mac or Windows PC) and the latest version of Finder (on macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on macOS Mojave or earlier, or Windows) for these next steps. Ensure your iPad is charged or connected to power before proceeding.

Solution 2: Update or Restore iPadOS via Recovery Mode

Recovery mode is a special mode that allows your device to communicate with a computer. It’s designed to help you out of tricky software situations, like when your iPad is stuck in a boot loop or on the Apple logo and won’t respond to a force restart.

When you put your iPad into Recovery Mode, you’ll get two options on your computer: ‘Update’ or ‘Restore’. The ‘Update’ option tries to reinstall iPadOS without erasing your data. This is usually the preferred first choice. If that doesn’t work, you might need to use the ‘Restore’ option, which will erase your device and install a fresh copy of iPadOS.

Steps to Put Your iPad Pro into Recovery Mode

The process for entering Recovery Mode is very similar to a force restart, but you keep holding the buttons until a Recovery Mode screen appears — on your iPad, not just the Apple logo.

1. First, connect your iPad Pro 12.9 to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure your computer has the latest version of iTunes or Finder running. If you use an older Mac or a Windows PC, you’ll need iTunes. For newer Macs running macOS Catalina or later, use Finder.

2. Perform the first two steps of the force restart for your iPad model:

   • For iPads with Face ID: Press and quickly release Volume Up, then press and quickly release Volume Down.
   • For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold the Home button.

3. Now, press and hold the Top button (or side button) on your iPad. For iPads with a Home button, you are already holding it down.

4. Crucially, keep holding the Top button (or Home and Top buttons) even after you see the Apple logo.

5. Continue holding the button(s) until you see the Recovery Mode screen. This screen typically shows a computer and a cable icon, with text like “Update” or “Restore” displayed in a window on your computer.

6. Once you see the Recovery Mode screen, you can release the button(s).

Updating or Restoring via Recovery Mode

After your iPad is in Recovery Mode and connected to your computer, a message will pop up on your computer:

• If prompted to Update or Restore:

  • Click Update. Your computer will try to reinstall iPadOS without erasing your data. This is the best option if you want to avoid losing your files and settings.

    Your computer will download the software for your device. If the download takes longer than 15 minutes, your iPad will exit Recovery Mode, and you’ll need to repeat steps 1-6 to enter Recovery Mode again.

  • If the ‘Update’ option fails or doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to click Restore. This option will erase all settings and content on your iPad and install a fresh copy of iPadOS. You will need to restore from a backup afterwards if you have one.

    Before you choose ‘Restore’, make sure you have backed up your iPad recently. You can check for any available backups in Finder/iTunes.

Wait for the process to complete on your computer. Your iPad will restart automatically and should boot up normally. If it was an update issue, it might boot into setup.

For more detailed, official instructions on putting your iPad into Recovery Mode and subsequent steps, you can refer to Apple’s support page: Apple Support: If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t turn on or is frozen.

What if the Display is Black?

Sometimes, a frozen iPad Pro 12.9 might also have a black screen, making it seem like it’s completely dead. If you suspect it’s frozen but the screen is black, the force restart procedure is still the first thing to try. The steps are the same as described earlier.

If you perform the force restart and still get a black screen, ensure your iPad has been charging for at least an hour. A completely depleted battery can sometimes make the screen appear black and unresponsive.

If it remains black after charging and attempting a force restart, you might need to connect it to a computer. If the computer recognizes the iPad (you might hear a chime or see it appear in Finder/iTunes), then you can try the Update or Restore process via Recovery Mode as outlined in Solution 2.

If your computer doesn’t recognize the iPad at all, and it remains black even after prolonged charging and multiple force restart attempts, it might indicate a more serious hardware issue. In such cases, contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store for professional diagnosis is the best course of action.

Troubleshooting Tips and Considerations

While a force restart or Recovery Mode usually does the trick, there are other factors to consider if your iPad Pro 12.9 continues to act up. Being proactive with maintenance can prevent these issues in the first place.

Check Your iPad’s Storage Space

An iPad Pro with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or even 1TB storage is a marvel. However, if your actual used storage gets critically low, your iPad can become sluggish and prone to freezing. When your iPad is running out of space, it struggles to manage temporary data and background processes.

• How to Check Storage: Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage.

• What to Free Up: Look for large apps, unnecessary downloaded videos, old photos, and redundant files. You can offload apps you don’t use often or delete large files. Utilizing iCloud Photos and streaming services can also help manage storage effectively.

Having at least 10-15% of your storage free is a good rule of thumb for optimal performance.

Update Apps Regularly

Just like your iPadOS needs to be up-to-date, your apps do too! Developers often release updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and ensure compatibility with the latest iOS versions. An outdated app can sometimes cause system instability.

• How to Update Apps: Open the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, and then tap Update All or update individual apps.

It’s a good habit to check for app updates when you notice a system-wide issue.

Review Recently Installed Apps

Did the freezing start happening right after you installed a new app? Sometimes, a new application might have conflicts with your iPad’s system or other apps. If you suspect a new app is causing problems, try uninstalling it to see if the issue stops.

• How to Uninstall: Tap and hold the app icon on your Home Screen until a menu appears. Select Remove App, then Delete App.

If your iPad becomes stable after uninstalling the app, you’ve likely found the culprit. You can try reinstalling it later if an update becomes available.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried all the software troubleshooting steps—force restart, Recovery Mode with update and restore—and your iPad Pro 12.9 is still stuck or exhibiting issues, it might be time to consider a hardware problem. This is especially true if the device has been dropped, exposed to liquid, or suddenly stopped working without any apparent software trigger.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support directly. They have advanced diagnostic tools and can guide you through further complex troubleshooting or arrange for a repair if needed. You can visit them online, over the phone, or at an Apple Store.

Summary of Solutions and Their Likelihood of Success

To give you a quick overview of which solution to try first and what to expect, here’s a handy comparison:

Solution	Description	Ease of Use	Likelihood of Fixing Stuck Issue	Data Loss Risk
Force Restart	Reboots the iPad’s operating system without deleting data.	Very Easy	High (for most common software glitches)	None
Recovery Mode: Update	Reinstalls iPadOS without erasing your personal data.	Moderate (requires a computer)	High (for more persistent software issues)	Low
Recovery Mode: Restore	Erases the iPad completely and installs a fresh copy of iPadOS.	Moderate (requires a computer)	Very High (for deep software corruption)	High (all data erased, needs backup restoration)
Professional Help (Apple Support)	Diagnosis and repair from Apple technicians.	Depends on availability	Very High (especially for hardware issues)	Depends on the service

This table should help you prioritize your troubleshooting efforts wisely. Always start with the simplest, least invasive methods first!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Will forcing a restart delete my apps or data on my iPad Pro?

A1: No, a force restart (also called a hard reset) is designed to reboot the operating system. It’s similar to restarting a computer and does not erase any of your apps, photos, settings, or other personal data. Your iPad will simply start up again, and all your information will remain intact.

Q2: My iPad Pro is stuck on the Apple logo and won’t turn on after an update. What should I do?

A2: This is a common scenario after a failed or interrupted software update. First, try a force restart (press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears). If that doesn’t work, connect your iPad to a computer and try the “Update” option in Recovery Mode. This reinstalls iPadOS without deleting your data. If “Update” fails, then consider “Restore” in Recovery Mode, but be aware this erases your iPad.

Q3: How long does it take for an iPad Pro to update or restore in Recovery Mode?

A3: The time it takes can vary significantly depending on your internet speed for downloading the software and the speed of your computer. Typically, the download can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour. The actual installation process on your iPad usually takes another 15-30 minutes. If the process on your computer times out (usually after 15 minutes for the download), your iPad might exit Recovery Mode, and you’ll need to start again.

Q4: Can I fix a stuck iPad Pro 12.9 without a computer?

A4: The easiest fix, the force restart, can be done without a computer. However, if the force restart doesn’t work, and you need to use Recovery Mode to update or restore your iPadOS, a computer (Mac or Windows PC) with the latest Finder or iTunes is essential. Apple’s devices are designed to work in conjunction with computers for these more advanced troubleshooting steps.

Q5: My iPad Pro screen is black, but I think it’s still on. How do I fix it?

A5: If your iPad Pro has a black screen but seems to be on (you might hear sounds or feel vibrations), first try a force restart. If that doesn’t bring the screen back, connect it to a power source for at least an hour. Then, attempt the force restart again. If it’s still black, connect it to a computer. If the computer recognizes it, try the Recovery Mode Update option. If the computer doesn’t recognize it at all, it might be a hardware issue.

Q6: What is the difference between “Update” and “Restore” in Recovery Mode?

A6: The “Update” option in Recovery Mode aims to reinstall iPadOS while keeping your existing data, apps, and settings. It’s like a fresh install of the operating system over the top of itself. The “Restore” option is more drastic; it erases everything on your iPad and installs a brand-new copy of iPadOS. After a restore, you’ll need to set up your iPad as new or restore from a backup.

Q7: How can I prevent my iPad Pro from getting stuck in the future?

A7: To minimize future issues, ensure you always have sufficient free storage space (at least 10-15% free), keep your iPadOS and all apps updated to their latest versions, avoid force-closing apps unnecessarily (iOS manages memory well), and ensure your iPad has enough battery before starting major tasks or updates. Also, ensure software updates download over a stable Wi-Fi connection.

Conclusion: Getting Your iPad Pro 12.9 Back in Action

Experiencing a frozen iPad Pro 12.9 can be a moment of frustration, but as we’ve explored, it’s rarely a permanent problem. The vast majority of these issues are software-related and can be swiftly resolved with the troubleshooting steps outlined here.

Starting with a simple force restart is almost always the quickest and easiest way to get your iPad responsive again. For more persistent problems or issues arising from software updates, entering Recovery Mode and choosing the ‘Update’ option can effectively fix your iPad without the worry of losing your precious data. If all else fails, the ‘Restore’ option offers a clean slate, though it requires restoring from a backup.

Remember, technology can sometimes hit a snag, but knowing these simple fixes empowers you to handle them confidently. Your iPad Pro 12.9 is a powerful tool, and with these tricks up your sleeve, you can ensure it stays that way. So, if you find yourself stuck on that Apple logo, take a deep breath, follow these steps, and soon you’ll be back to enjoying everything your incredible iPad has to offer.