Can’t Swipe Up To Fully Close Apps or To Power Off iPad

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Can’t Swipe Up To Fully Close Apps or To Power Off iPad

Has happened 4 times since ios26 update about a month ago. I swipe up from the bottom of ipad screen to see my open apps, but then I can’t swipe up on any of the apps to fully close them; in addition when I try to power down the ipad (simultaneously holding power key and vol up key), I get the “Slide to power off” but it won’t slide, so I can’t power off the ipad; I can press Cancel on that screen and continue to use the ipad without issue, i.e. I can open and use apps etc, but, as stated, I can’t swipe up to fully close apps nor can I swipe the “Swipe to power off” onscreen button. To resolve this I have to do the trick to hard shut down the iPad (vol up, then vol down, then hold physical power button until apple icon shows on screen. Then everything works again as expected. However, intermittently (4 random times since iOS 26 update), the same issue reoccurred and there seems to be no particular trigger, I am just using my iPad as normal.

Any thoughts? Any similar issues reported by others?

iPad, iPadOS 26

Posted on Nov 27, 2025 3:14 PM

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Answer 1

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LotusPilot

Community+ 2025

Level 10

301,232 points

Nov 27, 2025 3:54 PM in response to tristan44

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
Press and hold the top button.
When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to assist with troubleshooting:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Answer 2

Nov 27, 2025 4:15 PM in response to tristan44

That may happen if you have installed the latest update and if your iPad is new to turn it off completely go to control center en on the right side in the corner leave the button pressed until it appears to turn off.(In old models just leave pressed the power button)

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