Archive. This is an archive of the Apple Support Community. Discussions are being restored and soon you will be able to read and post here again.

How to fix 'Something went wrong...' message and frozen screen on iPad?

how to fix frozen screen with a ‘Something went wrong…’ message. All the usual methods of fixing do not work.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Frozen iPad

2 replies

Are you seeing this message within a specific App (such as a web browser), or someplace else? What were you doing when the message appeared?


If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.





If the problem persists after performing the restart - and you can access iPad - it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

If a force restart does not clear it, charge the iPad for 30 minutes first, then try the force restart again. If it still shows the message, connect it to a Mac or PC and put it in recovery mode, then choose Update, not Restore, so your data stays.