Five Things to Try When Your iPad Acts Up

Most of the time, your iPad behaves itself, but every so often it doesn't. Here's a quick review of things you can try if your iPad isn't working the way you expect:

1. Reset your network connection.

   If you can't connect to websites or Apple's App or other stores, tap the Settings icon on your Home screen, and then tap General→Reset→Reset Network Settings, which often cures network connectivity issues.

2. Restart your iPad.

   Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button, and then slide the red slider to turn it off. Wait a few seconds. Press the Sleep/Wake button to turn on the iPad again.

3. Reset your iPad.

   Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button while you press and hold the Home button at the same time. This forces your iPad to restart. Ignore the Slide to Power Off slider when it appears; continue to hold down both buttons until you see the Apple logo in the middle of the screen.

4. Reset iPad settings.

   Tap the Settings icon on your Home screen, and then tap General→Reset→Reset All Settings. Resetting iPad settings won't erase your data, but you'll probably have to redo some settings afterwards.

5. Restore your iPad.

   Connect your iPad to your computer as though you were about to sync. Then select the iPad in the iTunes sidebar and click the Restore button on the Summary tab.

   Restoring your iPad erases all your data and media, and resets all your settings.

   Because your data and media (except contacts, calendar events, and playlists you've created or modified on your iPad since your last sync) still exist on your computer, you shouldn't lose anything. Your next sync will take longer, and you will have to reset any settings you've changed since you got your iPad. To be safe, right-click your iPad in iTunes sidebar (on the left side) and choose Back Up before you click Restore.