After I updated to iOS 18.3 a blank media player widget showed on my iPad Pro and I can't remove it. I've been through a bunch of threads on the topic and none have worked. (Someone suggested turning on Do Not Disturb. It didn't work and now I can't turn that function off.) Anybody experience this and have a fix? Thanks!
iPad Pro, iPadOS 18
Begin with a forced-restart of your iPad - 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:
Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)
Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
Next, if the problem remains, force-close all open Apps from the App Switcher page...
To expose the App Switcher, it is necessary to swipe upwards with your finger from below the active portion of the screen, to the middle of the screen - and pause briefly - before lifting your finger. Once visible, open Apps can then be closed by swiping the corresponding App thumbnail off the top of the screen.
When all open App windows have been closed, restart the iPad as before.
When performed correctly, the iPad will restart. Timing can be tricky. To clarify:
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:
Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)
If the problem persists, 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:
Hi LotusPilot--
Thanks for your suggestions. Neither worked. With the first, I held the top button for several minutes and the iPad did not restart. (I usually shut it down by pressing the top and upper volume buttons simultaneously.) I tried this several times.
I have tried closing all apps a number of times. No luck. Any other suggestions?
Nicx
LotusPilot--
I have tried exactly what you suggest several times. I just went and tried it again. Held the top button down for two solid minutes. No restart. Period. I even held it down for 5 minutes once. Nothing. I'm not doing it wrong.
Is it possibly a physical defect? It is definitely not a user error.
Thanks much,
__Nicx
It may be a app widget where the app is showed as a widget. on iOS 18, scale it down to app size.
is it a used iPad? May just be a bug
It was new when I bought it. Fourth generation. If it's a bug, how do I fix it?
Thanks,
__Nicx
Can't Remove Media Widget from iPad Pro Lock Screen
