If your iPad mini isn't vibrating for notifications or keyboard taps, it can be surprisingly easy to miss alerts. The good news is this is usually a quick software or settings fix, not a hardware problem.
Perform a Force Restart
Let's start with the simplest fix. A force restart clears out any temporary software glitches that might be stopping the vibration motor. On your iPad mini, press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
Finally, press and hold the Top button. Keep holding it until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen, then let go. This doesn't delete any of your data, it just gives the system a fresh start.
Check Your Silent Mode Switch
This is the most common reason for missing vibrations. On the side of your iPad mini, you'll find the physical Silent Mode switch. If this switch is flipped down, showing an orange line, your iPad is in silent mode.
In silent mode, all sounds and vibrations for notifications are disabled. Simply flip the switch up to turn silent mode off. You should hear a chime and feel a vibration when you do this, confirming the motor works.
Verify Sound and Haptics Settings
Sometimes the settings get changed accidentally. Open the Settings app and go to Sounds & Haptics. First, make sure the "Vibrate on Ring" and "Vibrate on Silent" toggles are both turned on.
While you're here, scroll down to the "Sounds and Vibration Patterns" section. Tap on an alert type, like "Text Tone". On the next screen, you'll see a "Vibration" option at the top. Tap it to ensure a vibration pattern is selected, not "None".
Test Keyboard Haptic Feedback
If you're missing the subtle tap when you type, that's a separate setting. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Keyboard Feedback.
Make sure "Haptic" is toggled on. With this enabled, you should feel a tiny vibration every time you press a key on the on-screen keyboard. If it's on but you still feel nothing, try toggling it off and back on.
Update iPadOS
A bug in the system software can sometimes disable haptic features. Apple often patches these issues in updates. To check, open Settings, tap General, and then tap Software Update.
If an update is available, tap "Download and Install". I'd recommend doing this while your iPad is connected to power and on Wi-Fi. After the update installs, test your vibrations again.
Check App-Specific Notification Settings
The problem might be isolated to one app, like Messages or Mail. Open Settings and scroll down to the list of your installed apps. Tap on the app that's not vibrating.
Then, tap Notifications. Make sure "Allow Notifications" is on. Look for the "Sounds" or "Lock Screen" style option, and ensure a sound is selected. For vibrations to work, a sound must be assigned to the alert.
Reset All Settings
If you've checked everything and it's still not working, a settings reset can help. This won't erase your photos, apps, or personal data. It just returns all system settings (like Wi-Fi passwords and wallpaper) to their defaults.
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad. Tap Reset, and then choose "Reset All Settings". Enter your passcode if prompted and confirm. Your iPad will restart, and you'll need to reconfigure things like display brightness and sounds.
Consider Accessibility Settings
Some accessibility features can alter or disable haptics. Go to Settings > Accessibility. Tap Touch, then look for "Vibration". Ensure this is turned on.
Also, under Accessibility > Audio/Visual, check that "LED Flash for Alerts" isn't the only thing enabled. This feature is meant to supplement alerts, not replace sound and vibration.
