iPad Keeps Crashing – Causes & Fixes

Imagine being in the middle of a critical task on your iPad, only to have it freeze and crash. Frustrating, isn’t it? If your iPad has become more of a headache than a helpful tool, you’re not alone. Thankfully, those irritating crashes are often fixable!

This comprehensive guide delves deep into the causes and fixes for iPad crashes, empowering you to reclaim control of your device. We’ll explore the culprits behind those unexpected crashes and provide clear, actionable solutions to get you back on track

Imagine a world where your iPad doesn’t let you down, where apps run seamlessly, and where you can finally enjoy uninterrupted productivity and entertainment. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make that world a reality.

Ready to stop those pesky crashes and unlock the full potential of your iPad? Don’t wait any longer! Dive into the solutions outlined in this guide. We’ll guide you through simple troubleshooting steps and more advanced solutions, ensuring you find the perfect fix for your specific situation.

Let’s embark on this journey together and restore your iPad to its former glory!

Why Does My iPad Keep Crashing?

Unexpected crashes on your iPad can be a major annoyance, impacting your workflow and entertainment. Several factors can contribute to this issue, and understanding them is key to finding a solution.

• Memory Issues: Apps and processes running simultaneously can consume significant memory resources. When your iPad’s memory becomes overloaded, it can struggle to keep up, leading to crashes or freezing.

• Low Battery: A low battery can often be the culprit behind unexpected crashes. When the battery dips below a certain level, your iPad may not have enough power to function properly, resulting in crashes or sudden shutdowns.

• Outdated iPadOS With Bugs: Running an outdated version of iPadOS can introduce bugs and compatibility issues with apps, leading to crashes. Keeping your iPad updated with the latest software version ensures optimal performance and stability.

• Problems Due to Recent OS Update: Sometimes, a recent iPadOS update may contain bugs or compatibility issues specific to your device, causing crashes. If crashes started after an update, consider downgrading to the previous version or waiting for a bug fix update.

• Insufficient Storage Space: When your iPad’s storage space is almost full, it can have a detrimental impact on its performance. Apps may struggle to run smoothly, and your iPad may become more prone to crashes. Regularly clearing unnecessary files and data is crucial to maintaining sufficient storage space.

• Jailbroken iPad: Jailbreaking your iPad removes certain restrictions imposed by Apple, but it can also make your device more susceptible to crashes and instability. Consider the risks before jailbreaking your iPad.

• Hardware Malfunctions:  In some rare cases, failing hardware components like RAM or internal storage can cause crashes. If your iPad is old or has been subjected to physical damage, hardware failure might be the culprit.

• Outdated Hardware for App Compatibility: If your iPad is very old, its hardware might no longer be powerful enough to run modern apps and software updates smoothly. This can lead to crashes and performance issues. Consider upgrading your device if the crashes are persistent and related to hardware limitations.

By understanding these potential causes, you can effectively diagnose the source of your iPad’s crashes and take appropriate action to resolve the issue.

How to Fix iPad Keep Crashing

Now that we’ve identified the potential causes of your iPad’s crashes, let’s delve into actionable solutions to get it back in tip-top shape. We’ll explore various methods, ranging from simple troubleshooting steps to more advanced solutions, depending on the specific cause of your crashes.

1. Close All Background Running Apps

Closing background apps frees up valuable memory resources, allowing your iPad to run more smoothly and preventing crashes caused by overloaded memory.

Here’s how to close all background running apps on your iPad:

• Swipe up from the bottom of your iPad screen and hold for a moment until the multitasking tray appears.
• You’ll see previews of all your running apps.
• Swipe up on each app preview to close it individually.
• Alternatively, swipe all the way to the right and tap “Close All” to close all apps at once.

This fix is most effective for addressing crashes caused by memory overload. If the crashes persist, try other solutions outlined in this guide.

2. Soft Reboot Your iPad

A soft reboot, also known as restarting your iPad, can often resolve temporary glitches and software conflicts that may be causing crashes. It clears the memory and reloads the operating system, potentially resolving minor issues that contribute to crashes.

For iPads With a Home button:

• Press and hold the Top button and the Home button simultaneously.
• Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

• Once the logo appears, release both buttons. Your iPad will restart.

For iPads Without a Home button:

• Press and hold either the Volume Up or Volume Down button along with the Top button.
• Continue holding both buttons until the power off slider appears on the screen.

• Slide the power off slider to turn off your iPad.
• Wait for a few seconds, then press and hold the Top button again until the Apple logo appears.
• Release the Top button when the Apple logo appears. Your iPad will restart.

This fix can often resolve crashes caused by temporary glitches, but it may not be effective for hardware or software-related issues.

3. Force Restart Your iPad

A force restart is a more powerful option than a soft reboot, essentially forcing your iPad to shut down and restart regardless of the state it’s in. This can be effective in resolving crashes caused by frozen apps or unresponsive software.

For iPads With a Home button:

• Press and hold both the Top button and the Home button at the same time.
• Continue holding both buttons for about 10 seconds, even if the Apple logo appears.
• Release both buttons when you see the Apple logo appear for the second time. Your iPad will then boot up normally.

For iPads With Face ID:

• Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
• Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
• Press and hold the Top button until the screen goes black.

• Continue holding the Top button for at least 10 seconds, even if the Apple logo appears.
• Release the Top button when you see the Apple logo appear for the second time. Your iPad will then boot up normally.

A force restart can often resolve crashes caused by more serious issues

4. Uninstall Third party or Recently Installed Apps

Uninstalling recently installed or rarely used apps can free up valuable storage space and potentially resolve crashes caused by app conflicts or buggy apps.

• Touch and hold the app icon on the Home screen or App Library until it jiggles.
• Tap the X icon that appears in the top left corner of the app icon.
• A pop-up will appear asking you to confirm the deletion. Tap Delete.
• Repeat Above steps for any other apps you want to uninstall.

Alternatively, You can Uninstall apps using device settings. Here’s How:

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap on General.
• Tap on iPad Storage.
• Wait for the list of apps and their storage usage to load.
• Find the app you want to uninstall and tap on it.
• Tap on Offload App or Delete App.
• If you choose Offload App, the app will be removed from your device but its data will be saved. You can reinstall the app later without losing your data.
• If you choose the Delete App, the app and its data will be permanently removed from your device.
• Repeat above steps for any other apps you want to uninstall.

This fix is particularly effective when crashes started after installing specific apps. If the crashes persist after uninstalling suspect apps, try other solutions mentioned in this guide.

5. Update to Latest Version

Outdated software can contain bugs and compatibility issues that lead to crashes. Updating to the latest version of iPadOS often includes bug fixes and performance improvements that can resolve these issues.

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
• Your iPad will automatically check for available updates.
• If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
• Enter your passcode if prompted.
• Your iPad will download and install the update.
• Once the update is installed, your iPad will restart.

Updating to the latest version of iPadOS is often the simplest and most effective solution for crashes caused by software issues.

6. Downgrade to Most Recent Version

Downgrading to the most recent version of iPadOS can sometimes help resolve crashes caused by bugs introduced in the latest update. This allows you to roll back to a more stable version known to function correctly.

Sometimes, new updates to iPadOS may introduce unforeseen bugs or compatibility issues causing unexpected crashes. Downgrading to the previous, stable version can help resolve these issues by reverting to a version known to function properly. This allows you to regain stability and prevent crashes caused by the problematic update.

Note: Downgrading may not always be possible, depending on the availability of previous versions and Apple’s signing policies. Additionally, it may erase your data and settings, requiring a restore from a backup. Only consider this fix if the crashes are directly linked to the latest update and other solutions have proven ineffective.

7. Charge Your iPad

A low battery can cause various issues, including unexpected crashes and shutdowns. When your iPad’s battery level is low, it may not have enough power to function smoothly, leading to crashes. Charging your iPad ensures it has sufficient power to operate and prevents crashes caused by a low battery.

8. Check Battery Health

If your iPad is old, battery health might be deteriorating, leading to performance issues and crashes. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to check its condition.

• A battery health percentage above 80% is considered good.
• If your battery health is below 80%, consider replacing your battery to improve performance and prevent crashes.

9. Free Up Storage Space

When your iPad’s storage space is almost full, it can have a detrimental impact on its performance. Apps may struggle to run smoothly, and your iPad may become more prone to crashes. Regularly clearing unnecessary files and data is crucial to maintaining sufficient storage space and preventing crashes caused by storage constraints.

a. Review and delete unused apps:

• Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage.
• This will display a list of your apps and their respective storage usage.
• Identify apps you no longer use or rarely use.
• Tap on the app you want to delete and select “Offload App” or “Delete App”.
• “Offload App” removes the app itself but keeps its documents and data, allowing you to reinstall it later without losing any data.
• “Delete App” removes the app and all its associated data.

b. Manage photos and videos:

• Go to Photos.
• Review your photos and videos library and identify any unnecessary or duplicate files.
• Select the files you want to delete and tap on the delete icon.
• You can also enable iCloud Photos to automatically upload your photos and videos to iCloud, freeing up space on your iPad.

c. Clear Safari browsing data:

• Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
• This will delete your browsing history, cookies, and other website data.
• Confirm the action by tapping “Clear History and Data”.

d. Use Files app to manage other data:

• Open the Files app.
• Browse through your files and identify any unnecessary files or folders.
• Select the files you want to delete and tap on the delete icon.

Freeing up storage space can be a simple and effective solution for crashes caused by insufficient storage.

10. Reset All Your System Settings

Incorrect system settings or corrupted preferences can sometimes lead to crashes. Resetting all your system settings can resolve these issues by restoring them to their default values.

Note: This will not erase your personal data like apps, photos, or music. However, it will reset all your settings, including Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, wallpaper, accessibility settings, and notification preferences.

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device].
• Select Reset.
• Choose Reset All Settings.
• Enter your passcode if prompted.
• Confirm the action by tapping Reset All Settings.
• Your iPad will restart once the reset is complete.

11. Check the Hardware Requirements

Ensuring your iPad meets the minimum hardware requirements for the latest version of iPadOS and the apps you use significantly reduces the risk of crashes. A mismatch between your iPad’s hardware capabilities and the software demands can lead to performance issues and crashes.

If your hardware is outdated and incapable of running the software smoothly, upgrading your iPad to a newer model with more powerful hardware can be the most effective solution to prevent crashes permanently.

12. Factory Reset Your iPad

Factory resetting your iPad, also known as performing a hard reset, erases all data and settings and reinstalls the latest version of iPadOS. This can be a powerful solution for resolving persistent crashes caused by software issues, corrupted data, or system problems that other fixes haven’t addressed.

• This action will erase all your personal data, including photos, music, apps, and settings.
• Ensure you back up your iPad to iCloud or iTunes before proceeding to avoid data loss.

There are two ways to factory reset your iPad:

Method 1: Using Settings:

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device].
• Select Erase All Content and Settings.
• Enter your passcode if prompted.
• Confirm the action by tapping Erase.
• Your iPad will restart and the factory reset process will begin.

Method 2: Using iTunes:

• Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
• Open iTunes on your computer.
• Click the device icon in the top left corner of iTunes.
• Select the “Summary” tab.
• Click “Restore”.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process.

Once the reset is complete, you can set up your iPad as new or restore it from a backup.

Factory resetting your iPad erases all data and settings, including any jailbreak or customizations. If you have jailbroken your iPad, you will need to re-jailbreak it after the reset.

13. Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and your iPad is still crashing, contacting Apple Support can provide valuable assistance. Apple’s trained technicians have access to advanced diagnostic tools and can help identify the root cause of the crashes and offer specific solutions.

iPad Keeps Crashing – FAQs

Conclusion

The article provides various methods to diagnose and resolve iPad crashes, ranging from simple troubleshooting steps like closing background apps and restarting your iPad to more advanced solutions like factory reset or contacting Apple Support. The most effective solution will depend on the specific cause of the crashes. By systematically implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can effectively diagnose the source of the issue and restore your iPad to its optimal performance.