How to fix frozen iPad after iPadOS 26 update during Apple Pay setup?

My mother’s iPad is effectively stuck after updating to iOS 26. It is entirely responsive until the option to “set up Apple Pay” appears during the new update set-up. Because it freezes at this point, I can’t do anything. I’m able to sign into the wifi prior to this however. Even when I do attempt to set up Apple Pay for her, it gets stuck on the screen which says:


”Complete additional steps in wallet. Once you’ve finished setting up your new iPad, go to wallet to complete additional steps that some card issuers require to prevent fraud”


I’ve tried to factory reset it via my computer, however it says it’s not connected to Find My and thus I’m able to factory reset it, despite being connected and displaying on her iPhone — I assume it’s due to the newly installed iOS update. Moreover, I’ve tried to reset it via “find my


How do I resolve this? This is a brand new A16 iPad, and I’ve already repeatedly tried to do a hard reboot of the device. It’s unfair that a simple iOS update on a newly purchased device can prevent it from being used.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iPad frozen after update.

Posted on Dec 19, 2025 8:15 AM

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Posted on Dec 22, 2025 12:15 AM

I encountered the same thing with a brand new iPad Mini recently purchased few days ago.

Came with iOS 18 installed. Did some basic set up but didn't touch the wallet. Then let it update to iOS26, and I got the same hanging if I tried to skip / "do it later" option. Tried restarting the iPad several times, same result. Didn't matter if it was connected to Wifi or not.


Eventually, I tried just adding a real credit card I had with me to it.

It worked.

Then just removed the credit card from Apple Wallet after the initial questions were done and I could use the iPad normally.

26 replies

Dec 25, 2025 7:40 AM in response to 1ambulletproof

Unfortunately, we don’t own a Mac that works anymore (battery died YEARS ago) so everyone I know uses Windows. I imagine a lot of people are in the same boat. Plugging it in and unplugging it to a Windows Computer — one with both iCloud and iTunes installed — didn’t make a difference unfortunately.


Planning on going to an Apple Store after Christmas to see what they will do.

Dec 25, 2025 3:23 PM in response to celina53

I had to do the volume up, volume down hold the power button until it power cycled, then once it’s back on you hold the power button until a list of options come up and press “restart setup” or something similar to that. It’ll delete any info you’ve added to set up and start from the beginning.


from there you just skip everything it asks you in order to get to the Home Screen and do it after the fact.

Dec 28, 2025 2:49 AM in response to lowbar

lowbar wrote:

Most of us don't have Mac computers. Need a viable solution for people without Macs.


You can use a Windows PC with iTunes for Windows - or for Windows 10/11, Apple Devices installed. Ensure that your installed version of iTunes/Apple Devices has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support


Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS



Dec 28, 2025 8:08 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks for the very helpful reply. I should have clarified I don't have *any* computer. Tablet and phone meet all my computery needs. I have a 2015 iPad That still works for many of my key apps, I will just keep using this old one until I can get to an apple store (unfortunately closest one is > 2.5 hours away. If they are able to offer a simpler suggestion and have not pushed a fix to all before then I will be sure to share their advice here!

Dec 28, 2025 8:41 AM in response to lowbar

lowbar wrote:

Thanks for the very helpful reply. I should have clarified I don't have *any* computer. Tablet and phone meet all my computery needs. I have a 2015 iPad That still works for many of my key apps, I will just keep using this old one until I can get to an apple store (unfortunately closest one is > 2.5 hours away. If they are able to offer a simpler suggestion and have not pushed a fix to all before then I will be sure to share their advice here!

Do you have any friends with a computer? Any electronics stores such as Microcenter or Best Buy?

How to fix frozen iPad after iPadOS 26 update during Apple Pay setup?

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