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How to Fix iPad White Screen of Death? 7 Easy Methods

2026-10-10 08:27:55/Posted by Alleny Gavinto iOS Recovery Topic/Follow @ MobiKin

"My iPad Pro stuck on a white screen. I've tried resetting it several times, but that doesn't help. I tried connecting to iTunes, and it doesn't recognize the Pad. So I am not sure what else to try". -- from Apple Support Community

 

Is your iPad stuck on a white screen and refusing to respond? This can happen because of a system glitch, a failed update, or even a hardware issue. The good news is that you can try several fixes before taking your iPad in for repair. In this guide, we'll walk you through practical ways to fix the iPad white screen of death, from a simple force restart to more advanced system recovery methods.

ipad white screen

Part 1: Why Is My iPad Screen White?

An iPad screen can turn white for several reasons. Before trying any fixes, it's helpful to understand what might be causing the problem.

  • System glitches: Temporary iPadOS errors can cause the screen to freeze or turn completely white.
  • Failed iPadOS updates: An interrupted or unsuccessful update may leave your iPad stuck on a white screen.
  • App issues: A buggy or incompatible app may cause the screen to become unresponsive.
  • Corrupted system files: Damaged system files can prevent your iPad from starting up properly.
  • Hardware damage: A recent drop, liquid exposure, or a faulty display component may also be responsible.

See Also:

Part 2: How to Fix White Screen on iPad?

Fix 1: Charge Your iPad and Check for Physical Damage

If your iPad screen suddenly turns white, start with a few simple checks. A low battery or charging issue may prevent the device from starting up properly.

  • Connect your iPad to a working charger and let it charge for at least 30 minutes.
  • Check the charging cable, adapter, and port for visible damage. If possible, try another compatible charger.
  • Press the Power button to see if the screen responds.

If the screen remains white, check your iPad for signs of physical damage, such as cracks, dents, or possible liquid exposure. If you suspect internal damage, avoid opening the device yourself and contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Fix 2: Force Restart Your iPad

If your iPad is stuck on a white screen, a force restart may help resolve temporary system glitches. This process won't erase your data, so you don't need to restore your iPad to try it.

The steps vary depending on your iPad model:

  • For iPads without a Home button: Quickly press and release the volume button closest to the top button, then quickly press and release the other volume button. Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.
  • For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold the Home button and the top button at the same time until the Apple logo appears.

force restart ipad to fix ipad white screen problem

Wait for your iPad to restart. If the white screen persists, move on to the next method.

Fix 3: Update iPadOS Using Recovery Mode

If force restarting doesn't fix the white screen, try updating iPadOS through Recovery Mode. This can help resolve system issues without erasing your data, as long as you choose "Update" instead of "Restore".

  • Connect your iPad to a computer using a USB cable. Open Finder on a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, or open Apple Devices on a Windows PC. If Apple Devices isn't available, you can use iTunes.
  • Put your iPad into Recovery Mode. The button combination depends on your model. For most iPads without a Home button, quickly press and release the volume button closest to the top button, then the other volume button. Press and hold the top button until the Recovery Mode screen appears. For iPads with a Home button, press and hold the Home and top buttons together until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
  • When your computer displays the option to update or restore your iPad, select "Update".
  • Wait for the process to finish, and keep your iPad connected throughout the update.

update ipados using recovery mode to fix ipad white screen problem

If the download takes longer than 15 minutes and your iPad exits Recovery Mode, let the download finish, then repeat the steps to enter Recovery Mode and select "Update" again.

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Fix 4: Update or Delete Problematic Apps

If your iPad screen turns white or becomes unresponsive when using a particular app, the app may be outdated or experiencing a glitch. If you can still access the Home Screen, try updating the app first. If that doesn't help, consider deleting it.

Update iPad apps:

  • Open the App Store on your iPad.
  • Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.
  • Scroll down to see available updates.
  • Tap "Update" next to the problematic app, or tap "Update All" to update all apps.

Delete problematic apps:

  • Touch and hold the app icon on your Home Screen.
  • Tap "Remove App", then select "Delete App" if prompted.
  • Confirm your choice and restart your iPad to check whether the issue is resolved.

delete ipad apps to fix ipad white screen of death

Keep in mind that deleting an app may remove its locally stored data. If your iPad remains stuck on a white screen and you can't access your apps, skip this method and try the next fix.

Fix 5: Restore Your iPad in Recovery Mode

If updating iPadOS through Recovery Mode doesn't fix the white screen, you can try restoring your iPad instead. This reinstalls iPadOS and may resolve more serious system issues. However, restoring your iPad will erase its data, so try this method only if you have a backup or are willing to lose the data stored on the device.

  • Connect your iPad to a computer using a USB cable. Open Finder on a Mac, or Apple Devices on a Windows PC. You can also use iTunes if needed.
  • Put your iPad into Recovery Mode using the button combination for your model.
  • When a prompt appears on your computer, select "Restore" instead of "Update".
  • Follow the on-screen instructions and keep your iPad connected until the process finishes.

put ipad into recovery mode to fix ipad white screen

After the restore is complete, set up your iPad and check whether the white screen is gone. If you have a backup, you can restore your data during setup.

Fix 6: Fix iPad White Screen without Losing Data

If your iPad still shows a white screen after trying the methods above, you can use a dedicated iOS repair tool. iOS System Recovery is designed to fix various iOS and iPadOS issues without requiring a factory reset in its standard repair mode. It works on Windows and Mac, making it an option worth trying before restoring your device.

Main characteristics of iOS System Recovery:

  • Resolve iPhone/iPad white screen of death directly without losing any data.
  • Can fix such iOS issues as iPad/iPhone Touch ID not working, battery drain, device black screen, iDevice screen not responding, iTunes errors, and many more.
  • Offer two repairing modes to help fix various iOS issues.
  • Downgrade and upgrade iPadOS/iOS to the supported version.
  • Apply to overall iDevices, including iPad 11/10/9/8/Pro/iPad Air/mini, etc.
  • It won't interfere with your privacy.

If you find your iPad screen goes white or any other issues on your iOS devices, simply download this program and give it a whirl. It can make your iOS system management much more efficient.

ios system recovery for win ios system recovery for mac

How to fix iPad white screen with iOS System Recovery easily?

Step 1. Install iOS System Recovery on your computer. Launch it and select "More Tools > iOS System Recovery" from its interface.

main screen of ios repair

Step 2. Link your iPad to the same computer with a USB cable and hit "Start" to begin the repairing procedure.

get into the repairing mode

Step 3. This utility will detect the info of your iPad. After that, check it and tap "Repair" to get your iPad repaired. If the detected info isn't correct, choose the right one and then press "Repair" again.

fix ipad white screen with ios system recovery

Step 4. Wait for the end of the repair, reboot your iPad, and you'll find that your device can work just fine.

Fix 7: Restore Your iPad in DFU Mode

If your iPad still shows a white screen after trying the previous methods, restoring it in DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode may help resolve serious system issues. This process reinstalls the device's firmware and software, but it will erase all data on your iPad. Back up your iPad data beforehand if possible.

  • Connect your iPad to a computer using a USB cable, then open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes.
  • Enter DFU mode using the button combination for your iPad model. The steps differ between models with and without a Home button.
  • get ipad into dfu mode

  • Once your computer detects the iPad, follow the on-screen instructions to restore it.
  • Keep your iPad connected until the process is complete, then set it up again.

If the screen remains white even after a DFU restore, the issue may be hardware-related. In that case, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider for further diagnosis.

Conclusion

A white screen on your iPad can be frustrating, but there are several ways to troubleshoot it. Start with a force restart or an iPadOS update, then move on to more advanced recovery methods if needed. If you want to fix system issues without immediately restoring your device, iOS System Recovery is another option to consider. Its standard repair mode is designed to address various iOS and iPadOS problems while preserving your data. However, it's best to back up your iPad beforehand whenever possible.

ios system recovery for win ios system recovery for mac

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Alleny Gavin
Alleny GavinChief Editor
 
A chief editor at MobiKin, brings over a decade of experience in technical writing and holds a B.A. in English Literature. With a background as a Project Manager in the IT industry, he has authored 1000+ articles on MobiKin.com, offering expert solutions for iOS issues. Gavin, a tech enthusiast, effortlessly recommends software with passion and extensive expertise in smartphones and software.
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