ipad 8th generation 32GB issues after installing iPadOS 26.1

Yesterday while updating my iPad everything looked fine until while it was installing, it froze. I searched for information about what to do, and found something today giving me the steps to restart, and that worked. I eventually reached the restore/update screen and all was fine until I thought it was finished. Now it is telling me not to disconnect: Device Operation in Progress: Wait for the operation to complete or cancel it before quitting. I've gone thru the steps indicated on the iPad. Where can I cancel the operation or is it OK to just disconnect it at this point? Thank you for any advice.

iPad, iPadOS 26

Posted on Nov 5, 2025 1:51 PM

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1 reply

Nov 6, 2025 2:11 PM in response to karingk

I did more research and found a couple of suggestions for a fix. I reluctantly followed an article titled "If you see an error when you update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod" which led me to "Restart your iPad". I was reluctant because the final message after the restore Device Operation in Progress" advised me not to quit until it was complete, or to cancel it before quitting. I couldn't find anything explaining how to "cancel" the operation, so I left it connected and on overnight until I could do more research.


Bottom line, the restart worked and the Devices home screen does not have any error messages. So I don't know why it froze, but am so thankful I continued to troubleshoot and seem to have solved the problem. I just wish those hours could have been shortened with some educated guidance.



ipad 8th generation 32GB issues after installing iPadOS 26.1

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