The iPad Pro is a capable and flexible device that can perform various functions and operations. However, as with any other electronic device, it may sometimes face problems that impair its efficiency and usability. One of the frequent issues that some iPad Pro users have experienced is the display not waking up issue. This implies that the screen stays dark or empty even when the device is powered on or unlocked.
This can be quite bothersome, especially if you rely on your iPad Pro for your professional, academic, or leisure activities. Luckily, there are some potential remedies that you can attempt to resolve this issue and restore your iPad Pro to its normal state. This article will explore the reasons that contribute to this issue and provide the necessary steps to fix it. We will also include some key tips at the end to help you prevent this issue from happening again.
Unveiling the Mystery: iPad Pro Display Refusing to Wake Up
Imagine this: your iPad Pro’s screen is like a snoozing friend who just won’t wake up, no matter how many times you tap or prod. What’s the deal? Let’s break it down. There are reasons behind this puzzle, and they’re not as complicated as they might seem. We’ll explore the clues and help you bring that stubborn screen back to life step by step.
Causes of iPad Pro Display Not Waking Up Issue
There are several possible causes of the iPad Pro display not waking up issue. Some of them are:
- Low battery: If your iPad Pro has a low battery level, it may not have enough power to turn on the display or keep it awake. This can occur if you neglect to power up your device or if you operate it for a prolonged period without connecting it to a power source.
- Software glitches: Sometimes, software glitches or bugs can cause the display to malfunction or freeze. This can happen due to corrupted files, incompatible apps, outdated software, or other factors.
- Hardware damage: In some cases, hardware damage can also cause the display not to wake up the issue. This can happen due to physical impacts, water exposure, overheating, or other factors that can affect the internal components of your device.
- Faulty accessories: Another possible cause of this issue is faulty accessories, such as cases, screen protectors, keyboards, or cables. These accessories can interfere with the sensors or connectors of your device and prevent it from waking up properly.
Troubleshooting Steps for iPad Pro Display Not Waking Up Issue
Here’s what you must do if your iPad Pro display is not waking up.
Step 1: Check Your Battery Level

The first thing that you should do is check your battery level. If your iPad Pro has a low battery level, it may not be able to turn on the display or keep it awake. To check your battery level, do one of the following:
- Connect your iPad Pro to a power source using the original Apple charger and cable. Wait for a few minutes and see if the display turns on or shows the charging icon.
- Press and hold the power button and either volume button for a few seconds until you see the power off slider. Drag the slider to turn off your device. Then press and hold the power button again until you see the Apple logo. This will restart your device and show you the battery level on the screen.
- If you have an iPad with Face ID, tap the screen and glance at your device. This will unlock your device and show you the battery level on the screen.
If your battery level is low, charge your device until it has enough power to turn on the display or keep it awake. If your battery level is normal, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Remove Any Cases or Screen Protectors

The next thing that you should do is remove any cases or screen protectors that you have on your device. These accessories can interfere with the sensors or connectors of your device and prevent it from waking up properly. For example, some cases or screen protectors may cover the proximity sensor or ambient light sensor of your device, which can affect its ability to detect when you want to wake it up.
To remove any cases or screen protectors, do one of the following:
- Carefully peel off any adhesive screen protectors from your device.
- Unsnap any hard cases from your device.
- Unfold any folio cases from your device.
After removing any cases or screen protectors, try to wake up your device again and see if the display works normally. If not, move on to the next step.
Step 3: Force Restart Your Device

Another thing that you should do is force restart your device. Force restarting your device can clear any temporary data or cache that may be causing the display to malfunction or freeze. Force restarting your device will not erase any of your personal data or settings.
To force restart your device, do this:
- Tap and then immediately let go of the volume up button. Tap and then immediately let go of the volume down button. Press and keep pressing the top button until the Apple logo appears.
After force restarting your device, try to wake up your device again and see if the display works normally. If not, move on to the next step.
Step 4: Seek Professional Assistance

If none of the above steps yield positive results, it’s time to consider professional help. You should contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service center to diagnose and address potential hardware issues.
Key Takeaways:
- Software First: Always begin troubleshooting with software-related solutions such as force restarting, updating apps, and resetting settings.
- Battery Awareness: Low battery can mimic serious issues. Ensure your device has sufficient charge before pursuing complex solutions.
- Physical Inspection: Physical damage can cause display problems. Check for any visible damage on your iPad Pro.
- Regular Updates: Keeping your iPad Pro’s software and apps up to date can prevent potential glitches.
- Professional Help: If nothing else works, contacting Apple Support or a certified service provider is the best option.