iPad Stuck On Loading Screen? What to Do When Your iPad Won’t Go Beyond the Apple Logo Screen

iPad Stuck On Loading Screen

While updating the software, my iPad Pro gets stuck on the Apple logo screen with a progress bar below it. 

I've tried restarting it, but it only shows a white Apple logo on a black screen. Restoring it didn't help, and it won't connect to iTunes or my computer. Are there any other solutions to fix the frozen Apple logo?

Sometimes, when you're using your iPad for tasks like booting up, resetting, upgrading, transferring data, or restoring, it might take a while. 

However, if any of these processes go on for an hour or more, it could lead to the iPad getting stuck on the Apple logo and not booting up properly. Although it might seem complicated, you can often fix the issue yourself with some troubleshooting.

First, let's understand why my iPad is stuck on the Apple logo.

This issue is typically caused by:

  • Common operating delays
  • System glitches
  • Bugs in iOS updates (e.g., iOS 11, 12, 13)
  • Third-party security software
  • Jailbroken devices
  • Malfunctioning hardware or charging accessories

This guide will help you fix an iPad stuck on the Apple logo screen, whether it's showing a white screen with a black Apple logo or a black screen with a white Apple logo. 

Follow these steps to revive your device quickly and avoid future issues. These steps apply to all iPad models, including iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini.

Solution 1: Perform a Force Restart.

Let's begin by ruling out some common causes:

  1. Wait for at least 30 minutes to see if the iPad is just experiencing a temporary slowdown during a software update or restoration.
  2. If the Apple logo appears but the iPad doesn't respond when connected to a computer, check the USB cable, lightning port, and computer USB port for any issues.
  3. Your computer's security software might be blocking access, causing the iPad to freeze on the Apple logo. Try disabling the security software and try again.

If the Apple logo persists, try restarting the device. If you can't access the “slider to power off” option, perform a force restart, which won't result in any data loss.

For iPads with a Home button:

  • To restart your iPad, hold down both the Power and Home buttons at once until the screen goes dark. Once the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

For iPads without a Home button:

  • Press and release the Volume Up button quickly.
  • Press and release the Volume Down button quickly.
  • Press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

If a hard reset results in the iPad continually turning off, restarting, and getting stuck at the Apple logo, or if you can't perform a forced reboot, move on to the next step.

Solution 2 – Enter Recovery Mode on iPad

Updating to the latest iOS or iPadOS software version can help resolve the issue. This action addresses underlying settings bugs or software conflicts. You can update the firmware via iTunes or Finder, but if your device isn't recognized, you'll need to use Recovery mode.

To update via iTunes or Finder:

  1. Connect your iPad to your computer and open iTunes or Finder.
  2. Enter Recovery mode:
  • For iPads with a Home button: Hold both the Home and Power buttons until the recovery mode screen appears.
  • For iPads with Face ID: Press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and finally hold the Power button until the recovery mode screen appears.

  1. In iTunes or Finder, a dialog box will appear. Click on “Update”.

Your computer will then attempt to reinstall the latest software version while preserving your personal data and files. Afterward, your iPad should restart normally and no longer be stuck on the Apple logo.

Solution 3 – Use a Robust Troubleshooter

iOS System Recovery is a powerful tool designed to fix various iOS and iPadOS system glitches. 

It scans the device and automatically troubleshoots to resolve issues like being stuck at the Apple logo. It's safe to use and won't result in data loss. Here's how to use it:

  • Before proceeding, install the iOS System Recovery software on your computer
  • Launch the program and connect your iPad to the computer.
  • Click on “More tools” at the bottom left corner.
  • Select the “iOS System Recovery” tab.

  • Press the Start button. Then, click on the Fix button in the window that appears to proceed.

  • Next, select “Standard Mode” and click Confirm to implement the changes.

  • Choose the newest firmware version for your iPad model and click the Next button.

  • Afterward, click on the Fix button to address an iPad stuck on the Apple logo without a loop.

Solution 4 – Restore from DFU Mode

DFU restore is a last resort for fixing software-based issues on your iPad. It erases all data, so use it only if other solutions fail or your iPad is unresponsive. Remember to back up your data before proceeding.

For iPads with a Home button:

  • Hold down both the Power and Home buttons for 10 seconds.
  • Release the Power button but continue holding the Home button for 5 seconds.
  • Release the Home button when you see a message on iTunes or Finder indicating DFU mode.

For iPads with Face ID:

  • Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button.
  • Press and hold the Power button for 3 seconds.
  • While holding the Power button, press and hold the Volume Down button for 10 seconds.
  • Release the Power button but continue holding the Volume Down button for 5 seconds.
  • Release the Volume Down button when you see a message on iTunes or Finder indicating DFU mode.
  • Click OK on the message, then choose Restore and Update to proceed with the restoration process.

Once completed, your iPad will be reset to its factory settings, removing any faulty software causing it to display only the Apple logo. 

iTunes or Finder will then install a healthy firmware onto the device automatically. Simply wait for the process to finish, and your iPad should function normally again.

Solution 5 – Seek help from Apple to resolve the iPad stuck on the Apple logo

Hardware issues are uncommon but can cause the iPad to freeze on the Apple logo. To confirm this, contact Apple Support, make a Genius Bar reservation, or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider for assistance.