If your iPad Pro is acting up, running low on battery, or you just want to shut it down before packing it away, turning it off is simple once you know where Apple hides the control. Maybe you are switching accounts, troubleshooting a frozen app, or just trying to give the device a clean restart. In any case, this guide walks you through the fastest ways to power off an iPad Pro, step by step.
The good news is that shutting down an iPad Pro takes only a few seconds. You do not need any special tools, and you do not need to dig through deep settings unless the buttons are not working. Below, you will find the main method, a few alternative ways to do it, plus answers to common questions and troubleshooting tips if your device is stuck or unresponsive.
Quick Summary
- Press and hold the top button and a volume button at the same time.
- When the power slider appears, drag slide to power off.
- If the iPad Pro is frozen, use the force restart method instead.
Tutorial – How to Turn Off an iPad Pro Using the Buttons
This is the standard way to power down an iPad Pro. It works on most modern models and only takes a moment once you know the button combo.
Step 1: Press and hold the top button and either volume button
Press and hold the top button and either volume up or volume down at the same time.
After a second or two, you should see the power-off screen appear. If you hold too long, you may trigger Siri or another action, so just hold until the slider appears.
Step 2: Wait for the power slider to appear
Keep holding until the slide to power off slider appears on the screen.
You will usually also see options like Emergency SOS or Medical ID on some iPadOS versions. Once the slider is visible, you can let go of the buttons.
Step 3: Drag the slider to the right
Touch the slide to power off slider and drag it all the way to the right.
The screen should go black after a few seconds. That means the iPad Pro has fully powered off.
Step 4: Confirm the iPad is off
Wait a few seconds and make sure the display stays dark.
If the screen is black and does not respond when you tap it, the device is off. To turn it back on later, press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.
Alternative Methods or Edge Cases
If the standard button method does not work, here are a few other ways to handle it.
Use AssistiveTouch if buttons are hard to press:
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch, turn it on, then tap the floating menu, choose Device, and select Lock Screen. This locks the iPad, but it does not fully power it off. It is useful when you want to stop using it quickly without shutting it down.Force restart if the iPad Pro is frozen:
Press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears. This does not turn the iPad off permanently, but it is the best option if the screen is stuck.Turn off from a drained or unresponsive battery state:
If the battery is nearly dead, the iPad Pro may shut itself down automatically. Plug it into a charger for a few minutes, then try the button method again.Use a scheduled shutdown alternative through habits, not settings:
iPadOS does not offer a native scheduled power-off feature. If you only want less activity, use Do Not Disturb or Focus instead of shutting the device down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off my iPad Pro delete anything?
No. Powering off your iPad Pro does not delete apps, photos, emails, or files. It just shuts down the device safely.
How do I turn my iPad Pro back on?
Press and hold the top button until you see the Apple logo. Then wait for the lock screen to load.
What if the power slider does not appear?
Make sure you are pressing the top button and a volume button at the same time. If that still does not work, try a force restart.
Can I turn off an iPad Pro without using the buttons?
Yes, in some cases you can use AssistiveTouch for certain controls, but there is no built-in software option that fully replaces the power-button shutdown flow in every situation.
Is turning off the iPad Pro the same as locking it?
No. Locking just puts the screen to sleep. Turning it off shuts the whole device down.
Why would I want to turn off my iPad Pro?
Common reasons include saving battery, fixing minor glitches, changing accounts, or preparing the device for storage or travel.
Tips
- If your iPad Pro is acting strangely, a full shutdown can often clear temporary glitches.
- If you use a keyboard case, remove it if it seems to interfere with the button press.
- Keep the iPad charged if you plan to leave it off for a long time, since batteries can drain slowly even when not in use.
- If you have trouble with the buttons, check whether your case is blocking the top button or volume buttons.
- A restart is often enough for performance issues, so try that before more advanced troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting
- If the slider never appears, press the top button and a volume button again, but make sure you are holding them together and not one after the other.
- If the screen is frozen, use the force restart method. That is often the fastest way to recover an unresponsive iPad Pro.
- If the buttons feel stuck or unresponsive, remove your case and try again. Some cases press against the buttons too tightly.
- If the iPad seems off but keeps waking, make sure it was fully shut down and not just locked. A dark screen does not always mean the device is powered off.
- If nothing works, connect the iPad Pro to a charger for at least 15 minutes, then try again. A completely drained battery can make the device seem dead.
- If the iPad still will not respond, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store, especially if the buttons may be damaged.
Conclusion
Turning off an iPad Pro is quick once you know the right button combo. In most cases, you only need to hold the top button and a volume button, then drag the power slider.
If the iPad is frozen or the buttons are not cooperating, a force restart or a charger check usually solves the problem. With these steps, you can power down your iPad Pro cleanly and get back to work, travel, or troubleshooting with less hassle.

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.