Can I restart my iPad without access to the screen/lock button?

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Level 1

5 points

Can I restart my iPad without access to the screen/lock button?

My iPad had guided access turned on where the screen was “locked” so my toddler couldn’t navigate the screen while watching tv, but now when I triple click the home button to end guided access, it doesn’t give me the options to end or resume like normal. My lock button is also stuck and unusable so I can’t force restart that way. Is there any other way to force restart without access to screen or a lock button?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad, iPadOS 14

Posted on Jan 18, 2025 11:18 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 18, 2025 12:20 PM in response to MacyMcGregor

It is a common misconception that an iPad (or iPhone) can remain fully functional with damaged or defective physical buttons.

Whilst Accessibility features (such as assistive touch) can be used to augment the User Interface, these features cannot be used as a substitute for physical button sequences that must be used to trigger system recovery actions. Sooner or later, as now, you will encounter a situation from which you cannot recover.

Until repaired, you will not be able to resolve a locked-out (disabled) iPad, reset a forgotten device passcode, or escape from Guided Access.

You can arrange repair of your iPad either by (a) visiting the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - or (b) using Apple's mail-in repair service:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

iPad Repair & Service - Apple Support

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