Cannot start up a brand new Ipad Pro M4 because of mandatory 26.2 install - HELP

wb1000 wrote:

I'm not sure if I have this option. It's at the very beginning of the new device turn-on. I haven't gotten to normal screens yet. It was transferring the data from my current Ipad Air so yes, wifi-only.

You have the option to update it whether it's been signed into, activated or anything. Simply connect it to either your Windows computer in Apple Devices or Finder in Mac and it will be recognized and tell you it needs an update.

Try this.

1. Press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button until the device begins to restart.

Try lobsterghost1’s suggestion.

If you don’t:

wb1000 wrote:

Ok, this brings me to the "iPad Not SetUp" menu. Action choices being "Start Over", "Shut Down" or "Continue". How does this help?

I would first turn off any VPN or anti-virus on Wi-Fi. Then choose “Start Over”. How does this help? We’ll see.

While I can appreciate the moral of your story, for most people setting a new device, they can be updated over the air, in the middle of the setup process without issue. Clearly, it didn't go what well for you. But I'm glad you've got it up an running and I hope you enjoy the new iPad.

Lobsterghost1 said it very well, and I agree completely. Typically when taking an iPad out of the box and starting the setup process, you may be asked a few questions like your language and region, and if an update is required before setup is completed, it will be performed.

It’s also puzzling that you mentioned iPadOS 17. The iPad Pro M4 was released by Apple in May, 2024 and those early iPad Pro M4s had an iPadOS 17 version. But iPadOS 18 was released in September 2024, iPadOS 26 in September 2025, and Apple discontinued selling new iPad Pro M4 when the M5 model was introduced in October 2025. Typically Apple sells new products with the then current iPadOS version.

Anyway, enjoy your Apple gear.

This is a known issue - sometimes encountered when setting-up a new (unused) iPad and updating to iPadOS 18.x/26.x. You will need to interrupt the stalled process with a forced-restart:

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:

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

After restarting the iPad, allow the new iPad to complete initial setup and software update without attempting to transfer data from the old iPad - setting-up the new iPad using your AppleID (now known as your Apple Account).

When the update process has completed, reset the new iPad - and THEN perform the transfer from your old iPad:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content & Settings

You're connected to Wifi?

If you have a computer, you can do the update with Apple Devices on a Windows computer or Finder on a Mac, which may be simpler.

Did you do what I suggested? I know it will work as I've done it with other new devices, including the iPad Pro M5 I bought just a couple weeks ago.