User profile for user: Vandq
Vandq Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

Ipad bootlooping/not powering on/ powering off after minutes of activity


I have an iPad Air 5th gen with iPad OS 18.3 . Last week it started boot looping for an hour before stopping. Two days ago, it started boot looping again for several hours before eventually stopping and booting normally but then shutting off as it was  then last evening. Yesterday afternoon, it was working normally before it started bootlooping but for much longer and when it stopped bootlooping, it would either:

a) Remained powered off despite repeated attempts to power it on and despite the battery being charged (no sign of battery damage or severe degradation)

b) Power on, functions fine for a few minutes or so before powering off and then either bootlooping again or remaining switched off until it powers on again and switches off subsequently, repeating the cycle .


Now, try as I might, screen won't even light on . In the beginning when it was bootlooping, I thought this was a software issue that could be overcome with a refresh/restart or an update or me installing the firmware via iTunes. Now, with it not even powering on, I'm starting to think there must be a hardware aspect to this, either something inside has come undone or something is damaged. I'm planning on taking it to my authorised apple reseller in my region soon but I thought I might find some answers or options here that I wouldn't have considered.

Thanks in advance

iPad Air, iPadOS 18

Posted on Feb 11, 2025 5:16 AM

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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
User level: Level 10
304,964 points

Posted on Feb 11, 2025 6:09 AM

As described, your iPad battery may have a fault, or may be reaching the end of its usable life. If the battery has failed or is failing, the iPad may unexpectedly turn-off - or may not successfully boot to a running state even when connected to its Power Adapter.


Are you able to use the iPad while remaining connected to your Power Adapter? If yes, while monitoring the indicated battery state, disconnect the Power Adapter; if the indicated battery state suddenly falls, or the iPad shuts-off, this test demonstrates the iPad battery having reached the end of its usable life:

iPad Repair & Service - Apple Support



Otherwise, see >>> If your iOS or iPadOS device restarts or displays the Apple logo or a spinning gear unexpectedly - Apple Support


If your iPad is unresponsive, connect your iPad to its Power Adapter and allow the iPad to charge. Then, while still connected to external power, try a forced-restart:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




If iPad still doesn’t turn on, or if it gets stuck during start up, see the Apple Support article If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won’t turn on or is frozen. Or if your iPad isn’t working correctly after you restart it, see the iPad Support website.


If you continue to experience difficulties, you will need to seek assistance directly from from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
User level: Level 10
304,964 points

Feb 11, 2025 6:09 AM in response to Vandq

As described, your iPad battery may have a fault, or may be reaching the end of its usable life. If the battery has failed or is failing, the iPad may unexpectedly turn-off - or may not successfully boot to a running state even when connected to its Power Adapter.


Are you able to use the iPad while remaining connected to your Power Adapter? If yes, while monitoring the indicated battery state, disconnect the Power Adapter; if the indicated battery state suddenly falls, or the iPad shuts-off, this test demonstrates the iPad battery having reached the end of its usable life:

iPad Repair & Service - Apple Support



Otherwise, see >>> If your iOS or iPadOS device restarts or displays the Apple logo or a spinning gear unexpectedly - Apple Support


If your iPad is unresponsive, connect your iPad to its Power Adapter and allow the iPad to charge. Then, while still connected to external power, try a forced-restart:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




If iPad still doesn’t turn on, or if it gets stuck during start up, see the Apple Support article If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won’t turn on or is frozen. Or if your iPad isn’t working correctly after you restart it, see the iPad Support website.


If you continue to experience difficulties, you will need to seek assistance directly from from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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User profile for user: Vandq
Vandq Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

Feb 11, 2025 7:38 AM in response to LotusPilot

Hello LotusPilot,

Thank you for your response.


Unfortunately the iPad now will not power on, whether plugged in or not so I couldn't try your options . However, in recent times, I didn't notice any significant battery degradation and it could easily last 5 hours or so screen on-time video playback or browsing just a few days ago, so I was thinking maybe some connector had come undone or something most serious happened with the device. In any case I'll probably find out when I visit my local authorized reseller. Again, thank you for your response.

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Ipad bootlooping/not powering on/ powering off after minutes of activity

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