How to Put an iPad in Recovery Mode: Steps for Both Button Types

To put an iPad in Recovery Mode, connect it to a Mac or Windows PC, then use the button sequence for its design. On an iPad without a Home button, quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then hold the top button until the computer-and-cable screen appears. On a model with a Home button, hold Home and the top button together; when the screen goes dark, release the top button but keep holding Home until the recovery screen appears.

Recovery Mode is a way for a computer to update or reinstall iPadOS. Entering it does not erase the iPad. Choosing Restore does erase its data, so try Update first when you are troubleshooting and that option is available.

Before you begin

Use a cable that supports data as well as charging, and connect the iPad directly to the computer. Make sure the computer has an internet connection because it may need to download iPadOS. On a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, open Finder; on macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes. On a Windows PC, open the Apple Devices app or iTunes.

If the iPad still starts normally, make a backup before troubleshooting. Recovery Mode is useful when an update fails, the iPad remains on the Apple logo without a progress bar, or the computer asks you to update or restore it. It is not a fix for a damaged charging port, failed battery, or other hardware fault.

Method 1: Use Recovery Mode on an iPad without a Home button

Keep the iPad connected to the computer while you press the buttons. The volume presses should be quick, one after the other:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button. Keep holding when the screen turns black and when the Apple logo appears.
4. Release the top button only when the iPad displays a cable pointing toward a computer or the recovery-mode screen.

If the passcode screen or Home Screen appears instead, the iPad started normally. Turn it off and repeat the sequence, making sure the two volume buttons are pressed and released separately before you hold the top button.

Method 2: Use Recovery Mode on an iPad with a Home button

Keep the iPad connected. Press and hold the Home button and the top button at the same time. When the iPad turns off, let go of the top button while continuing to hold Home. Keep holding Home through the Apple logo, then release it when the recovery screen appears.

The screen should show a cable and a computer. If you see the passcode screen or the iPad returns to the Lock Screen, start again. The timing matters: releasing both buttons as soon as the screen goes black will usually restart the iPad instead of opening Recovery Mode.

Choose Update or Restore carefully

After the recovery screen appears, select the iPad in Finder or the Apple Devices app. If the computer offers Update or Restore, choose Update first when your goal is to fix iPadOS without erasing personal data. Apple says Update reinstalls the software while keeping personal data, although it is still wise to have a backup whenever possible.

Restore reinstalls iPadOS and erases the iPad’s data and settings. Use it only if Update does not solve the problem or you intend to erase the device. After a restore, set up the iPad again and recover your information from a backup if you have one. See Apple’s current iPad recovery instructions for the full process.

If your iPad or computer does not respond

• The iPad does not appear: Confirm the cable supports data, connect directly to another USB port, and avoid a keyboard or hub. Try another cable if needed. Update macOS or Apple Devices, then restart the computer and iPad.
• The iPad shows the Apple logo or passcode screen: It has not reached Recovery Mode yet. Repeat the correct sequence and keep holding the final button until the cable-and-computer image appears.
• The download takes more than 15 minutes: The iPad may leave the recovery screen while the computer downloads the software. Let the download finish, then enter Recovery Mode again and continue.
• An error keeps appearing or a button is broken: Check Apple’s update and restore error steps. If the buttons do not work or Recovery Mode cannot complete, contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider.

For a connected-device walkthrough, see how to locate an iPad in Finder or Apple Devices. If the Restore screen returns after restarting, Apple explains when to try Update in its persistent Restore screen guidance.