iPad Pro 2018 (4th Gen) Low/Red Battery Boot Loop?

My iPad is trapped in a dead battery boot loop, almost always displaying the red/dead battery symbol and it is refusing to charge OR connect to my computer. My iPad has not suffered any damage and it’s lightly used a few times a week.


Things I have already tried:

  • Changing power cable, brick, and outlet. Each time the charger works on other devices, but not the iPad. Have also cleaned the port thoroughly with alcohol. Have left it to attempt to trickle charge for 2 days.
  • Entering recovery mode. Attempting to do so only displays the dead/red battery symbol needing a power source. When I connect a cable, the charging symbol disappears, but it will not take or hold a charge, or power on. I have tried both the hard restart and recovery mode many, many, many times.
  • Entering DFU mode. Same as attempting to enter recovery mode. Only the dead battery screen and no computer connection.
  • Connecting to my computer. It will not pick up in Devices & Printers, Apple Devices, iTunes, or ReiBoot. 3rd party repair software cannot detect it and subsequently cannot repair it.
  • Temperature changes. I have both tried the hair dryer method and the freezer method, to no avail.

Very occasionally it will display the Apple logo then boot to the Home Screen. At which point I very quickly try all previous attempts while it’s on, but with no result and it quickly dies again and returns to the dead battery boot loop.


I am at a loss. I can’t justify taking in a piece this old for repair, and I can’t afford to replace it. Any out-of-the-box ideas would be appreciated, thanks.




iPad Pro, iPadOS 18

Posted on May 9, 2025 5:43 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 10, 2025 1:45 AM

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


Rechargeable batteries are consumable items - and will eventually fail. Unfortunately, you have just two options:

1) Replace the iPad's battery.

2) Replace the iPad.


iPad Repair and Service - Apple Support



For practical purposes, in lieu of replacing the battery and returning your own iPad, Apple usually exchange the iPad for a renewed/refurbished iPad of the same model and specification. The cost of the exchange is the same as would otherwise be charged for the battery exchange. The replacement device will benefit from a new battery, new casing and will have a limited warranty.


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1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 10, 2025 1:45 AM in response to Swordcerer

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


Rechargeable batteries are consumable items - and will eventually fail. Unfortunately, you have just two options:

1) Replace the iPad's battery.

2) Replace the iPad.


iPad Repair and Service - Apple Support



For practical purposes, in lieu of replacing the battery and returning your own iPad, Apple usually exchange the iPad for a renewed/refurbished iPad of the same model and specification. The cost of the exchange is the same as would otherwise be charged for the battery exchange. The replacement device will benefit from a new battery, new casing and will have a limited warranty.


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iPad Pro 2018 (4th Gen) Low/Red Battery Boot Loop?

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