Having issues with the ‘Restore iPad’ option when your iPad is stuck in Recovery Mode? This is a common headache. Basically, you can’t really do much in recovery mode without connecting your device properly — and even then, a tiny mistake can lead to big problems like bricking your iPad. Often, people forget that the confirmation prompts or hidden dialogs are easy to miss, especially on macOS where they can appear behind other windows. So, if the restore isn’t working or seems stuck, these little tricks might get things moving again.
How to Fix Common iPad Recovery Mode Restore Hiccups
Fix 1 – Watch out for hidden prompts confirming the update
This one is a classic. When restoring on a MacBook via Finder, a confirmation prompt appears to ask if you want to update the iPad to the latest iPadOS. The weird part? It’s easy to overlook because it pops up behind the Finder window. On some setups, it just kind of…disappears unless you’re really paying attention.
Why this helps? Because if you miss that prompt, the restore can get stuck. Confirming it advances the process. It applies mainly when you’re restoring via Finder on Mac or using iTunes on Windows—anywhere you see that restore button.
When you see your iPad connected and the option to Restore iPad selected, but nothing moves, try this:
- Load your iPad into recovery mode and connect it to your Mac or PC.
- Then, select the device from Finder or iTunes.
- Click Restore iPad.
- Before confirming, look for the prompt — it’s hidden behind some background windows sometimes, so just minimize your Finder or iTunes window temporarily. You should see a confirmation dialog asking if you want to update your device. Confirm that.
On one setup it worked the first time, but on another, I had to minimize the window twice. Weird UI quirks, but worth trying because it saved a lot of headache.
Fix 2 – Use the original cable and proper ports
Another thing that trips people up is connectivity.iPads can be stubborn if the cable or port isn’t solid. Using cheap third-party cables or those funky dongles? Yeah, those can interrupt the restore process or cause connection issues.
Why this helps? Because a proper, Apple-sanctioned cable ensures a stable link, reducing hiccups during recovery. Also, trying different USB ports on your MacBook or PC can make a difference. Sometimes, the port you’re using is borderline or wonky, and switching to another port or directly plugging in rather than through a hub works wonders.
If you’re on a PC, make sure the cable isn’t just a random third-party thing — try swapping to the original Lightning or USB-C cable, or at least a good quality one. And change USB ports if nothing’s happening after several tries.
Fix 3 – Do a hard reset and try again
This might seem redundant, but performing a hard reset on the iPad can clear out weird states that block restores. It sounds simple but sometimes just forcing the device to restart gets rid of minor glitches.
Why this helps? Because resetting the device resets the state of the hardware and can force it back into recovery mode cleanly. On some devices, it’s like a quick refresh before trying the restore again.
Here’s how:
- Press and quickly release Volume Up.
- Then press and release Volume Down.
- Finally, press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo shows up. Keep holding until it fully restarts.
After that, reconnect to your computer, put it back into recovery mode if needed, and hit restore. Seems simple, but on one iPad this fixed a restore that was otherwise frozen for hours.
Extra Tips:
If you’re still stuck, here are a couple of quick ideas:
- Make sure your macOS or Windows is fully up to date. Outdated software can cause weird communication issues.
- If on a PC, update the Apple Devices app or iTunes. An outdated app can struggle with newer firmware.
- And if possible, try using a different computer altogether — sometimes it’s just hardware incompatibility or driver issues.
Honestly, these little fixes aren’t glamorous, but they do the trick sometimes. The main thing is to be patient and try different cables, ports, and watch out for those invisible prompts. Good luck with your restore!