If your iPad is powered off and the power button is broken or unresponsive, the most effective way to turn it back on is to connect it to a power source.
1. The Charging Method (Best for Powering ON)
If your iPad is completely shut down, simply plug it into a wall outlet or a computer using your charging cable.
How it works: iPadOS is designed to automatically boot up once it detects a steady stream of power.
3 Note: If the battery is completely dead, you may see a battery icon for a few minutes before it actually turns on. Give it about 10–15 minutes if it doesn't start immediately.
2. How to "Wake" the Screen (If the iPad is already ON)
If the iPad is powered on but the screen is just black/asleep, you can wake it without the top button using these methods:
Plug in a charger: The screen will light up instantly when power is connected.
Tap to Wake: On newer iPads (without a Home button), you can simply tap the screen to wake it.
4 Home Button: If your model has a physical circular Home button, pressing it will wake the screen.
5 Open a Smart Cover: If you have a magnetic cover, opening it should wake the device automatically.
3. Essential Setup for Future Use (AssistiveTouch)
To avoid getting stuck again, you should enable AssistiveTouch. This places a "virtual button" on your screen that can act as a replacement for your power button.
Go to Settings > Accessibility.
Select Touch > AssistiveTouch and toggle it ON.
A gray floating circle will appear.
7 Tap it and go to Device.From here, you can Lock Screen (press once) or Power Off (long-press "Lock Screen").
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4. How to Shut Down Without the Button
If you ever need to turn the iPad off without using the physical button:
Go to Settings > General.
Scroll to the very bottom and tap Shut Down.
Slide the "Slide to power off" bar.
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Pro Tip: If your iPad is acting up and needs a Restart, you can do this via AssistiveTouch by going to Device > More > Restart.
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How to Power On Your iPad With a Broken Power Button!
This video demonstrates how connecting your iPad to a charger can bypass a broken power button to boot the device.
Would you like me to show you how to customize the AssistiveTouch menu so the "Restart" or "Lock" options are easier to reach?