If your iPad won't switch off, you may be concerned that something is really wrong with it.However, there are lots of simple ways to fix this problem. This article explains what can make an iPad not turn off and 10 ways to fix it.

We also have the solution if you've got the opposite problem where your iPad won't turn on.

Why Won't My iPad Shut Off?

The problems that can cause an iPad not to be able to shut off fall into two broad categories: software problems and hardware problems.

• Software problems:Many kinds of software problems can cause this (too many to list in a short article, in fact), but the vast majority of these issues have to do with iPadOS. In some cases-less common, but they're still valid-the software problem has to do with a specific app.
• Hardware problems:The most common hardware problem that can stop an iPad from turning off is when one of the buttons you used to shut off the iPad is broken. If the Home, Volume, or Side buttons aren't registering a press that's required to turn off the iPad, the tablet won't be able to shut down. If your iPad can't shut off because the button is broken, skip right to Step 8 in the next section.

How Do You Fix an iPad That Won't Turn Off?

If your iPad won't switch off, fit it by trying these suggestions, in this order.

1. Force the iPad to restart. Sometimes the iPad just needs a reset to snap it out of not shutting down. Since the iPad won't respond to normal commands, try a force restart. How you do that depends on your model:

   • iPads without a Home Button:Press Volume Up, then press Volume Down. Finally, press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.
   • iPads with a Home button:Press and hold the Home and top buttons at the same time until the Apple logo appears.
     

2. Turn off the iPad from the Settings app. There's a manual shutdown option in Settings that works even if the physical buttons are broken. Go toSettings>General>Shut Down, then move the slider to the right.

   Can't open the Settings app? If nothing on your tablet works like it should, our guide on fixing a frozen iPad would be more useful.

3. Update the iPad's operating system viaSettings>General>Software Update. New versions of iPadOS often include bug fixes, one of which might fix your iPad not turning off.

4. Shut down the iPad using AssistiveTouch. If your iPad won't shut down due to a hardware problem with one of its buttons, adding a virtual restart button can mimic the standard restart operation.

   Go toSettings>Accessibility>Touch>AssistiveTouch, then switch the feature on by tapping the button at the top. ChooseCustomize Top Level Menuand chooseDevicefor one of the buttons. When you need to shut off your iPad, tap the AssistiveTouch button and go toDevice>More>Restart.

5. Use Siri to turn off the iPad. This is another workaround if you can't shut down your iPad. If Siri is enabled, you can trigger it to switch the iPad off by saying "Turn off iPad." Just tapPower Offwhen you see the prompt.

6. Reset your iPad's settings viaSettings>General>Transfer or Reset iPad>Reset>Reset All Settings>Reset. If there's a severe software issue at play, it could be stopping the iPad from shutting down.
   

   Completing this step will restore the iPad to its factory settings. The only way to keep your personal files and apps is to back up your iPad first and then restore the backup afterward.

7. Wait for the battery to die. Is it ideal? No. But, it will turn off the iPad if the buttons don't work and you can't open Settings.

8. Put your iPad into recovery mode. This helps solve serious software problems without requiring you to delete data from your iPad. This is a good option if nothing has worked so far.

9. Try DFU Mode. If recovery mode doesn't help you switch off your iPad, your next step is Device Firmware Update (DFU) Mode. This is a more comprehensive OS-level software reset than recovery mode. It's trickier to use, but worth a shot.

10. Contact Apple for support. If you've tried all of these steps and your iPad still won't turn off, you need the experts. Make an appointment with the closest Apple Store for in-person support, or get online support through Apple's support website.

• How do I fix a disabled iPad?

  If you're locked out of your iPad after too many failed passcode attempts, you have to take some extreme methods to get back in. Unfortunately, you'll need to remotely reset your tablet to factory settings using iCloud: go to iCloud.com and log in, and then go toFind iPhone> select your iPad >Erase iPad. This process will erase everything on your iPad, but you can restore it from a backup afterward.

• How do I fix a frozen iPad?

  Occasionally, your iPad might become unresponsive. Possible fixes include a force restart, charging the battery, and freeing up space by deleting apps.