iPad Air 5 Stuck in Recovery Mode Loop

I checked my iPad in the morning and saw the recovery screen.


I tried to restore it using the Apple Devices app and 3uTools on my Windows laptop with the original cable from the box because the button method didn’t work (my buttons weren’t responding).


However, it keeps showing the restore screen again and again even after a successful restoration message.


Do you think there’s a problem with my hardware?

iPad Air

Posted on Oct 24, 2025 5:15 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 24, 2025 6:18 AM

Are you suggesting that one or more physical buttons on your iPad are non-functional? It is a common misconception that an iPad (or iPhone) can remain fully functional with damaged or defective physical buttons. 


Whilst Accessibility features (such as assistive touch) can be used to augment the User Interface, these features cannot be used as a substitute for physical button sequences that must be used to trigger system recovery actions. Sooner or later, if any of the physical buttons are broken or don't work, you will encounter a situation from which you cannot recover.


Given your description, you would 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 test and assess your iPad. If the iPad simply needs to be restored, they will be able to do so; if a repair is required, you'll be in the best possible place to explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 24, 2025 6:18 AM in response to jeonghupark11

Are you suggesting that one or more physical buttons on your iPad are non-functional? It is a common misconception that an iPad (or iPhone) can remain fully functional with damaged or defective physical buttons. 


Whilst Accessibility features (such as assistive touch) can be used to augment the User Interface, these features cannot be used as a substitute for physical button sequences that must be used to trigger system recovery actions. Sooner or later, if any of the physical buttons are broken or don't work, you will encounter a situation from which you cannot recover.


Given your description, you would 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 test and assess your iPad. If the iPad simply needs to be restored, they will be able to do so; if a repair is required, you'll be in the best possible place to explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

iPad Air 5 Stuck in Recovery Mode Loop

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