ipad in recovery mode, but blank screen

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Level 1

8 points

ipad in recovery mode, but blank screen

The ipad seems to be in recovery mode - when plugged in to power, it displays the "iTunes" icon w/cable pointing to it. When I connect it to a computer w/iTunes on it (tried Mac and PC), it does nothing - the screen stays black, and the computer does not detect it.

I tried multiple button combinations to reboot it or ensure it goes into recovery mode, such as pressing the power button and/or home button for various lengths of time, and nothing changes.

I left it plugged in to power multiple days to make sure it was not simply dead. There has never been a dead battery icon. The screen seems totally functional, as the iTunes icon is bright and clear.

iPad 2, iOS 9

Posted on May 22, 2021 6:51 AM

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Answer 1

rose_10

Community Specialist

May 23, 2021 8:40 AM in response to vacation101

Hi vacation101,

Thank you for posting in Apple Support Communities. From our understanding, you're attempting to restore your iPad but it is not being recognized by your computer, do we have that right? Have you tried the steps in this article: If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod?

Hope that help!

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Answer 2

karina184

Community Specialist

May 24, 2021 7:28 AM in response to vacation101

vacation101,

Third-party security software can interfere with the computer recognizing the device on your Mac. You can test it by disabling and removing the software temporarily, restarting your Mac and then attempting to restore the iPad again.

Good Luck!

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Answer 3

i_rina

Community Specialist

May 23, 2021 1:54 PM in response to vacation101

vacation101,

Do you have any third-party security software on your Mac or on the PC? Also, do you have any other device that is recognized by either computer? What do you see in Finder on your Mac when you connect the iPad?

Check out Resolve issues between iTunes and third-party security software

If this continues, you may want to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. Depending on your region, you may be able to reach them here: Get Support.

Take Care!

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Answer 4

vacation101 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 23, 2021 12:26 PM in response to rose_10

I'm trying to do anything with it - wipe, restore...

I've done what steps I can, but it doesn't power on, yet indicates it's in recovery mode as soon as I plug it in to power. As soon as I disconnect from power, the recovery mode screen goes away and the screen stays black. It has not shown a low battery screen at any time, and I've had it on the charger for days.

When I plug it into either my Mac (latest MacOS) or Windows 10 PC, it does not power on, and neither computer detects it. I've tried three different cables and various USB ports on the computers.

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Answer 5

vacation101 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 23, 2021 7:19 PM in response to i_rina

I have virus software + malwarebytes on both, but I also regularly connect multiple iphones (family) and ipads with no problem.

When this one is connected, nothing shows in Finder, as if it isn't connected. I would think the device is dead, except for how quickly it shows the recovery mode (itunes icon) screen when plugged in to power. It just never does anything other than that.

It may be time to recycle it.

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ipad in recovery mode, but blank screen

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