iPad Pro (2018) Unresponsive After iOS Update? Here’s How to Fix It

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If your iPad Pro suddenly stopped responding after installing an iOS update, you’re not alone. Post-update bugs can cause serious performance issues — like freezing, crashing apps, or an iPad that won’t respond at all. Here’s how to troubleshoot and (hopefully) revive your iPad Pro without needing a trip to the Genius Bar.

1. Close Background Apps and Force Restart

Unresponsive behavior can stem from rogue apps left running during the update.

To force close background apps:

  • From the Home screen, swipe up from the bottom and pause in the middle.
  • Swipe left or right to find open apps, then swipe up on each one to close.

Then, force restart your iPad Pro (2018):

  • Quickly press and release Volume Up
  • Quickly press and release Volume Down
  • Press and hold the Top/Power button until the Apple logo appears

Check if your iPad responds normally after rebooting.

2. Update All Your Apps

Outdated apps can conflict with the new iOS version and cause freezing or lag.

  • Open the App Store
  • Tap your profile icon
  • Scroll to see available updates
  • Tap Update All

Once the updates are done, restart your iPad and see if the issue is resolved.

3. Reset All Settings

If the update messed with your custom settings, reset them without wiping your data.

  • Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad
  • Tap Reset > Reset All Settings
  • Enter your passcode and confirm

This will restore system defaults for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Notifications, etc., without deleting personal data.

4. Restore Your iPad Using iTunes or Finder

If your iPad is still unresponsive, a system restore may be necessary.

  1. Connect your iPad to a computer with iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later)
  2. Put your iPad in Recovery Mode:
    • Press and release Volume Up
    • Press and release Volume Down
    • Press and hold the Top button until the Recovery Mode screen appears
  3. On your computer, choose Restore iPad

This erases and reinstalls the latest version of iOS.

5. DFU Mode Restore (Advanced Step)

Still stuck? Try a deeper restore using DFU Mode.

  1. Connect your iPad to your computer
  2. Press and release Volume Up
  3. Press and release Volume Down
  4. Hold the Top button until screen turns black
  5. After 5 seconds, press and hold Volume Down (with Top still held)
  6. After another 5 seconds, release the Top button but keep holding Volume Down

If done right, your screen stays black but iTunes/Finder will detect the iPad in DFU mode. Click Restore to reinstall iOS completely.

Other Things You Can Try

  • Use a Third-Party iOS Repair Tool – tools like Reiboot, iMyFone Fixppo, or Dr.Fone can help repair system glitches without data loss
  • Contact Apple Support – especially if your iPad is still under warranty
  • Visit a Service Center – for hardware diagnostics if the iPad remains unresponsive

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