iPad Pro Playing Notification Sounds in Silent Mode? Here’s How to Fix It (iOS 13)

If your iPad Pro (2018) keeps playing notification sounds even when set to silent, you’re likely dealing with a known iOS 13 bug. Normally, silent mode should suppress alerts — but after an update, things can get a bit glitchy. Luckily, this is usually fixable with some quick tweaks. Here’s how to stop those unwanted notification sounds in silent mode.

1. Check the Silent Mode Toggle (Control Center)

Even though the iPad doesn’t have a physical mute switch like the iPhone, you can still toggle silent mode through Control Center.

Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center
Tap the bell icon to mute your device (it should appear with a slash when muted)

After toggling it off and on, test to see if alert sounds stop.

2. Restart Your iPad Pro (Soft Reset)

If the sound continues, a reboot can flush out post-update glitches.

Press and hold the Power button + Volume Down button until the power slider appears
Slide to power off
Wait 30 seconds, then press the Power button again to turn it back on

3. Lock Alert Volumes in Settings

Make sure your iPad’s alert volumes aren’t being accidentally changed.

Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics
Turn Change with Buttons OFF

This locks your current ringer and alert volume so it doesn’t get changed accidentally.

4. Update Your Apps

A buggy or outdated app could be triggering rogue notification sounds.

Open the App Store
Tap your profile icon
Scroll down to Pending Updates
Tap Update All

After updates are installed, restart your iPad and test again.

5. Reset All Settings

If rogue configurations are triggering sounds in silent mode, this will restore defaults without erasing your data.

Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings
Enter your passcode and confirm

This resets Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound, and display settings — but leaves your personal data untouched.

6. Factory Reset (If Nothing Else Works)

If nothing works, you can perform a full reset. This will wipe everything, so back up first.

Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings
Confirm and follow the prompts

Afterward, set up your iPad as new. If you’re still getting sounds in silent mode, it may be a deeper iOS issue.

7. Advanced Fix: Restore via iTunes or Finder

You can try restoring your iPad using a recovery mode or DFU mode restore if the bug is embedded deep in iOS:

Recovery Mode: Erases and reinstalls iOS while keeping your firmware intact
DFU Mode: Wipes everything — including the firmware — for a full clean install

Use these as a last resort if the issue persists after a factory reset.

Still Not Fixed? Contact Apple Support

If your iPad Pro continues to play sounds while in silent mode even after all these steps:

Report the bug to Apple Support
Or visit an Apple Store for a hardware diagnostic (just in case)