How do I fix immovable and unresponsive widgets on new iPad after iOS 18.3.2 update?

I just bought a new ipad yesterday and had it all updated to the latest 18.3.2 but the widgets seem to be very broken ln mine after the update. This is my first ipad so I am not sure if this is a touch screen or hardware issue but when I use the tablet elsewhere the issue doesn’t show up.


to be specific, the widgets on my ipad are immovable, i have to restart my tablet for them to move but then after a few seconds they freeze again. Making a stack of widgets makes them static (not swiping to the other widget) and they cant be resized whatsoever. I can only move the larger widgets but then that is one in 20 chances that they work. I cannot find a credible article or post that addresses this at all in the internet.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Mar 22, 2025 11:48 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 23, 2025 3:34 AM

Two basic troubleshooting steps to perform (test after each attempt):

A) I suggest that you put it on charge for at least half an hour, then, keeping it plugged in, try a "forced" restart of your iPad, using these instructions:

  • On an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the power button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
  • On other iPad models: In rapid sequence, press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the power button. Only when the Apple logo appears (it might take 10-20 seconds), release that button (ignore all other screens that might appear, the one with the "slider" to turn the device off included).


B) If the issue persists, something could have gone wrong during the latest update procedure.

I would try to install a fresh copy of iOS/iPadOS (the latest available/supported by your device model). To do this, create a full backup of your iPhone/iPad (1), then restore it to factory settings (you need a computer to perform this step) and, in the end, set it up as new (2).

When done, restore data from your previously made backup (3).

Follow the instructions provided in these support articles:

(1) How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch – Apple Support

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

(3) Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup


If the issue still persists, I suggest that you contact Apple Support directly, using this link:--> Contact Apple for support and service , or make an appointment (*) and have your device inspected at an Apple Store or AASP (Apple Authorized Service Provider) among this list:--> https://locate.apple.com/choose-country-region . After checking it out, they'll give you all the available options.

Regards

Giulio


(*) You can do it:

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 23, 2025 3:34 AM in response to Ejaypee

Two basic troubleshooting steps to perform (test after each attempt):

A) I suggest that you put it on charge for at least half an hour, then, keeping it plugged in, try a "forced" restart of your iPad, using these instructions:

  • On an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the power button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
  • On other iPad models: In rapid sequence, press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the power button. Only when the Apple logo appears (it might take 10-20 seconds), release that button (ignore all other screens that might appear, the one with the "slider" to turn the device off included).


B) If the issue persists, something could have gone wrong during the latest update procedure.

I would try to install a fresh copy of iOS/iPadOS (the latest available/supported by your device model). To do this, create a full backup of your iPhone/iPad (1), then restore it to factory settings (you need a computer to perform this step) and, in the end, set it up as new (2).

When done, restore data from your previously made backup (3).

Follow the instructions provided in these support articles:

(1) How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch – Apple Support

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

(3) Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup


If the issue still persists, I suggest that you contact Apple Support directly, using this link:--> Contact Apple for support and service , or make an appointment (*) and have your device inspected at an Apple Store or AASP (Apple Authorized Service Provider) among this list:--> https://locate.apple.com/choose-country-region . After checking it out, they'll give you all the available options.

Regards

Giulio


(*) You can do it:

Mar 23, 2025 4:20 AM in response to Ejaypee

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


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.





If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

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


Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, 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/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 - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How do I fix immovable and unresponsive widgets on new iPad after iOS 18.3.2 update?

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