User level: Level 1 (4 points)I have just bought a mini iPad 2024 and am having problems switching it off. It keeps taking a photo instead of shutting down. Is this just a design problem or is my iPad faulty?
Posted on Nov 5, 2026 2:35 AM
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)Nov 5, 2026 3:48 AM in response to Apple_user765
Your iPad is unlikely to be faulty. You are more likely inadvertently triggering a function through unfamiliarity with iPad and its controls.
There is generally nothing to be gained in attempting to "switch off" (i.e. shut-down) an iPad - unless you are setting aside the iPad unused for many days.
When idle, the iPad is designed to continue running background tasks (such as retrieving email, synchronising with iCloud and performing automatic backup). Shutting-down inhibits this activity.
The iPad User Guide is a rich and frequently overlooked source of information about iPad and iPadOS. Here is a direct link the section of the Guide that describes the available methods to "turn off" (shut-down) your iPad:
https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/ipad63d30b5a/ipados
As a new user of iPad, you might usefully benefit from reviewing the User Guide. The Tips App, installed by default on all new models of iPad, provides a brief introduction - and leads you to the User Guide. In case you missed it, here is a link to the Tips App:
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/tips/id1069509450
Apple also has a huge YouTube Channel - containing videos and feature guidance:
https://www.youtube.com/user/Apple
User level: Level 4 (3,426 points)Nov 6, 2026 10:26 AM in response to Apple_user765
Hello Apple_user765
There are three ways to power down an iPad. I generally find the Control Center way the easiest.
https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/turn-ipad-on-or-off-ipad63d30b5a/ipados
User level: Level 10 (280,982 points)Nov 6, 2026 1:33 PM in response to Apple_user765
Why not simply do Settings > General > Shut Down?
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)Nov 6, 2026 2:28 PM in response to Apple_user765
Apple_user765 wrote:
Brilliant! Thank you! So much easier!
As documented, along with other methods, within the section of linked the User Guide:
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Nov 6, 2026 2:12 PM in response to sberman
Brilliant! Thank you! So much easier!
User level: Level 10 (280,982 points)Nov 6, 2026 2:19 PM in response to Apple_user765
Glad that helped!
Enjoy your Apple gear.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256389134