Restarting your iPad without the power button might seem tricky, but it’s totally doable with a few simple steps. You can use the on-screen tools in iOS to get the job done without needing to fix or replace that button. Let’s dive into the details so you can get your iPad back up and running smoothly.
How to Restart iPad Without Power Button
The following steps will guide you through restarting your iPad using on-screen tools. This method involves using AssistiveTouch, a handy feature in iOS that allows you to control your device with on-screen buttons.
Step 1: Open Settings
Head to the “Settings” app on your iPad.
Navigating to the Settings app is the first step. It’s typically found on your home screen as an icon that looks like gears. Once you’re in, you’re on your way to accessing AssistiveTouch.
Step 2: Go to Accessibility
Within Settings, scroll down and tap on “Accessibility”.
The Accessibility menu offers various options to aid users in interacting with their devices more easily. Scrolling down to find this option might take a second, but it’s usually towards the middle of the list.
Step 3: Enable AssistiveTouch
In the Accessibility menu, find and tap on “Touch”. Then, select “AssistiveTouch” and toggle it on.
AssistiveTouch creates a floating button on your screen that you can use to access different functions, including restarting your device. You’ll see this button appear as soon as you enable AssistiveTouch.
Step 4: Open AssistiveTouch Menu
Tap on the AssistiveTouch button that appears on your screen.
The button typically shows up as a gray square with a white circle in the middle. Tapping it will reveal a set of options that mimic physical buttons.
Step 5: Select Device
In the AssistiveTouch menu, tap on “Device”.
This menu option allows you to control various hardware functions of your iPad. It’s the key to finding the restart function without needing the power button.
Step 6: Tap on More
After selecting Device, tap on “More”.
The More option opens up additional controls. It’s like digging a bit deeper into the menu to find just the right command.
Step 7: Choose Restart
Finally, tap on “Restart” to reboot your iPad.
You’ll get a prompt asking if you’re sure you want to restart. Confirm this, and your iPad will begin the reboot process. It’s that simple!
After you follow these steps, your iPad will shut down and then start up again. This might take a minute or so, but once it’s done, your iPad should be running as if you had used the power button.
Tips for Restarting iPad Without Power Button
- Familiarize Yourself with AssistiveTouch: This feature can do more than just restart your iPad. Explore its other functions for a better user experience.
- Keep Your iOS Updated: Ensuring your device has the latest software can prevent issues that might require frequent restarts.
- Use AssistiveTouch for Other Controls: Besides restarting, you can lock the screen, adjust volume, and take screenshots.
- Consider a Backup Method: If you often need to restart, look into backing up your data regularly to avoid any mishaps.
- Seek Professional Help: If your power button is consistently problematic, it might be worth getting it fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn off my iPad without the power button?
You can use AssistiveTouch to turn off your iPad. Follow the same steps as restarting up to Step 6, then choose “Shut Down” instead.
Can I restart my iPad using Siri?
No, Siri cannot restart your iPad. You’ll need to use AssistiveTouch or another manual method.
What if AssistiveTouch isn’t working?
If AssistiveTouch isn’t working, try restarting your iPad through another method, or check your settings to ensure it’s properly enabled.
Does using AssistiveTouch drain my battery faster?
No, AssistiveTouch doesn’t significantly impact your battery life. It’s designed to be a lightweight tool.
Is there another way to restart my iPad without the power button?
AssistiveTouch is the most straightforward method. However, if you’re near a computer, you can connect your iPad to iTunes and restart it from there.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Go to Accessibility
- Enable AssistiveTouch
- Open AssistiveTouch Menu
- Select Device
- Tap on More
- Choose Restart
Conclusion
Restarting your iPad without the power button is not only possible but also quite easy with the use of AssistiveTouch. This feature is a lifesaver when hardware buttons fail, allowing you to control your device with just a few taps. It’s a handy tool to know about, and now that you’re familiar with it, you’ll likely find other uses for AssistiveTouch as well.
If you encounter any issues or if AssistiveTouch isn’t responding, it might be a sign to update your software or even check with a professional. Regularly backing up your iPad is always a good practice, just in case.
For further reading, consider exploring more about iOS’s Accessibility features. These tools are designed to make using your device easier and more efficient, no matter what challenges you might face. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a smoother, hassle-free experience with your iPad!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.