If your iPad is completely black and won't respond, the first thing to try is a force restart. This is different depending on which model you have.
For iPads without a Home button, like most recent models, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Top button until you see the Apple logo appear, which can take up to 10 seconds.
For older iPads with a Home button, you'll press and hold both the Home button and the Top button at the same time. Keep holding them until the Apple logo shows up on the screen.
Check Your Charger and Cable
Your iPad might just have a completely dead battery. This is a very common reason it won't turn on. Plug it into a power outlet using a USB-C cable and charger, and let it charge for at least an hour before trying again.
It's important to use a powerful enough charger. Your iPad needs more power than an iPhone. I'd recommend using at least a 20W USB-C power adapter. The small 5W or 12W chargers that come with older devices will charge an iPad incredibly slowly, which can make it seem like it's not working.
While it's charging, check the cable and the port. Look for any lint, dust, or debris in the iPad's USB-C port. You can gently clean it out with a dry, soft-bristled brush, like a clean toothbrush. Also, try a different cable and power adapter if you have them available.
Disconnect All Accessories
If you have any accessories plugged into the USB-C port, like a hub, external drive, or even a keyboard case that charges through the port, unplug them. Sometimes these accessories can draw too much power and prevent the iPad from charging properly.
This includes Magic Keyboards for iPad Pro. If your iPad is in a keyboard case, try taking it out and charging the tablet directly. Some cases or covers can also interfere with the sleep/wake function, so removing them is a good test.
Look for Signs of Life
While it's plugged in, look very closely at the screen in a dark room. You might see a very faint battery icon with a nearly empty red bar, or a charging symbol. This means the iPad has power but the battery is so depleted that the screen is almost off.
Also, feel the back of the iPad near the Apple logo after it's been charging for 15-20 minutes. If it's slightly warm to the touch, that's a good sign that power is getting to the battery. If it stays completely cold, the charging circuit might not be active.
Connect to a Computer
Try connecting your iPad to a Mac or a Windows PC with a USB-C cable. Use a direct port on the computer, not a hub. A computer can sometimes provide a more stable power signal that can kickstart a deeply drained battery.
When you connect it, listen for the chime a Mac makes or check if it appears in Finder (on Mac) or File Explorer (on Windows). If your computer recognizes it, the iPad has power and its core hardware is likely functioning.
Consider a Recent Update
If this problem started right after you installed an iPadOS update, the software installation might have been interrupted or corrupted. After ensuring the battery has a good charge, attempt the force restart process again.
In some cases, an iPad might get stuck during an update, appearing dead. Connecting it to a computer and using Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (older macOS or Windows) might prompt the computer to offer a restore or update option to fix the software.
Check for Physical or Liquid Damage
Think back to whether the iPad has been dropped recently or exposed to any moisture. Even small amounts of liquid damage can cause a device to fail to power on. Look for any obvious cracks on the screen or dents on the body that weren't there before.
If you suspect liquid damage, don't keep trying to charge it. Place it in a dry, warm area with good airflow for at least 48 hours before attempting to power it on again. Using rice is not recommended, as the dust and starch can get into the ports.
Environmental Factors
Extreme temperatures can affect your iPad's ability to turn on. If it's been in a very cold car or in direct, hot sunlight, bring it to a normal room temperature environment and let it sit for 30 minutes. A battery that is too cold or too hot will refuse to operate as a safety measure.
After it has acclimated to a normal temperature, try charging it and performing a force restart once more. The internal temperature sensor can sometimes prevent the device from booting until conditions are back within a safe operating range.
