How to Force Restart iPadOS 18

If your iPad is freezing, running slowly, apps keep crashing, or the screen stops responding, a Force Restart or Soft Reset in iPadOS 18 is often the fastest and safest fix. This simple troubleshooting method can refresh your device and restore normal performance without deleting your data, apps, photos, or settings. In this guide, we explain how to force restart an iPad, what a soft reset in iPadOS 18 actually means, and when you should use it to fix common software issues. If you are searching for answers like iPadOS not responding, how to restart iPad, how to force restart iPad, or what to do when iPad is frozen, this tutorial will walk you through everything step by step.

Soft Reset for iPadOS 18 with a Home Button

1. Press and hold the Top Button and the Home Button at the same time. 

2. When the
Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

Soft Reset for iPadOS 18 with Face ID

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up Button.


2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down Button.


3. Then press and hold the Top Button.


4. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.

Force Restart iPadOS 18 - Video Tutorial

iPad with Home Button

iPad with Face ID

A Force Restart or Soft Reset in iPadOS 18 is one of the best first solutions when your iPad becomes unresponsive, freezes, lags, or fails to work properly. It is a quick and effective way to fix many common system glitches without erasing any personal data. Most importantly, this process is not a Hard Reset, so it does not wipe your device or restore factory settings. If the issue continues after restarting, the next step may be updating iPadOS 18, checking problematic apps, or trying additional troubleshooting methods. For more help, explore our other guides on iPadOS problems, iPad restart methods, Apple device troubleshooting, and common iPad fixes.