How to Fix iPad Stuck on Hello Screen: 8 Easy Ways
Is your iPad stuck on the Hello screen after an update, reset, restore, or setup? When this happens, you may be unable to complete activation or access the Home Screen. The issue can be caused by temporary system glitches, activation problems, network errors, or an interrupted iPadOS update.
Fortunately, there are several ways to get your iPad working again. In this guide, we'll explain the possible causes and show you six practical methods to fix an iPad stuck on the Hello screen.

- Why Is My iPad Stuck on Hello Screen?
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8 Ways to Fix iPad Stuck on Hello Screen
- Way 1. Force Restart Your iPad
- Way 2. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection
- Way 3. Charge Your iPad
- Way 4: Remove SIM card
- Way 5. Fix iPad Stuck on Hello Screen with TunesKit iOS System Recovery HOT
- Way 6. Update iPadOS with a Computer
- Way 7. Update or Restore iPad in Recovery Mode
- Way 8. Contact Apple Support
- FAQs About iPad Stuck on Hello Screen
- Summary
Why Is My iPad Stuck on Hello Screen?
An iPad may get stuck on the Hello screen for several reasons, especially after an iPadOS update, reset, restore, or device setup. Common causes include:
- 1. Unstable Wi-Fi connection during activation
- 2. Failed or interrupted iPadOS update
- 3. Temporary system or activation glitches
- 4. Insufficient storage during an update or restore
- 5. Jailbreak-related system errors
- 6. Overheating or unexpected shutdowns during setup
- 7. Hardware issues that prevent the setup process from completing
Identifying what happened before the iPad became stuck can help you choose the most suitable solution.
8 Ways to Fix iPad Stuck on Hello Screen
If your iPad is stuck on the Hello screen, start with simple methods that do not affect your data. If the problem continues, move on to system repair, Recovery Mode, or professional support.
Way 1. Force Restart Your iPad
A temporary iPadOS glitch may prevent the setup screen from responding properly. A force restart reloads the system without deleting your apps, photos, or other data, so it should be one of the first methods you try.
For an iPad without a Home button:
- Step 1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Step 2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Step 3. Press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears, then release it.

For an iPad with a Home button:
- Step 1. Press and hold the Home button and Top button at the same time.
- Step 2. Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears.
- Step 3. Release the buttons and wait for the iPad to restart.

After restarting, try swiping up on the Hello screen and continuing the setup process.
Way 2. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection
The Hello screen is part of the setup and activation process, which may require a stable internet connection. If Wi-Fi is weak or unstable, your iPad may appear to be stuck while trying to activate or contact Apple servers.
- Step 1. Make sure your Wi-Fi router is working normally.
- Step 2. Restart the router if necessary.
- Step 3. Move your iPad closer to the router and reconnect to Wi-Fi.
- Step 4. If another reliable Wi-Fi network is available, connect to it and try the setup again.
If the iPad moves past the Hello screen after changing networks, the original connection was likely causing the problem.
Way 3. Charge Your iPad
A very low battery level or an unexpected shutdown during an update or setup process may cause the iPad to behave abnormally. Instead of deliberately draining the battery, it is safer to make sure the device has sufficient power before continuing troubleshooting.
- Step 1. Connect your iPad to a reliable charger and power outlet.
- Step 2. Leave it charging for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 3. Force restart the iPad while it remains connected to power.
- Step 4. Check whether you can now continue past the Hello screen.
If the iPad does not charge or repeatedly shuts down, there may be a battery or hardware problem.
Way 4: Remove SIM card
This may seem entirely unrelated but, trust me, the method has worked for many iPad users out there. It is a relatively oversimplified solution, but it works to eliminate your iPad stuck at Hello screen problem. All you need to do is to safely remove your SIM card by using a SIM-eject tool or paper clip, turn off Wi-Fi and reboot your iPad. The chances are that this will amicably resolve your troubles.

Way 5. Fix iPad Stuck on Hello Screen with TunesKit iOS System Recovery
If restarting, checking the network, and updating iPadOS do not work, the problem may be caused by a deeper iPadOS system error. Then it is time we introduced you to the ultimate solution - the TunesKit iOS System Recovery software. The app is powerfully designed to help iOS, and iPadOS device users resolve all system software-related problems. Moreover, it is a simple use software and does not require any technical know-how.
It is popularly known to resolve iOS/iPadOS glitches such as boot loop, black screen, update failure, iPad stuck on connect to iTunes, to mention a few. The program has an intuitive interface that enables users to resolve any iOS problems quickly and without compromising or losing their data from their iPads. The program is 100% safe and is available for both Windows and Mac users.
Fix iPad Stuck on Hello Screen Without Data Loss
TunesKit iOS System Recovery can repair iPadOS glitches that leave your iPad stuck on the Hello screen, while Standard Repair is designed to keep your data.
Below is a quick, easy-to-follow guide that will help you fix the Hello screen issue without data loss.
Step 1. Connect Your iPad
Double-click on the app's icon to quick start it on your PC. Using a lightning USB cable, connect your iPad to the computer. Wait for it to detect. Select the iOS System Repair option on the home screen. Then click on the Start option at the bottom to proceed.

Step 2. Choose A Mode
TunesKit will provide two repair options on the next window, i.e., Standard Repair and Deep Repair. Choose Standard Repair as the repair mode. We recommend avoid using the Advanced Mode; it will only lead to data loss.
Step 3. Download Firmware Package
The app will download a firmware package. Before clicking the Download option, check to confirm whether the firmware conforms to your iPad device details. If nothing wrong, hit the Download button.

Step 4. Fix iPad Stuck at Hello Screen
It is now time to fix your annoying iPad stuck at Hello screen. After the download process is complete, hit the Start Standard Repair button to fix your iPad in trouble. Also, ensure that the iPad is connected all through the process to avoid unnecessary software problems.

Way 6. Update iPadOS with a Computer
If the Hello screen problem started after an interrupted or failed update, reinstalling the latest compatible iPadOS version may repair damaged system files. Updating is worth trying before restoring because it attempts to reinstall the system without erasing your data.
- Step 1. Connect your iPad to a computer using a USB or USB-C cable.
- Step 2. Open Finder on a Mac or Apple Devices on a Windows PC. On older systems, you may need to use iTunes.
- Step 3. Select your iPad when it appears.
- Step 4. If an update option is available, choose Update and follow the onscreen instructions.
Keep the iPad connected until the update is complete. If the computer cannot recognize the device normally, you may need to use Recovery Mode later.
Way 7. Update or Restore iPad in Recovery Mode
If the iPad cannot complete setup and regular system repair does not solve the problem, Recovery Mode allows your computer to reinstall iPadOS. Try Update first because it attempts to preserve your data. Use Restore only if updating fails.
- Step 1. Connect the iPad to your computer and open Finder on Mac or Apple Devices or iTunes on Windows.
- Step 2. Put the iPad into Recovery Mode.
- For an iPad without a Home button: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Top button. Keep holding it after the Apple logo appears until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
- For an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the Home button and Top button together. Keep holding them after the Apple logo appears. Release the buttons when the Recovery Mode screen appears.
Step 3. When your computer shows Update and Restore, choose Update first.
Step 4. If updating does not fix the issue, repeat the Recovery Mode process and choose Restore.
Way 8. Contact Apple Support
If the iPad remains stuck on the Hello screen after restarting, updating, system repair, and Recovery Mode, the problem may involve hardware or a more serious activation issue.
This method is especially appropriate if:
- The iPad was recently dropped or exposed to liquid.
- The touchscreen does not respond on the Hello screen.
- The computer cannot detect the iPad.
- The device repeatedly restarts during setup.
- Recovery Mode update or restore repeatedly fails.
Contact Apple Support, visit an Apple Store, or go to an Apple Authorized Service Provider for further diagnosis.
FAQs About iPad Stuck on Hello Screen
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What is the Hello screen on iPad?
The Hello screen appears when an iPad is being set up for the first time or after it has been erased or restored. From this screen, you can begin the setup and activation process.
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Will I lose data if I restore my iPad?
Yes. Restoring an iPad erases all content and settings. If you have an iCloud or computer backup, you can restore your data after the device is set up again.
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What should I do if my iPad is Activation Locked?
Activation Lock requires the Apple Account and password previously linked to the iPad. If the device is second-hand, ask the previous owner to remove it from their account. If you are the legitimate owner but cannot access the account, contact Apple Support and be prepared to provide proof of purchase.
Summary
That is all. This article has wrapped up every possible solution to resolve the iPad stuck on hello screen problem once and for all. We recommend starting with the most basic solutions like rebooting your iPad and removing your SIM card before exploring more complex solutions such as iTunes restoration.
At the same, you can consider using the TunesKit iOS System Recovery tool to fix the problem. The solution has received massive positive feedback from previous users and is very easy to implement. All you have to do is download, install and follow the guide above for sound iOS system software.