Knowing how to turn off iPad is one of the most fundamental skills every iPad user should master. Whether you’re troubleshooting issues, conserving battery, or simply powering down for the night, turning off your iPad properly ensures your device stays healthy and secure. This guide walks you through every method, from standard shutdown procedures to force restarts, so you’ll never be confused again.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

• Your iPad (any model)
• Charged battery (recommended but not required)
• Access to Settings app (optional, for alternative methods)
• A few seconds of your time

Standard Shutdown Method: How to Turn Off iPad Properly

The most straightforward way to how to turn off iPad is using the physical buttons on your device. This method works on virtually all iPad models and takes just seconds to complete. Locate the power button (also called the top button) on the top edge of your iPad, typically on the right side when holding the device in portrait orientation.

Press and hold the power button until the “slide to power off” screen appears. You’ll see a slider with “slide to power off” text displayed in red. Don’t release the button prematurely—hold it steadily for 2-3 seconds until the shutdown screen materializes. Once the slider appears, you can release the button and proceed to the next step.

Drag the slider to the right using your finger or Apple Pencil. The slider will move smoothly across the screen, and your iPad will begin shutting down. You’ll see the Apple logo appear briefly as the device powers down completely. The entire process typically takes 10-15 seconds from start to finish. Your iPad is now completely powered off and will remain off until you press the power button again to restart it.

Force Restart Your iPad: When Normal Shutdown Fails

Sometimes your iPad may freeze or become unresponsive, making the standard shutdown method impossible. In these situations, how to turn off iPad requires a different approach called a force restart. This method forcefully powers down your device without waiting for the normal shutdown process to complete.

For iPad Pro models (2018 and newer) and iPad Air (3rd generation and newer), quickly press and release the volume up button, then quickly press and release the volume down button. Finally, press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears on the screen—this typically takes 10-15 seconds. Release the button, and your iPad will restart automatically.

For iPad Pro models (2017 and earlier) and iPad Air (2nd generation and earlier), press and hold both the top button and the Home button simultaneously. Continue holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears, which usually takes 10-15 seconds. This force restart method clears temporary glitches and can resolve freezing issues without losing your data.

Turn Off iPad Using the Settings App

An alternative method to how to turn off iPad involves using the Settings application. This approach is particularly useful if your physical buttons are damaged or unresponsive. Open the Settings app by tapping the gear icon on your home screen, then navigate to General settings.

Scroll down to the bottom of the General settings menu and tap “Shut Down.” A confirmation screen will appear asking if you want to power off your iPad. Tap the red “Shut Down” button to confirm. Your iPad will immediately begin the shutdown process and power off completely within seconds. This method provides the same result as the physical button method but offers an alternative when hardware buttons aren’t functioning properly.

Model-Specific Instructions: How to Turn Off iPad on Different Versions

Different iPad models have slightly different button configurations, so how to turn off iPad varies depending on your device. iPad models with Face ID (iPad Pro 11-inch and 12.9-inch from 2018 onwards, iPad Air 4 and later) use only the top button for power control. These newer models eliminated the Home button entirely, streamlining the shutdown process.

iPad models with Touch ID and a Home button (iPad Air 3 and earlier, iPad 7th generation and earlier, iPad mini 5 and earlier) require pressing both the top button and Home button simultaneously to trigger the shutdown screen. This dual-button combination distinguishes these older models from their newer counterparts. If you’re unsure which category your iPad falls into, check the bottom edge of your device—if there’s a physical Home button, you’ll need to use both buttons.

iPad Pro models with USB-C (2018 and newer) also use the top button only, similar to Face ID models. iPad Air with USB-C (4th generation and newer) follows the same single-button protocol. Regardless of your specific model, the fundamental principle remains the same: how to turn off iPad always involves holding the appropriate button(s) until the power-off slider appears.

Battery Saver Mode vs Full Shutdown: Understanding the Difference

Many iPad users confuse turning off their device with enabling Low Power Mode, which is actually a battery-saving feature rather than a true shutdown. Low Power Mode reduces performance and background activity to extend battery life but keeps your device powered on and responsive. To how to turn off iPad completely is different from activating Low Power Mode—one powers down the device entirely, while the other simply reduces power consumption.

Enable Low Power Mode by opening Settings, navigating to Battery, and toggling on “Low Power Mode.” This is useful when your battery is running low but you still need your iPad available for calls, messages, or emergency use. However, if you want to truly power down your iPad to save battery over an extended period, you’ll need to follow the full shutdown procedure outlined in the previous sections.

A complete shutdown is recommended if you won’t be using your iPad for several days or weeks, as it completely halts all power consumption (except for minimal trickle charging to maintain the battery). Low Power Mode is better for daily use when you want to extend battery life but remain accessible. Understanding this distinction helps you choose the right power management strategy for your situation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Trying to Turn Off iPad

If you’re having difficulty with how to turn off iPad, several common issues might be preventing normal shutdown. If the power button feels stuck or unresponsive, try gently cleaning around the button with a soft, dry cloth. Sometimes dust or debris accumulates in the button mechanism, preventing proper function.

If your iPad is completely frozen and won’t respond to any input, a force restart is your best option. According to WikiHow’s comprehensive guides, force restarts can resolve most software-related freezing issues. Hold the appropriate buttons for the full 10-15 seconds—don’t give up early if the screen doesn’t respond immediately.

If your iPad won’t turn off even after following all procedures, try connecting it to a power source and attempting the shutdown again. Sometimes low battery levels can interfere with the shutdown process. If problems persist, consider visiting an Apple Store or authorized service provider, as this may indicate a hardware issue requiring professional attention.

Sleep Mode vs Power Off: When to Use Each

Understanding the difference between sleep mode and complete shutdown is crucial for proper iPad maintenance. Sleep mode, also called standby, is activated by briefly pressing the top button once. Your iPad’s screen turns off, but the device remains powered on and ready to wake instantly. This mode uses minimal battery and keeps your device ready for immediate use.

Power off, achieved by holding the button until the slider appears, completely shuts down your iPad. All processes stop, and the device uses virtually no battery power. Restart times are longer (usually 30-60 seconds) compared to waking from sleep (typically 1-2 seconds). For daily use, sleep mode is usually sufficient and more convenient. Reserve complete shutdown for extended periods when you won’t need your device or when troubleshooting serious issues.

As noted by The Spruce’s technology guides, understanding power management helps extend device lifespan. Regularly powering down your iPad completely once or twice weekly can help refresh the system and prevent performance degradation over time. This simple maintenance habit keeps your device running smoothly for years.

If you also use other Apple devices, you might want to learn how to turn off Apple Watch using similar methods. Additionally, if you’re concerned about privacy, you can turn off Find My iPhone before powering down. For iPad users who work with accessories, understanding how to connect Apple Pencil to iPad helps you manage all your devices effectively.