Summary
What to do if a Bowdoin-issued iPad won't turn on, won't charge, or has a frozen screen. Covers basic charging checks, force restart steps for current and older iPad models, and when to contact IT or Apple for service.
Body
Issues
- My iPad won't turn on — the screen is completely black.
- My iPad is frozen and not responding to taps.
- My iPad won't charge — the battery percentage isn't going up.
- My iPad shows a dead battery icon but won't start after charging.
- My iPad screen is stuck on the Apple logo.
- My iPad keeps restarting on its own.
- How do I force restart a Bowdoin iPad?
Environment
This article applies to all Bowdoin College students and faculty using a college-issued iPad. Instructions differ slightly by model — see the relevant section below.
Resolution
Step 1 — Charge your iPad first
Before any other troubleshooting, charge your iPad for at least 15–30 minutes using the USB-C power adapter and cable that came with it. A completely drained battery may not respond immediately — the screen may stay dark for a minute or more after plugging in before showing any sign of life.
- Use the wall adapter directly — do not charge through a computer USB port, as it may not supply enough power.
- Try a different outlet if the iPad still does not respond.
- Check that the USB-C cable is fully seated in both the iPad and the adapter.
- Check for debris in the iPad's charging port — a small piece of lint can block the connection.
Tip: If the iPad is very low on battery, you may see a low-battery screen (red battery icon) for a minute or two before it is responsive. This is normal — leave it plugged in and wait a few minutes before attempting to turn it on.
Step 2 — Force restart your iPad
If the screen is frozen or the iPad is unresponsive after charging, try a force restart. This does not erase any data.
Current iPad mini (no Home button)
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears, then release.
Older iPad Pro (no Home button)
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears, then release.
Older iPad with a Home button
- Press and hold both the Home button and the Top button simultaneously.
- Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears, then release.
iPad still not responding after a force restart? If the iPad shows a recovery mode screen (a cable and laptop icon), do not attempt to restore it yourself. Contact the Service Desk — restoring a Bowdoin-managed iPad requires IT involvement to preserve the Jamf enrollment and prevent an Activation Lock issue.
Step 3 — Contact the Service Desk or Apple
If the iPad still does not turn on or charge after the steps above, the issue may require hardware service.
- Contact the Service Desk first — IT will assess whether the device needs to go to Apple for repair under the AppleCare+ coverage that comes with all Bowdoin-issued iPads.
- See Broken iPad, Apple Keyboard, or Apple Pencil — Repair Process in the Related Articles section for the full repair process, including the steps required before Apple will accept the device.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources