iPad is stuck in infinite 'boot up loop'. How do I reset?

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iPad is stuck in infinite 'boot up loop'. How do I reset?

I have a 3rd generation iPad that's a WiFi only model and the 64GB model.

I have been using a version of iOS 7 on it for awhile and at times it would mysteriously reboot. I could be in the middle of using it or I could even not be using it at all and simply see it restart.

With the release of iOS 8 I installed the new version hoping it may fix this issue. Sadly it got much worse. I was able to get into the device a few times but for the last 5-6 days I can't get into it. It simply is stuck into a constant reboot loop. It shows the Apple logo like it's restarting but it never fully restarts. It makes a sound like a beep and then begins restarting once again. This is a never ending loop. I even left it unplugged so that the battery would run down and then plugged it in again but that didn't help. I also read on Google how you can put it into restore mode by pressing the home button while connecting to the computer/iTunes but that also didn't help.

I don't know if upgrading to iOS 8.0.2 will fix the problem. Probably not but I've never done a reset. The iPad was backed up about 2 weeks ago to iCloud so I'd like to get into it if possible to do a factory reset and wipe the device so that I can upgrade to iOS 8.0.2 and then reinstall all apps. Yet I don't know how to do this if I can't get into the device.

I have tried the reset where I hold down the sleep/wake button the same time as the home button but that doesn't help. I also tried connecting it to iTunes to do a reset but it won't let me do anything with it unless I enter the passcode on the iPad and it never boots to the point of where I can do that. Also, I thought of doing a reset on iCloud (marking it as a lost iPad to do a reset) but I realize this will only work if it boots enough to get to iCloud.

Unfortunately this is the one Apple device that I didn't get AppleCare on so there is not a warranty on it. I hope I'm able to somehow do a hard reset on it without booting it. That is my hope but if I have to take it into Apple would there be a charge for this?

Thanks

iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi, iOS 5.1

Posted on Sep 29, 2014 6:51 PM

Reply

Answer 1

pedro d

Community Specialist

Oct 2, 2014 7:59 AM in response to markwco10

Hello there, markwco10.

The following Knowledge Base article offers some great, in-depth instruction on troubleshooting the issue you're having with your iOS device:

iOS: Not responding or does not turn on

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3281

If a single application is not responding or stops responding when it opens, you can force it to close.

If the device is unresponsive or if certain controls aren't working as expected, restart your device.

If the device remains unresponsive or does not turn on (or power on), reset your device.

If there is no video or if the screen remains black, verify that the device has enough charge to turn on:

If you are using an iPad, ensure that it's connected to the USB Power Adapter supplied with the device.

Let it charge for at least twenty minutes, then see if it starts normally.

If there is no image on the screen, press the Sleep/Wake button to attempt to wake the device.

If the screen displays a red battery icon, continue charging the device until the battery is fully charged. Learn more about charging iPhone and iPod touch, or iPad.

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, or the if the screen remains black or shows a persistent Apple logo, try restoring with iTunes:

Connect the device to your computer and open iTunes.

If the device appears in iTunes, select and click Restore on the Summary pane. Learn more about restoring iOS software.

If the device doesn't appear in iTunes, try to force the device into recovery mode, and then restore it.

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact Apple.