Is your iPad screen refusing to turn off? It can be frustrating when technology doesn’t behave as we expect it to. Before you start worrying about a serious hardware issue, let’s run through some quick checks to see if we can resolve the problem. After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of why your iPad screen isn’t turning off and what you can do about it.
After completing the action laid out in this article, your iPad screen should turn off as expected, conserving battery life and preventing potential screen burn-in.
Introduction
Ah, the iPad. It’s sleek, it’s powerful, and it’s user-friendly. But what happens when your trusty device starts acting up? More specifically, what do you do when your iPad screen won’t turn off? It’s a problem that can drain your battery, burn out your screen, and leave you scratching your head in confusion. Don’t worry, though; this is a common issue that many iPad users face at some point. The good news is that it’s usually a simple fix.
Understanding why your iPad screen isn’t turning off is important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it can help you troubleshoot the issue quickly and get back to using your iPad without interruption. Secondly, it can prevent long-term damage to your device. Screens that stay on indefinitely can suffer from burn-in, where images or icons become permanently etched into the display. Additionally, a screen that won’t turn off can be a significant drain on your battery, leaving you with a dead device when you need it most.
Step by Step Tutorial: Resolving Your iPad Screen Issue
Before we dive into the instructions, keep in mind that the following steps should help you resolve the problem of your iPad screen not turning off.
Step 1: Check Your Auto-Lock Settings
Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock on your iPad.
Auto-Lock is the feature that tells your iPad to turn off the screen after a certain period of inactivity. If this is set to ‘Never,’ your iPad screen won’t turn off on its own. You can choose a different time interval that works for you, like 2 minutes or 5 minutes, to help conserve battery life.
Step 2: Close All Open Apps
Double click the Home button (or swipe up on iPads without a Home button) and swipe up on all app previews to close them.
Sometimes, an app can cause your iPad to misbehave. Closing all apps ensures that there’s no software running in the background that’s keeping your screen awake.
Step 3: Restart Your iPad
Hold the power button and either volume button (or the power button alone on older models) until you see "slide to power off". Slide to turn off your iPad, then turn it back on.
A good old-fashioned restart can work wonders. It clears your iPad’s memory and can solve a myriad of issues, including screens that refuse to turn off.
Step 4: Update Your iPad’s Software
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.
Software updates often include bug fixes that can resolve hardware issues like a screen that won’t turn off. Always make sure your iPad is running the latest version of iOS.
Step 5: Reset All Settings
Go to Settings > General > Reset and tap on "Reset All Settings".
This step won’t delete your apps or data, but it will reset system settings to their defaults. If a particular setting was causing the issue, this should fix it.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Extended Battery Life | By resolving the screen issue, your iPad will consume less power, thereby extending its battery life. |
| Prevents Screen Damage | A screen that turns off as intended minimizes the risk of screen burn-in and other types of long-term damage. |
| Improves Security | If your screen turns off, it’s less likely someone will gain unauthorized access to your iPad if left unattended. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Time Consuming | Troubleshooting the issue may take some time, which can be inconvenient if you need to use your iPad immediately. |
| Temporary Fix | The issue may reappear if caused by a persistent software glitch or faulty hardware. |
| Data Loss Risk | If the problem persists and you need to factory reset, there’s a risk of losing data if not backed up properly. |
Additional Information
In case you’ve tried all the steps above and your iPad screen still won’t turn off, there might be a deeper issue at play. It’s possible that your iPad’s hardware is malfunctioning. This could be due to a faulty display, a broken sensor, or even water damage. If you suspect a hardware issue, your best bet is to contact Apple Support or make an appointment at an Apple Store. The technicians there will have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix the problem.
Another thing to consider is whether your iPad is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+. If it is, repairs might be covered, saving you from potentially costly out-of-pocket expenses. If not, you’ll have to weigh the cost of repair against the value of your device. Sometimes, if a device is particularly old, it might be more cost-effective to invest in a new iPad.
Lastly, always make sure to back up your iPad regularly. If a serious issue does arise, having a backup ensures that you won’t lose precious photos, documents, and app data.
Summary
- Check Auto-Lock settings
- Close all open apps
- Restart your iPad
- Update your iPad’s software
- Reset all settings
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my iPad screen staying on even after I press the power button?
It could be due to the settings or an open app that’s preventing your iPad from sleeping. Follow the troubleshooting steps above to resolve the issue.
Will resetting all settings delete my apps or data?
No, resetting all settings will only revert system settings to their defaults. It will not delete your apps or personal data.
Can a screen protector or case cause my iPad screen to stay on?
Yes, if a screen protector or case is covering the sensors on your iPad, it can interfere with its ability to turn off the screen.
How do I know if my iPad has a hardware issue?
If you’ve followed all the software troubleshooting steps and the problem persists, it might be a hardware issue. Look out for other signs of malfunction, like unresponsive buttons or unusual screen behavior.
What if my iPad is no longer under warranty?
You can still get it repaired by Apple, but it may be more expensive. Consider the cost of repair against the value of your device.
Conclusion
Dealing with an iPad screen that won’t turn off can be a nuisance, but it’s typically something that can be fixed at home with a few simple steps. Whether it’s adjusting your settings or closing a misbehaving app, there’s almost always a solution. Remember, if all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek help from the experts at Apple. They’re there to help, and they’ve seen it all before. So, take a deep breath, work through the steps, and before you know it, your iPad will be back to its best, turning off its screen just like it’s supposed to.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.