Have you ever found your iPad Pro stuck in a frozen state, refusing to respond, or perhaps you're facing an update gone wrong? Don't panic! For many iPad users, encountering these issues can be incredibly frustrating. The good news is that there's a powerful troubleshooting tool at your disposal: Recovery Mode. This special state allows your iPad to communicate with iTunes or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later) to reinstall iPadOS, resolve software glitches, and get your device back on track.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through, step-by-step, exactly how to put your iPad Pro into Recovery Mode. We'll cover both models with and without a Home button, ensuring everyone can follow along.
Step 1: Identify Your iPad Pro Model
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, it's crucial to know which iPad Pro model you have. Why? Because the buttons you'll press to enter Recovery Mode differ slightly depending on whether your iPad Pro has a Home button or relies on Face ID.
Do you have a Home button on your iPad Pro (the circular button below the screen)?
- If you do, you likely have an older iPad Pro model (1st or 2nd generation).
- If you don't, you have a newer iPad Pro model (3rd generation or later) with Face ID.
Take a moment to check your device. Once you're sure, proceed to the relevant section below!
Step 2: Prepare for Recovery Mode
Before initiating Recovery Mode, there are a few important preparatory steps you should take to ensure a smooth process.
Sub-heading 2.1: Charge Your iPad Pro
It's absolutely vital that your iPad Pro has sufficient battery charge before attempting to enter Recovery Mode. A low battery could cause the process to fail midway, potentially leading to further complications. Aim for at least 50% charge, or ideally, have it connected to a power source.
Sub-heading 2.2: Update iTunes/Finder
To effectively use Recovery Mode, you'll need a computer with the latest version of iTunes (for Windows PCs or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (for macOS Catalina and later).
- For Windows PCs:
- Open iTunes.
- Go to Help > Check for Updates. Follow the prompts to install any available updates.
- For macOS Catalina or later:
- Your Mac's operating system handles updates for Finder. Go to System Settings (or System Preferences) > General > Software Update to ensure your macOS is up to date.
Sub-heading 2.3: Get a Reliable USB Cable
Use a genuine Apple USB cable or a high-quality MFi-certified third-party cable. A faulty or damaged cable can interrupt the connection between your iPad Pro and your computer, hindering the Recovery Mode process.
Sub-heading 2.4: Backup Your iPad (If Possible)
While Recovery Mode primarily deals with software issues and doesn't necessarily erase your data unless you choose to restore, it's always a good practice to have a recent backup. If your iPad Pro is still functional enough, perform a backup to iCloud or your computer before proceeding.
Step 3: Entering Recovery Mode (iPad Pro with Home Button)
This section is for iPad Pro models that do have a Home button.
- Connect to Computer (BUT NOT YET!): Do not connect your iPad Pro to your computer yet. We'll connect it at a specific point in the process.
- Power Off Your iPad Pro:
- Press and hold the Top button (also known as the Power button) until the "slide to power off" slider appears.
- Drag the slider to the right to turn off your iPad Pro.
- Wait a few seconds for the device to completely shut down.
- Initiate Recovery Mode:
- Press and hold the Home button on your iPad Pro.
- While still holding the Home button, connect your iPad Pro to your computer using the USB cable.
- Keep Holding! Continue holding the Home button. Do not release it until you see the Recovery Mode screen on your iPad Pro. This screen typically shows a computer icon with a USB cable pointing towards it.
- Confirmation on Computer: Once you see the Recovery Mode screen on your iPad, you can release the Home button. On your computer, iTunes or Finder should pop up a message stating that "There's a problem with the iPad 'iPad' that requires it to be updated or restored."
Step 4: Entering Recovery Mode (iPad Pro without Home Button)
This section is for iPad Pro models that do not have a Home button (Face ID models).
- Connect to Computer (BUT NOT YET!): Do not connect your iPad Pro to your computer yet. We'll connect it at a specific point in the process.
- Power Off Your iPad Pro:
- Press and hold either the Volume Up button or the Volume Down button and the Top button (Power button) simultaneously until the "slide to power off" slider appears.
- Drag the slider to the right to turn off your iPad Pro.
- Wait a few seconds for the device to completely shut down.
- Initiate Recovery Mode:
- Press and hold the Top button (Power button) on your iPad Pro.
- While still holding the Top button, connect your iPad Pro to your computer using the USB cable.
- Keep Holding! Continue holding the Top button. Do not release it until you see the Recovery Mode screen on your iPad Pro. This screen typically shows a computer icon with a USB cable pointing towards it.
- Confirmation on Computer: Once you see the Recovery Mode screen on your iPad, you can release the Top button. On your computer, iTunes or Finder should pop up a message stating that "There's a problem with the iPad 'iPad' that requires it to be updated or restored."
Step 5: Using Recovery Mode with iTunes/Finder
Once your iPad Pro is successfully in Recovery Mode, your computer will prompt you with options.
Sub-heading 5.1: The "Update" Option
- When the prompt appears, you'll see two options: Update and Restore.
- Choosing "Update" is generally the first thing to try. This option attempts to reinstall iPadOS without erasing your data. If your iPad Pro is experiencing a minor software glitch, this might be all you need to fix it.
- Click on Update. Your computer will download the latest iPadOS software for your device. This can take some time, depending on your internet speed. Do not disconnect your iPad Pro during this process.
- Once the download is complete, your computer will begin installing the update on your iPad Pro. Your iPad may display an Apple logo and a progress bar.
Sub-heading 5.2: The "Restore" Option
- If the "Update" option doesn't resolve the issue, or if your iPad Pro is severely corrupted, you may need to choose "Restore."
- WARNING: Choosing "Restore" will erase all data on your iPad Pro and install a fresh copy of iPadOS. This is essentially a factory reset. Only proceed with this option if "Update" fails or if you're prepared to lose all data (unless you have a recent backup).
- Click on Restore. You'll likely be prompted to confirm your decision, as this action is irreversible.
- Your computer will download the iPadOS software and then proceed to erase and reinstall it on your iPad Pro.
Sub-heading 5.3: Troubleshooting Common Issues During Recovery Mode
- iPad exits Recovery Mode: If your iPad Pro leaves Recovery Mode unexpectedly before the process is complete, simply repeat the steps to put it back into Recovery Mode. This can sometimes happen if the connection is unstable or if you don't hold the button long enough.
- Error messages in iTunes/Finder: If you encounter specific error codes, try searching Apple's support website or online forums for solutions related to that particular error. Often, updating iTunes/Finder, checking your USB cable, or trying a different USB port can resolve these.
- "Waiting for iPad" stuck: This can happen if the connection is interrupted or there's a software conflict. Try restarting both your computer and your iPad Pro (if it's not already in Recovery Mode), and then reattempt the process.
Step 6: Exiting Recovery Mode
Once the update or restore process is complete, your iPad Pro should restart automatically.
- If successful, your iPad Pro will boot up to the "Hello" screen (if restored) or your lock screen (if updated).
- If your iPad Pro doesn't exit Recovery Mode on its own after the process is finished, you can manually force restart it:
- iPad Pro with Home Button: Press and hold the Home button and the Top button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.
- iPad Pro without Home Button: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Top button until
you see the Apple logo.
Congratulations!
You've successfully navigated the process of putting your iPad Pro into Recovery Mode and using it to resolve software issues. While it might seem daunting at first, following these steps carefully will empower you to tackle many common iPad Pro problems. Remember, patience and a good internet connection are your best friends during this process!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to know if my iPad Pro is in Recovery Mode?
You'll see a screen on your iPad Pro with a computer icon and a USB cable pointing towards it. iTunes or Finder on your computer will also pop up a message indicating a problem with the iPad and options to update or restore.
How to fix iPad Pro stuck in Recovery Mode?
If your iPad Pro is stuck in Recovery Mode, try connecting it to your computer and choosing the "Update" option in iTunes/Finder. If that doesn't work, you might need to "Restore" it, which will erase all data.
How to get iPad Pro out of Recovery Mode without a computer?
You typically need a computer with iTunes/Finder to officially exit Recovery Mode by updating or restoring. However, if your iPad Pro was mistakenly put into Recovery Mode, a force restart (holding specific buttons) can sometimes take it out if no update/restore was initiated.
How to put iPad Pro in DFU mode?
DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is different from Recovery Mode. For iPad Pros with a Home button, connect to computer, hold Home + Top button for 10 seconds, then release Top button but keep holding Home until iTunes/Finder detects an iPad in DFU mode. For newer iPad Pros without a Home button, the process is more complex and involves precise timing of button presses while connected to the computer.
How to update iPad Pro using Recovery Mode?
Connect your iPad Pro in Recovery Mode to your computer. In iTunes/Finder, choose the "Update" option when prompted. This will download and install the latest iPadOS without erasing your data.
How to restore iPad Pro from Recovery Mode?
Connect your iPad Pro in Recovery Mode to your computer. In iTunes/Finder, choose the "Restore" option when prompted. This will erase all data and install a fresh copy of iPadOS.
How to troubleshoot iPad Pro not connecting to computer in Recovery Mode?
Try a different USB cable, a different USB port on your computer, or even a different computer if possible. Ensure iTunes/Finder is updated to the latest version. Sometimes, restarting both your iPad (if possible) and computer helps.
How to prevent data loss when using Recovery Mode?
Always try the "Update" option first, as it attempts to preserve your data. The "Restore" option will erase all data, so ensure you have a recent backup if you must use it.
How to deal with "Error 4013" during iPad Pro Recovery Mode?
Error 4013 often indicates a hardware issue or a problem with the connection. Try a different USB cable, a different USB port, or another computer. Ensure your software is updated. If the issue persists, contact Apple Support.
How to put iPad Pro in Recovery Mode if buttons are broken?
If your iPad Pro's physical buttons are broken, it becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible, to manually put it into Recovery Mode. In such cases, you would need professional repair from Apple or an authorized service provider.
