I tried to install iPadOS 26 on my iPad 9th gen about an hour after it released, when it installed it took hours to finalize, I tried recovery mode loads of times to restore it yet it would throw up errors, it’s now stuck in recovery mode and I can’t get into dfu mode, apple support says I should ship it to them, and someone on Reddit has the same issue, what do I do?
iPad, iPadOS 18
Do an forced reset by holding volume up, and then release, then volume down and release and hold the power button until the Apple logo comes on and wait then it should be fixed.
If that doesn’t work here is more
[Edited by Moderator]
You should only do a force restart if the iPad is not responsive. Which maybe the only option that the OP might have. All that being said… if the OP interactive with the iPad during the upgrading of the OS the OP may have bricked the iPad and now it just an expensive paper weight.
cbuckee wrote:
Do an forced reset by holding volume up, and then release, then volume down and release and hold the power button until the Apple logo comes on and wait then it should be fixed.
If that doesn’t work here is more
[Edited by Moderator]
You might be best advised to visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to offer assistance:
Hello~ Have you tried a forced restart? Click on below and for help doing so…
If your iPad won't turn on or is frozen - Apple Support
~Katana-San~
Forced restart did not work, it took 10 minutes to restart and reverted back to finalising update
iPadOS 26 bricked iPad 9th gen
