If you’re wondering how to turn on iPad without power button, you may still have several options even if the top button is broken, stuck, unresponsive, or difficult to press. An iPad doesn’t necessarily need the physical power button for every startup situation.

Whether your power button stopped working unexpectedly or you simply want another way to wake your iPad, there are a few methods worth trying. Some depend on whether the iPad still has battery power, whether the screen responds to touch, and whether you have access to a charger or computer.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to turn on iPad without power button, including charging methods, connecting to a computer, using a keyboard in certain situations, and what to do if the iPad is completely unresponsive.

Table of Contents

Can You Turn On an iPad Without the Power Button?

Yes, sometimes.

The best method depends on the condition of your iPad.

For example:

If the iPad is already powered on, you can wake it without the power button.
If the battery is completely dead, connecting a charger may cause it to start charging and eventually become usable.
If the iPad is responsive, AssistiveTouch can provide an alternative software control for future use.
If the device is completely off and won’t respond to charging, you may need a computer or professional repair.

One important distinction is that waking an iPad is not the same as booting a completely powered-off iPad.

Why Might You Need to Turn On an iPad Without the Power Button?

There are several common situations.

Your power button might be:

Broken
Stuck
Physically damaged
Not clicking
Intermittently working
Difficult to press
Completely unresponsive

You might also have accidentally powered the iPad off and discovered that the button no longer works.

Fortunately, you can try several approaches before assuming the iPad needs immediate repair.

Method 1: Connect Your iPad to a Charger

One of the easiest things to try is connecting the iPad to power.

Follow These Steps

Get a compatible charging cable.
Connect it to your iPad.
Plug the other end into a working power adapter.
Leave the iPad connected for several minutes.
Watch for the Apple logo or charging indicator.
Give it additional time if the battery was completely depleted.

If the battery was empty, the iPad may need time before it shows anything on the screen.

Why This Method Can Work

When an iPad has a critically low battery, the screen may initially remain black.

Connecting a charger gives the battery an opportunity to recover enough power for the device to respond.

However, charging isn’t a guaranteed replacement for the power button on every situation. If the iPad was intentionally shut down and remains completely off, it may still require another startup method.

Method 2: Leave the iPad Charging for a While

If connecting the charger doesn’t immediately do anything, don’t disconnect it after only a few seconds.

Try leaving it connected for 15 to 30 minutes.

If the battery has been completely depleted, the device may need some time before it can display the charging screen or boot.

While waiting, check the following:

Is the charger working?
Is the cable damaged?
Is the wall outlet working?
Is the charging port clean?
Does the adapter provide sufficient power?

Try another known-working cable or power adapter if available.

Method 3: Connect the iPad to a Computer

Another method you can try is connecting the iPad to a computer.

Depending on the iPad’s condition and software state, connecting it to a computer may cause the device to respond.

What You Need

You may use:

A Mac
A Windows PC
A compatible USB cable

Connect the iPad to the computer and see whether the computer recognizes it.

If the iPad was already powered on but the display was asleep, this may help you determine whether the device itself is working.

Method 4: Use Finder on a Mac

If you have a Mac, newer versions of macOS use Finder to manage connected iPads.

Connect the iPad to the Mac with an appropriate cable.

Then:

Open Finder.
Look in the sidebar for your iPad.
Select the iPad if it appears.
Check whether the Mac recognizes the device.

If the iPad is recognized, the hardware may still be functioning even if the power button doesn’t work.

Method 5: Use Apple Devices on Windows

On newer versions of Windows, Apple’s device-management software can be used to interact with compatible iPhones and iPads.

Connect your iPad to the computer using a suitable cable.

If the computer detects it, you may be able to access device-management options.

This doesn’t necessarily provide a universal “power on” command, but it can help determine whether the iPad is communicating with the computer.

Method 6: Try a Different Charger and Cable

Sometimes the power button isn’t the problem at all.

A dead iPad can look exactly like a broken iPad.

Before assuming the device won’t turn on, test:

Another charging cable
Another power adapter
Another wall outlet
Another USB port
A computer USB connection

If the first cable is defective, the iPad may simply not be receiving power.

Method 7: Check the Charging Port

Take a close look at the iPad’s charging port.

Dust, lint, or debris can prevent proper electrical contact.

If the port appears dirty, don’t insert sharp metal objects into it.

Instead, have the port cleaned safely or use appropriate non-damaging cleaning methods.

If the connector doesn’t sit properly or the port is physically damaged, professional repair may be necessary.

Method 8: Use AssistiveTouch Once the iPad Is On

If the power button still works occasionally, use that opportunity to enable AssistiveTouch.

This won’t necessarily boot a completely powered-off iPad, but it can help you avoid relying on the physical button after the device is running.

Enable AssistiveTouch

Go to:

Settings → Accessibility → Touch → AssistiveTouch

Turn on AssistiveTouch.

A floating button will appear on the screen.

You can customize it with useful actions.

How AssistiveTouch Helps With a Broken Power Button

Once AssistiveTouch is enabled, you can use its software controls for certain device functions.

Depending on your iPadOS version and configuration, you can access actions related to:

Locking the screen
Restarting
Volume controls
Screenshots
Gestures
Control Center
Other system functions

This is particularly helpful if your physical power button is becoming unreliable.

Think of AssistiveTouch as a virtual toolbox floating on your screen.

Can AssistiveTouch Turn On a Completely Powered-Off iPad?

Usually, no.

This is one of the most important limitations.

AssistiveTouch is software running inside iPadOS.

If the iPad is completely powered off, iPadOS isn’t running, so the AssistiveTouch menu isn’t available.

Therefore:

AssistiveTouch is mainly useful for controlling an iPad that is already running, not for starting a completely powered-off device.

Method 9: Use Auto-Lock and Wake Features

If your iPad is still powered on, you may not need the power button at all.

Depending on your model and settings, touching the display, opening a compatible cover, connecting accessories, or interacting with the device can wake the screen.

This is especially useful if your goal isn’t to boot the iPad but simply to wake it.

Can You Turn On an iPad by Tapping the Screen?

On supported iPad models and configurations, tapping the display can wake the screen.

However, this is not the same as turning on an iPad that has been completely shut down.

If the iPad is sleeping, waking the display may be possible.

If the iPad is completely powered off, tapping the screen generally won’t boot it.

Can a Smart Cover Turn On an iPad?

Some iPad models support automatic wake and sleep when using compatible covers.

If your iPad is asleep, opening the cover can wake the display.

This can be a convenient alternative when the power button is difficult to use.

However, this feature is designed primarily for waking and sleeping the device. It isn’t a universal method for booting a completely powered-off iPad.

Method 10: Connect a Keyboard

If your iPad is already running but the screen is asleep, a connected keyboard can sometimes help wake the device.

For example, pressing a key or interacting with a compatible keyboard may wake the display.

This is most useful when:

The iPad is sleeping
Bluetooth or the physical connection was already configured
The keyboard is available
The iPad has battery power

It generally isn’t a reliable way to boot a completely powered-off iPad because the required wireless connection may not be active while the device is shut down.

Method 11: Use an External Keyboard for Everyday Control

If your power button works intermittently, connecting a keyboard can reduce how often you need to physically press it.

A keyboard can help with:

Waking the device
Typing
Navigation
Shortcuts
Productivity

This is especially useful for users who primarily use their iPad at a desk.

Method 12: Try a Force Restart When Appropriate

If your iPad is frozen rather than completely powered off, a force restart may be necessary.

However, the exact button combination depends on the iPad model.

iPads Without a Home Button

A common sequence is:

Quickly press and release the volume button closest to the top button.
Quickly press and release the other volume button.
Press and hold the top button.
Continue holding until the Apple logo appears.

iPads With a Home Button

The restart procedure uses the Home button together with the top button.

If your top/power button is physically broken, this method may not be possible.

That’s why you should first determine whether the iPad is actually frozen or simply powered off.

What If the iPad Is Completely Dead?

If the screen is completely black and the iPad shows no response, work through these steps.

Step 1: Connect a Charger

Leave it connected for at least several minutes.

Step 2: Try Another Cable

A faulty cable can prevent charging.

Step 3: Try Another Power Adapter

The adapter may be the problem.

Step 4: Try Another Outlet

Make sure the power source works.

Step 5: Check the Screen

Look closely for a faint battery or charging symbol.

Step 6: Connect to a Computer

See whether the Mac or Windows PC detects the device.

If none of these approaches work, the problem may be more serious than the power button.

How to Tell Whether the Power Button Is Actually Broken

A nonresponsive iPad doesn’t automatically mean the power button is defective.

Test the button when possible.

Look for signs such as:

No physical click
Button feels stuck
Button feels loose
Button works only when pressed at an angle
Device doesn’t respond to the button
Other functions work normally

If everything else works but the button doesn’t, hardware damage becomes more likely.

What If the Power Button Is Stuck?

Don’t repeatedly force a stuck button.

A stuck button could have:

Dirt around it
Physical damage
Internal component damage
A damaged button mechanism

Forcing it could make the problem worse.

If the device is currently on, enable AssistiveTouch before the iPad shuts down.

That gives you an alternative way to handle certain power-related functions.

How to Avoid Turning Off an iPad With a Broken Power Button

If you’ve successfully started the iPad, you may want to prevent another complete shutdown.

Use software controls such as AssistiveTouch for supported actions.

You can also adjust:

Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock

Choose a suitable duration.

Don’t set an extremely long period solely to compensate for a broken button, because keeping the display awake continuously can drain the battery.

How to Restart an iPad Without the Power Button

Restarting is different from turning on a completely powered-off iPad.

If the iPad is already running, software-based options may be available through AssistiveTouch.

Using AssistiveTouch

Open the AssistiveTouch menu.
Choose the device-related controls.
Look for the restart option if available.
Confirm the restart.

The exact menu can vary by iPadOS version.

Again, this requires the iPad to already be running.

How to Turn On iPad Without Power Button and Without Charger

This is much more difficult.

If the iPad is completely powered off and has no power source, there generally isn’t a reliable software command that can magically boot it.

If it has battery power but is intentionally shut down, the physical power button or an appropriate hardware/service procedure may be necessary.

If the iPad is merely asleep, however, tapping the screen, using a supported cover, or interacting with an already-connected accessory may wake it.

How to Turn On an iPad With a Broken Power Button After It Dies

This is an important scenario.

Suppose:

Your power button is broken.
You use the iPad normally.
The battery reaches 0%.
The iPad shuts down.

You may not be able to use AssistiveTouch because the operating system isn’t running.

Start by connecting the iPad to a reliable charger and leave it connected.

If it doesn’t respond after sufficient charging time, connect it to a computer and determine whether the device is detected.

If it remains completely unresponsive, professional repair may be required.

Should You Repair a Broken iPad Power Button?

That depends on the device’s age, condition, and value.

A broken button can be frustrating because it affects more than turning the iPad on and off.

Before deciding, consider:

iPad model
Overall condition
Battery health
Screen condition
Repair cost
Availability of replacement parts
How frequently you use the device

If the iPad works perfectly otherwise, a repair may restore convenient physical control.

Avoid Unofficial Power-Button Hacks

You may find online suggestions involving:

Shorting contacts
Opening the iPad
Bridging internal components
Applying pressure to internal parts
Using improvised electrical connections

Avoid these methods.

The iPad contains delicate components and a battery that can be damaged if handled incorrectly.

A professional repair technician can diagnose the button and internal circuitry safely.

Quick Comparison of Methods

Method	Works on Completely Powered-Off iPad?	Best Use
Connect charger	Sometimes	Dead battery/startup
Try another charger	Sometimes	Charging problem
Connect to computer	Sometimes/depends	Diagnosis and recovery
AssistiveTouch	No	Controlling a running iPad
Tap screen	No	Waking supported iPads
Smart cover	No	Waking supported iPads
Keyboard	Usually no	Waking a sleeping iPad
Force restart	Depends on button condition	Frozen iPad
Professional repair	Yes, after repair	Broken hardware

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn on an iPad without the power button?

If the iPad is completely powered off, connect it to a working charger and allow it to charge. You can also connect it to a computer to see whether it responds. If it remains completely unresponsive, the power-button or other hardware may require repair.

Can I turn on my iPad with AssistiveTouch?

AssistiveTouch can help control an iPad that is already running, but it generally cannot boot a completely powered-off iPad because the software isn’t running.

Can charging turn on an iPad without pressing the power button?

Connecting a charger can cause an iPad to respond, particularly if the battery was completely depleted. However, it isn’t guaranteed to boot every iPad that has been intentionally shut down.

Can I use a keyboard to turn on my iPad?

A connected keyboard may wake a sleeping iPad in supported configurations. It generally isn’t a reliable method for booting an iPad that is completely powered off.

What should I do if my iPad won’t turn on and the power button is broken?

Try a known-working charger and cable, allow the iPad time to charge, and connect it to a computer to see whether it is detected. If there’s still no response, consider professional hardware service.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to turn on iPad without power button is useful when the physical button stops working, but the best solution depends on whether your iPad is asleep, powered off, frozen, or completely out of battery.

If the iPad is simply asleep, tapping the screen, opening a compatible cover, or using an already-connected accessory may wake it. If the battery is empty, connect it to a reliable charger and give it time to recover. Connecting the device to a computer can also help determine whether the iPad is still responding.

Once you’ve managed to start the iPad, enabling AssistiveTouch is one of the most useful things you can do. It provides software-based controls that can reduce your dependence on the physical power button.

However, remember that software solutions generally cannot replace a power button when an iPad is completely powered off. If the device refuses to respond to charging, computers, or other basic troubleshooting steps, the issue may involve the battery, charging system, display, or internal hardware—not just the button.

Key Takeaways

You can sometimes start an iPad without pressing the power button.
Connect the iPad to a reliable charger and give it time to respond.
Try a different cable, adapter, and power outlet if necessary.
Connecting the iPad to a computer can help determine whether it is responding.
AssistiveTouch is useful once the iPad is already running.
Tapping the screen can wake supported iPads but doesn’t normally boot a completely powered-off device.
A compatible cover may wake a sleeping iPad.
A connected keyboard may help wake a sleeping device in supported situations.
Don’t force or repeatedly press a damaged power button.
Avoid dangerous DIY hardware shortcuts.
If the iPad remains completely unresponsive, professional repair may be necessary.