How to Power Off a New iPad: The Definitive Guide

So, you’ve got that shiny new iPad in your hands. Congratulations! But amidst the excitement of exploring its capabilities, a seemingly simple question arises: how do you actually turn this thing off? The answer, surprisingly, isn’t always intuitive, especially with Apple’s evolving design philosophy. Fear not, for this guide will walk you through the process with crystal clarity.

To power off a new iPad, the method varies slightly depending on whether your iPad has a Home button or relies solely on Face ID.

• For iPads with Face ID (no Home button): Press and hold either the volume up or volume down button and the top (power) button simultaneously. Keep holding them until the power off slider appears. Then, drag the slider to the right to turn off your iPad.

• For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold the top (power) button until the power off slider appears. Then, drag the slider to the right to turn off your iPad.

Let’s dive deeper and address some common questions about powering off and restarting your iPad.

FAQs: Powering Off and Restarting Your iPad

1. Why Won’t My iPad Turn Off Using the Buttons?

Sometimes, the standard button combination might fail. This can be due to a software glitch, a frozen screen, or even a minor hardware issue. Before panicking, try a force restart. This doesn’t erase your data but forces the iPad to reboot.

• For iPads with Face ID: Press and quickly release the volume up button, then press and quickly release the volume down button, and then press and hold the top (power) button until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold both the Home button and the top (power) button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.

If the force restart doesn’t work, and your iPad is still unresponsive, consider connecting it to a power source. A depleted battery can sometimes mimic a frozen state.

2. How Can I Power Off My iPad Using AssistiveTouch?

AssistiveTouch is a powerful accessibility feature that allows you to control your iPad with on-screen gestures. It can also be used to power off your device.

1. Enable AssistiveTouch: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch and toggle it on.

2. Customize the AssistiveTouch menu: You can customize the icons that appear on the AssistiveTouch menu. This step is optional, but it can make it easier to access the shutdown option.

3. Access the Power Off Option: Tap the AssistiveTouch button, then tap Device > More > Restart. While this says restart, you can then slide to power off the device.

3. Is it Bad to Turn Off My iPad Frequently?

Not at all. In fact, occasionally powering off your iPad can be beneficial. A complete power cycle can help clear temporary files and resolve minor software hiccups, potentially improving performance and battery life. Think of it like rebooting your computer – it’s a good practice to keep things running smoothly. However, there’s no need to turn it off multiple times a day unless you are specifically trying to troubleshoot an issue.

4. How Do I Know If My iPad is Completely Turned Off?

When your iPad is completely powered off, the screen will be entirely black and unresponsive to touch. If you are unsure, press the power button briefly. If nothing happens, it’s off. If the Apple logo appears, it was previously powered off and is now booting up.

5. What’s the Difference Between Powering Off and Restarting?

Powering off completely shuts down the iPad, halting all processes and consuming no power (or a negligible amount). Restarting, on the other hand, is a controlled shutdown and reboot sequence. It closes all apps and processes but immediately restarts the operating system. Restarting is generally faster than powering off and back on.

6. My Power Button is Broken. How Can I Turn Off My iPad?

If your power button is broken, AssistiveTouch is your best friend. Follow the instructions in FAQ #2 to enable AssistiveTouch and use it to access the power off slider.

7. Can I Schedule My iPad to Turn Off Automatically?

Unfortunately, iPadOS does not have a built-in feature to schedule automatic shutdowns. You can set bedtime and wake-up times with the sleep focus to automatically dim the screen and turn off notifications, but this is not the same as shutting down the device completely.

8. Will Turning Off My iPad Save Battery Life?

Yes, absolutely. When your iPad is powered off, it consumes virtually no battery. This is especially useful if you know you won’t be using your iPad for an extended period, such as during travel or overnight. Just remember to charge it before you need it again!

9. My iPad Keeps Turning Off By Itself. What’s Going On?

If your iPad is turning off unexpectedly, it could indicate a few potential issues:

• Low battery: Ensure your battery is adequately charged.
• Software Glitch: Try updating to the latest version of iPadOS.
• Hardware Issue: This is less common but could involve a faulty battery or power management chip. Contact Apple Support for assistance.

10. Can I Power Off My iPad From Another Device?

No, you cannot remotely power off an iPad from another device like an iPhone or Mac using standard Apple features. You can remotely lock it or erase its data using Find My, but powering it off requires physical interaction.

11. Does Turning Off My iPad Delete Any Data?

No, powering off your iPad does not delete any data. All your apps, photos, documents, and settings are safely stored on the device’s internal storage. The only way to delete data is to manually remove it or perform a factory reset.

12. What Should I Do Before Powering Off My iPad for a Long Period?

Before storing your iPad for an extended period (weeks or months), it’s wise to:

• Charge it to around 50%: Avoid storing it fully charged or completely drained, as both extremes can negatively impact battery health over time.
• Power it off completely: This minimizes battery drain during storage.
• Store it in a cool, dry place: Avoid extreme temperatures or humidity.

By following these tips, you can ensure your iPad remains in optimal condition even when not in use. Enjoy your new iPad, and happy powering off!