
However, because the iPad is frozen at the activation screen, the computer doesn't always recognize it.
Normally, iTunes will recognize your iPad. If you've never plugged it in, you'll be asked to confirm that you want to Trust this computer. Once you've trusted the computer, you can click on the iPad button on the top-left side of the screen next to the Music, Video and Computer buttons. This will take you to a screen with a Restore iPad options. Plug your iPad into your computer using the Lightning connector that came with the iPad. First, make sure your computer is turned on and iTunes is open. If you have Find My iPad turned off, you should be able to restore the device via iTunes. If you have Find My iPad turned on you can attempt to restore the device remotely through. If you're not sure if you have it turned on? You will be notified in iTunes when attempting to restore the iPad. Unfortunately, this is where the biggest problem can occur. You can only restore your iPad through iTunes if you have Find My iPad turned off, and you can't turn off Find My iPad if you cannot get into your iPad. While I wouldn't call rebooting the iPad a long shot, a problem with the iPad not getting past the 'Hello' or set up screen often requires resetting the device to its factory default setting. This will eliminate any problems caused by the iPad being low on power. If you still have problems, you can try repeating these steps, but instead of immediately powering the iPad back on, you can plug it into a wall or a computer for an hour or so to let it charge. Hopefully, simply rebooting the device will solve the issue. You can lift your finger when the Apple logo appears on the screen. After the iPad powers down, wait about ten seconds and then hold down the Sleep/Wake button and the iPad will power back on.
The hard reboot is a failsafe put in place in instances where the iPad may not be able to ask you to confirm, such as freezing during the activation period or during an update. The only difference between a soft reboot and a hard reboot is that you weren't asked to confirm powering down the device. After about a half minute, the iPad will power down automatically.
If you do not see the Slide to Power Off after a few seconds, simply continue holding the Sleep/Wake button down. If a query to Slide to Power Off pops up on the screen, release the Sleep/Wake button and follow the onscreen prompts. First, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button. A hard reboot is when you tell the iPad to shut down immediately without any confirmation.
If you are at the 'Hello' screen or the 'Slide to Upgrade' screen, you may have problems doing a normal reboot.
Many people don't realize that simply pushing the Sleep/Wake button at the top of the iPad doesn't actually power down the device, which is an important first step in troubleshooting.