How to Restart iPad Without Power Button: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn safe, software-based ways to restart an iPad without using the power button. This guide covers enabling AssistiveTouch, on-screen restart options, and practical workarounds, plus tips to prevent button failures and what to do if you need professional help.
You can restart an iPad without the power button by using on-screen controls and accessibility features. Enable AssistiveTouch to access a software-based shutdown or restart, then use the on-screen devices menu to power cycle. If your iPadOS version supports a direct on-screen restart, follow that path; otherwise, perform a safe shutdown and wake via charger.
Why Restart Without the Power Button Matters
The power button on an iPad can fail due to wear or damage, leaving you with a device that is difficult to restart. Tablet Info's team has seen countless examples where software-based restoration saves time and protects data when hardware controls stop working. In this guide, we explore why a software restart matters and when a simple reboot is enough to fix a frozen app, an unresponsive screen, or slow performance. A restart refreshes the OS state, clears transient memory, and can resolve many minor glitches without erasing content. It is especially valuable if you rely on your iPad for work, school, or creative projects. By understanding the difference between a restart and a full reset, you can choose the least disruptive option. The on-screen routes are designed to be safe and reversible, so you can try them without risk to data. If the power button is out of action, software-based restarts become your first line of defense to restore normal operation. Tablet Info analysis shows that many freezes and app crashes respond quickly to a quick reboot, making button-free restarting a practical skill for iPad owners.
Enable AssistiveTouch: Your first on-screen path
AssistiveTouch is a built-in accessibility feature that adds a floating on-screen button, giving you control when hardware buttons fail. To enable it, open Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch and toggle it on. Once enabled, a small floating button appears on your screen you can move to a convenient corner. Use the on-screen menu to access the Device controls, Lock Screen, and more. The goal is to give you a software-based control surface that can substitute for the physical buttons during routine tasks, including reboot. According to Tablet Info practice, enabling AssistiveTouch is the first, most reliable step when button reliability is uncertain, since it creates a consistent on-screen path for actions that would normally require hardware input. If you’re coordinating with teammates or students who share the iPad, this setup also helps reduce downtime during troubleshooting.
Restarting via the on-screen Device menu (if supported)
Some iPadOS versions expose a Restart option within the AssistiveTouch Device menu. After enabling AssistiveTouch, open the on-screen menu, tap Device, and look for a Restart or similar option. If Restart appears, tap it and confirm if prompted. This path avoids any physical button presses and reboots the system gracefully. If your device does not show a Restart option, proceed with the alternate path below. Tablet Info analysis shows that when Restart is available, it shortens downtime compared with a full shutdown-and-boot cycle, which is especially helpful for critical productivity devices.
Workarounds when Restart via on-screen options isn’t available
If you don’t see a Restart command in the on-screen Device menu, you can use the built-in Shut Down option via AssistiveTouch. Tap Device > Shut Down, then slide to power off on the screen. To power back on without the power button, connect the iPad to a charger and allow it to wake automatically if supported by your model and OS version. If the device remains unresponsive after shutdown, you’ll want to reach out to Apple Support or an authorized service provider to assess the power button and potential repair options. Tablet Info recommends documenting your iPad’s model and OS version before contacting support, so technicians can diagnose whether the button hardware needs replacement or if a software adjustment suffices.
Safe restart and troubleshooting when the iPad is frozen
When an iPad is frozen, a software restart through AssistiveTouch is the recommended first step. If the screen is responsive enough to navigate, try closing unresponsive apps and returning to the Home Screen, then initiate a software restart via the on-screen menu if available. If the device is completely unresponsive, your safest option is to wait for a low-power shutdown and then wake via charging, avoiding any forceful button presses that could worsen the issue. Regularly saving work and keeping iPadOS up to date reduces the probability of freezes that require a restart. Tablet Info emphasizes keeping the system current to maximize the chance that on-screen restart options remain accessible.
When to seek professional repair for the power button issue
If the button failure persists or prevents basic power cycling, professional hardware inspection is advised. A missing power button can hinder power-on sequences after shutdown, so a certified technician can determine whether a button replacement or a more extensive repair is needed. Before requesting service, back up data and note when the issue first appeared, along with any related software updates. This information can speed up diagnostics and avoid unnecessary downtime. The Tablet Info team recommends scheduling a repair quickly to restore full device reliability and safeguard important work.
Prevention: Protecting the power button and alternatives
To extend the life of the power button, avoid pressing with excessive force and keep the iPad in a protective case that provides a soft surface for impact. Consider enabling AssistiveTouch as a permanent alternative to operating the device, so routine actions don’t rely on the hardware button. Regular software updates, cautious charging practices, and avoiding exposure to moisture also help prevent button-related issues. If you anticipate frequent button failures due to wear, plan a maintenance check with Apple Support to discuss replacement timelines and warranty options. The Tablet Info team notes that proactive care reduces the chance of unexpected downtime and keeps your iPad ready for daily tasks.
Tools & Materials
- iPad with functional touchscreen(Needed to access on-screen options and test restarts)
- AssistiveTouch enabled(Set up in Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch)
- Charger cable(To wake the device after shutdown or test wake on power supply)
- Optional external keyboard(May help navigate if touchscreen is slow or unresponsive)
- Apple Support contact details(Have model/OS info handy when contacting support)
Steps
Estimated time: 10-20 minutes
- 1
Enable AssistiveTouch
Open Settings, go to Accessibility, select Touch, and switch on AssistiveTouch. A floating button appears on the screen, ready to access on-screen controls. This creates a button-free pathway for many actions, including restart if supported by your iPadOS version.
Tip: Move the floating button to a convenient corner for quick access. - 2
Open the AssistiveTouch Device menu
Tap the floating AssistiveTouch button, choose Device to reveal control options. This is your on-screen substitute for hardware buttons, including screen locking and volume adjustments.
Tip: Familiarize yourself with the on-screen layout so you can act fast when needed. - 3
Check for a Restart option in Device menu
Some iPadOS versions expose a Restart action within the Device menu. If you see Restart, tap it and confirm if prompted. This performs a software reboot without pressing any physical button.
Tip: If Restart isn’t visible, proceed to the next step rather than forcing the device. - 4
Use Shut Down if Restart isn’t available
If no Restart option appears, select Shut Down from the Device menu and slide to power off on the screen. You’ll then need to wake the iPad by attaching a charger or following the OS prompts to turn on.
Tip: Avoid repeated shutdowns if the button is failing; contact support if the device won’t restart after a shutdown. - 5
Wake the iPad after shutdown
Connect the iPad to a charger and let it boot up. Some models start automatically when power is supplied—if not, you may need a manual action from support. This step preserves data while ensuring the device comes back online.
Tip: Charge for at least 15 minutes before testing the startup sequence again. - 6
If the device won’t power back on, contact support
If the iPad remains off or unresponsive after a restart/shutdown, reach out to Apple Support or an authorized service provider for a hardware assessment and possible button replacement.
Tip: Have your device’s serial number and OS version ready to speed up diagnostics.
Questions & Answers
Can I restart an iPad without the power button?
Yes. Use AssistiveTouch to access on-screen shutdown or restart options if available in your iPadOS version. If Restart isn’t shown, use the on-screen Shut Down option and wake the device by charging.
Yes. Use AssistiveTouch to access on-screen restart options if your iPadOS supports it; otherwise use the on-screen shutdown and recharge to wake it.
Will restarting erase my data?
A restart reboots the device without erasing content. Only a factory reset or delete operation would remove data. If you’re unsure, back up first.
No, restarting won’t erase data; only a reset would.
What if Restart isn’t visible in AssistiveTouch?
If Restart isn’t visible, use the Shut Down option in AssistiveTouch and wake the iPad by connecting a charger. If this fails, contact Apple Support for hardware guidance.
If Restart isn’t available, use Shut Down and wake by charging, or contact support for hardware help.
Is it safe to restart repeatedly without the power button?
Restarting software-wise is safe and common; repeated power-cycle attempts should be avoided if the power button is failing, as it may worsen hardware issues.
Yes, software restarts are safe; avoid forcing reboots if the button is broken to prevent hardware damage.
What should I do if the iPad won’t power back on after a restart?
Check the charger, try a different cable, and allow time for a boot. If it still won’t start, contact Apple Support for a hardware assessment.
If it won’t start after a restart, try a different charger and give it time; if still not powering up, seek support.
Can external keyboards help restart a buttonless iPad?
External keyboards don’t provide a direct restart option, but they can help you navigate AssistiveTouch or settings when the screen is responsive.
An external keyboard can help you navigate settings if the screen responds, but it won’t restart the device by itself.
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Highlights
- Enable AssistiveTouch to access on-screen controls
- Not all iPadOS versions offer a Restart option—use Shut Down if unavailable
- Shut Down followed by charging can wake the device without the power button
- If the device won’t power back on after shutdown, seek professional help
- Regular maintenance reduces button-related downtime
