iPad screen going black every few minutes

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Level 1

8 points

iPad screen going black every few minutes

My elderly sister has reported that whenever she tries to do anything with her iPad, which is less than three years old, the screen keeps going black. After a short while the screen she was working on reappears - so she carries on, say, writing an email and then the screen goes black again. She says it is driving her crazy!

I managed to talk her into backing up her device and then 'reset' all settings, but the problem continues.

What else can I suggest before she has to send it back to Apple for repair?

iPad Pro 9.7-inch WiFi

Posted on Jul 22, 2020 5:27 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

LotusPilot

Community+ 2024

Level 10

291,542 points

Jul 22, 2020 5:42 AM in response to Hawkerm8

If a backup has been created - and Reset All Settings doesn’t resolve the issue - the next logical step is to Erase All Content and Settings.

This will completely erase the iPad - and upon conclusion of the reset, you can restore all locally stored data from the iCloud/iTunes backup to the iPad.

If the issue remains unresolved, you’ll perhaps need to consider a full restore of the iPad - which installs a fresh copy of the most recent version of iOS/iPadOS that is supported by the iPad. Again, you’ll have opportunity to restore data from backup to the iPad:

Restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod to factory settings – Apple Support

I hope this guidance proves to be helpful in resolving the issue.

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Answer 2

Hawkerm8 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 23, 2020 3:51 PM in response to LotusPilot

It says .....

Get your device ready

Make sure your Mac or PC is updated. If you’re using iTunes, make sure you have the latest version. If you can’t access a computer and your device still works, you can erase and restore your device without a computer.

That's what we've done.

My sister doesn't HAVE a computer - just her iPad.

So what now?

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Answer 3

Jul 23, 2020 3:31 PM in response to Hawkerm8

To repeat myself one more time, this procedure will completely reinstall the Operating System:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201252

= Restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod to factory settings – Apple Support

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Answer 4

Hawkerm8 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 23, 2020 2:28 PM in response to LotusPilot

Thank you for your kind response.

I'm pleased to report that we managed to Erase All Content and Settings.

We then restored the iPad from Back-up and the iPad is once again functional. However, the fault still persists.

I cannot determine how what we've done is any different to a "full restore". To me it appears to be the same procedure.

My sister doesn't want to lose the data currently stored on her iPad.

Thanks for any further help.

BTW, it's actually an iPad Pro 10.5 A10Fusion - running iOS 13.6 It was purchased in November 2017

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Answer 5

Jul 23, 2020 3:16 PM in response to Hawkerm8

Restoring to Factory Settings will also install a fresh copy of iPadOS - whereas the Erase All Content and Settings merely resets the existing installation. If the current installation is corrupt, or otherwise damaged, reset of the current installation will not resolve the problem.

The levels of reset are progressively “bigger hammers”. We start with a light touch, moving through the necessary steps towards what is hoped will be a fix. So far, you’ve attempted the fist two of the three system resets.

If the final Factory Reset procedure fails to improve matters, you may reasonably conclude that your iPad is beyond the reach of self-help.

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Answer 6

Jul 23, 2020 4:20 PM in response to Hawkerm8

Use of a PC or Mac cannot be avoided.

If you don’t have access to a PC or Mac (which doesn’t have to be yours - that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice), then your last option is to take your iPad along to the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store - where the technicians may be able to help.

If you instead elect to seek assistance from the Apple Support Team, they will have you run through the steps that you have already completed - and then suggest that you connect your iPad to PC or Mac to perform a Factory Reset (using the procedure to which you have been introduced) - and/or to attempt to run a remote diagnostic. Without PC/Mac, you’ll not be able to proceed.

Should you decide to directly contact Apple Support, you’ll find the Contact Support link at top-right of this page.

Sorry, but there is nothing more that I can offer.

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Answer 7

Jul 24, 2020 3:59 AM in response to Hawkerm8

You’re welcome.

I do hope you manage to resolve the problem. The key to success would appear to be you being able to find someone with a PC/Mac with the correct software installed - or a visit to your Apple Store.

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Answer 8

Hawkerm8 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 24, 2020 6:55 AM in response to LotusPilot

Indeed. It's the least of her problems at the moment. Her husband (87) has been in hospital for the last 10 days and is going to be discharged into a care home. Sad. :-(

Of interest, perhaps ...... I've just spoken on the telephone to my daughter who yesterday travelled with her family to stay with her mother-in-law. MIL has exactly the same problem with HER iPad!!! Might this be a much wider fault caused, perhaps, by an iOS 'Software Update'? Just a thought!

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