The Home button is essential for the complete handling of an iPad, however you should know that it is not the only option you have to carry out according to what tasks. If you are experiencing any type of failure with this button, we will show you what are the possible causes and solutions to fix it. We also show you an alternative for your use until you solve the problems of that element.
A first option that can be effective
Sometimes the least thought-out solutions end up being the most effective. One of them is to restart the iPad, which has been turning it off and on. Yes, it seems absurd, but if the button problem is caused by a software bug, it may be solved this way. What this action really means is to kill all open processes in the background that you probably don’t know about. These processes normally serve to give stability to the system, but if there is a problem with one of them, the opposite is generated. Therefore, although it may end up being in vain, you do not lose anything by turning off the device for a few seconds and then turning it on again.
Other solutions to software bugs
Although the fact that the Home button stops working or does not work normally is not a common iOS or iPadOS bug, it is not completely ruled out either. Therefore, the first advice we can give you to start ruling out software failures is to update the iPad to the most recent version you have available. If there is such an update, you can download and install it in Settings> General> Software update.
The ultimate way to end software glitches is by restoring your tablet, which may be useless at this point. However, if you want to make sure you can try to format the iPad and at the time of configuring it, do not load any backup. That way you can be sure that there is no error in the software that could cause failures in the Home button or in any other physical or virtual element.
If it’s Touch ID that is giving you problems
There is the possibility that the iPad button performs all its functions correctly except for the recognition of your fingerprint. This is not a minor problem, since the Touch ID not only serves to unlock the device, but also to make payments with Apple Pay or access apps and websites without having to enter the password manually.
The first thing we advise you is to erase all registered fingerprints, which is done from Settings> Touch ID and code. Then re-register your fingerprints and see if it works. Your finger must be clean and dry so that there are no difficulties in recognition. If it continues not to recognize you even after you have restarted the iPad, it is advisable that you go to technical support to ask the opinion of specialized technicians.
If the button is broken or you have suspicions about it
If the Home button has apparent marks of being broken, we have to tell you that unfortunately it will not have a fix that is within your reach. The button may even be damaged, although it is not noticeable, since if the iPad has received a recent blow it is very possible that it has left a damaged component. In this case, it is best to go to Apple’s technical service or a SAT (Authorized Technical Support). In these places they will be able to see exactly the origin of the problem and offer you a solution that in most cases involves giving you an iPad as a replacement for yours, since Apple does not usually repair components of its tablets and offers these solutions.
IPad Home Button Price at Apple
Regardless of the cost, Apple will provide you with a prior estimate that you may or may not accept. If you have a warranty and it is found to be a factory defect or similar, it could even be free. In any other case, the rates that the company usually applies are the following, taking into account again that they change the entire device:
- iPad
- iPad (5th generation): 281.10 euros
- iPad (6th generation): 281.10 euros
- iPad (7th generation): 281.10 euros
- iPad (8th generation): 281.10 euros
- iPad mini
- iPad mini 2: 221.10 euros
- iPad mini 4: 331.10 euros
- iPad mini (5th generation): 331.10 euros
- iPad Air
- iPad Air (1st generation): 281.10 euros
- iPad Air 2: 331.10 euros
- iPad Air (3rd generation): 421.10 euros
- iPad Pro
- iPad Pro (9.7 inches): 421.10 euros
- iPad Pro (10.5 inches): 491.10 euros
- iPad Pro (12.9-inch 1st generation): 661.10 euros
- iPad Pro (12.9-inch 2nd generation): 661.10 euros
- Other old iPads: those that do not appear in this list are because they are already obsolete in terms of repairs, which Apple no longer repairs.
It should be noted that if you have contracted AppleCare + the cost goes down to 49 euros regardless of the model of your iPad.
Is it advisable that you change it yourself?
Seeing these prices and taking into account that it would be a chore to change an entire iPad for just one piece, it is understandable that one considers buying it on their own and changing it. Replacements can be found in various internet stores, but there are several risks. The first thing is that it is not an original part and therefore it can malfunction or directly not allow its use. Another possibility is that Touch ID does not work or is not as efficient. The last factor, and no less important, ultimately depends on you and the skill you have trying to change it on your own, since any slight error during the process could render the iPad unusable.
Handle iPad if button doesn’t work
If you are not convinced to repair your iPad or you want to have some kind of shortcut until it is fixed, you can access the Assistive Touch function, which acts as a virtual button on the iPad screen and offers actions similar to what the Home button. To activate it you must go to Settings> Accessibility> Touch> Assistive Touch. In this section it is possible to configure different actions that will be opened in a submenu when clicking on this element. It’s not the same as the Home button, but it can get you out of trouble and you may even end up taking advantage of it even when the button works again.
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