What to Do When Your iPad mini Acts Up

Your iPad mini behaves itself the majority of the time, but every so often it doesn't. Here's a quick list of five things you can try if your iPad mini 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. Resetting the connection often solves network connectivity issues.

2. Restart your iPad mini.

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

3. Reset your iPad mini.

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

4. Reset your 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 mini.

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

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

   Because your data and media (except calendar events, contacts, 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 mini. You can take extra precaution by right-clicking your iPad mini in the iTunes sidebar (on the left side) and choosing Back Up before you click Restore.