How to Put iPad in Recovery Mode: User Guide in 2026

Recovery Mode is a useful troubleshooting feature that can help fix many serious iPad problems, such as an iPad stuck on the Apple logo, a frozen screen, failed iPadOS updates, or an unavailable device after entering the wrong passcode too many times. By putting your iPad into Recovery Mode, you can update or restore the system through iTunes or Finder and get the device working again.

In this guide, you'll learn what iPad Recovery Mode is, when and how to put different iPad models into Recovery Mode step by step. We'll also show you how to exit Recovery Mode safely and fix an iPad that gets stuck in it.

Part 1: What Is Recovery Mode on iPad?

Recovery Mode is a built-in troubleshooting feature on the iPad that allows your computer to detect and repair the device when the system is not working properly. When your iPad enters Recovery Mode, it displays a computer and cable icon on the screen, indicating that it needs to connect to Finder or iTunes for updating or restoring.

People often use Recovery Mode when the iPad:

• Gets stuck on the Apple logo
• Won't turn on normally
• Keeps restarting
• Fails during an iPadOS update
• Shows an unavailable or disabled screen

Once the iPad is in Recovery Mode, you can choose to:

• Update the device without deleting data.
• Restore the iPad to factory settings if updating does not work.

Part 2: How to Put iPad in Recovery Mode

The steps to put an iPad into Recovery Mode are slightly different depending on whether your iPad has a Home button. Before you begin, make sure you have a computer with the latest version of Finder or iTunes and a working USB cable.

Method 1. Put an iPad without a Home Button into Recovery Mode

This method works for newer iPad models with Face ID.

1. Connect your iPad to the computer using a USB cable.
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
3. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
4. Press and hold the Top button.
5. Keep holding the button even after the Apple logo appears until you see the Recovery Mode screen.

Method 2. Put an iPad with a Home Button into Recovery Mode

This method applies to older iPad models with a physical Home button.

1. Connect the iPad to your computer.
2. Press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button at the same time.
3. Continue holding both buttons until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

Method 3. Put iPad in Recovery Mode Using Finder or iTunes

After your iPad enters Recovery Mode, Finder or iTunes will detect a problem with the device and provide options to update or restore it.

• On Mac running macOS Catalina or later, open Finder.
• On Windows PC or older Mac versions, open iTunes.

Then follow the on-screen instructions to update or restore your iPad.

Part 3: How to Exit Recovery Mode on iPad

If you no longer need Recovery Mode, you can manually force restart your iPad to exit it. The steps depend on your iPad model.

Method 1. Exit Recovery Mode on an iPad without a Home Button

1. Disconnect the iPad from the computer.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
3. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
4. Press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears.

Method 2. Exit Recovery Mode on an iPad with a Home Button

1. Disconnect the iPad from the computer.
2. Press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together.
3. Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears.

Method 3. Restore the iPad via Finder or iTunes

If your iPad is stuck in Recovery Mode and cannot exit normally, you may need to restore it using Finder or iTunes.

1. Open Finder or iTunes on your computer.
2. Connect the iPad with a USB cable.
3. Select your iPad when it appears.
4. Click "Restore iPad" and follow the instructions to reinstall iPadOS. (iPad Won't Restore or Update?)

Part 4: What If iPad Stuck in Recovery Mode

Sometimes, an iPad may become trapped in Recovery Mode and fail to restart normally. If this happens, don't worry - there are several methods you can try to get the device back to normal. Below are two common fixes.

Fix 1. Force Restart the iPad

A force restart can often help the iPad exit Recovery Mode without restoring the device.

1. Press and hold the Home button and the Top (Sleep/Wake) button simultaneously.
2. Keep holding both buttons for about 10 seconds.
3. Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears on the screen.

If successful, the iPad will reboot normally and leave Recovery Mode.

Fix 2. Restore the iPad with iTunes

If the force restart does not work, you can try restoring the iPad through iTunes or Finder.

1. Open iTunes on your computer and connect the iPad using a USB cable.
2. Once the device is detected, click the iPad icon in iTunes.
3. Select the "Restore iPad" option and follow the prompts to reinstall the system.

Fix 3. Recover iPad with Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery

In some cases, restoring or repairing an iPad stuck in Recovery Mode may lead to data loss. If important files disappear after the repair process, you can use a professional recovery tool to retrieve them. One reliable option is Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery.

This iOS data recovery program helps recover deleted or lost files from iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. It also supports extracting data from iTunes and iCloud backups without overwriting existing content on your device.

Key Features of Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery

• Recover data directly from iOS devices, iTunes backups, and iCloud backups.
• Recover data lost due to accidental deletion, system crashes, failed updates, or factory resets.
• Supports recovery of photos, contacts, messages, notes, call logs, WhatsApp data, and more.
• Simple and beginner-friendly interface that requires no technical skills.
• Supports most iPhone, iPad and iOS versions, including iPad 10/9/8/Pro/Air/mini, etc.

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How to Recover iPad Data with Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery:

Video Guide:

Conclusion

Putting an iPad into Recovery Mode can help fix many common system problems, such as update failures, boot loops, or an unresponsive device. In this guide, we explained how to enter and exit Recovery Mode on different iPad models and what to do if the iPad gets stuck in it. If data loss occurs during the repair process, tools like Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery.

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