IPad Pro 12.9 (2018): Common Issues & Fixes

Hey guys! So, you've got yourself the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen, 2018), huh? That's a serious piece of tech! This thing is a powerhouse. But, let's be real, even the best gadgets can run into problems. Don't worry, it's all part of the game. I'm here to walk you through some of the most common issues folks face with their 2018 12.9-inch iPad Pros and, more importantly, how to fix them. We're talking everything from battery woes to screen glitches, and software hiccups. We'll cover what you can do at home and when it's time to call in the pros.

Battery Life Blues and How to Deal

One of the biggest complaints with any portable device, and the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen, 2018) is no exception, is battery life. You're cruising along, enjoying your tablet, and BAM! That dreaded low-battery warning pops up. Seriously, it's the worst, right? There are a few things that can drain your battery faster than a kid with an ice cream cone on a hot day. Let's get into some troubleshooting steps and how to improve your iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) battery life. First off, check your screen brightness. This is a huge battery hog. The brighter your screen, the faster that juice disappears. Try keeping the brightness at a comfortable level. You can also use auto-brightness, which adjusts the screen based on your environment. That's a pretty sweet feature. Secondly, take a look at your background app refresh. Many apps constantly update in the background, even when you're not using them. This eats into your battery. Head over to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn off the apps you don't need constantly updating. You can also turn off background app refresh altogether and manually refresh apps when you open them. See what works for you. Thirdly, see which apps are battery hogs. Go to Settings > Battery. This will show you which apps are using the most power. If you see an app that's draining a ton of battery and you don't use it much, consider deleting it or limiting its use. Another tip, keep your iPad's software up to date. Apple often releases updates that include battery optimization and bug fixes. Make sure you're running the latest version of iPadOS. Finally, consider your usage habits. Streaming videos, playing graphic-intensive games, and using GPS all drain the battery quickly. Be mindful of how you're using your iPad and plan accordingly. If you have been using your iPad for years, you might want to look into a new battery or even consider a device upgrade. After all, if the battery is old, the amount of charge it can take is dramatically reduced. It's really worth considering.

Screen Issues: When Things Get Fuzzy

Alright, let's talk about screen issues. Your iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen, 2018) has a beautiful display, but sometimes things can go wrong. Maybe the screen is unresponsive, has dead pixels, or is just plain flickering. It's frustrating when your tablet's screen isn't up to snuff. Don't panic! Here's what you can do. The first step, a forced restart, is your best friend. Press and quickly release the volume up button, then press and quickly release the volume down button. After that, press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears. This can often fix minor software glitches that might be causing screen problems. Next, give your screen a good cleaning. Dust, fingerprints, and other grime can sometimes interfere with touch responsiveness. Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the screen. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. If you see dead pixels, tiny black dots, or other display anomalies, it could be a hardware issue. In this case, you may need to contact Apple support or take your iPad to a repair shop. Sadly, dead pixels are often permanent. If your screen is flickering, it could be a software or hardware problem. Try the forced restart, and make sure your iPadOS is up to date. If the flickering persists, it might indicate a hardware issue, and you should seek professional help. If the touchscreen isn't responding, check to see if you have any screen protectors. Low-quality screen protectors can sometimes interfere with touch functionality. If you have one, remove it and see if the problem goes away. Otherwise, a faulty touchscreen will need to be replaced. Lastly, back up your data regularly. In case of a more severe screen issue, like a total failure, you don't want to lose your precious data. Backing up your data will save you loads of heartache if the worst happens and you lose everything.

Software Glitches and How to Troubleshoot

Software glitches are annoying, but pretty common. Apps crashing, the iPad freezing, or the system running slow are all signs of potential software issues. The good news is, these problems are usually fixable. A forced restart (yep, again!) is usually the first step. As mentioned before, press and quickly release the volume up button, then press and quickly release the volume down button. After that, press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears. This often resolves minor software hiccups. Make sure your iPadOS is up to date. Apple regularly releases updates that fix bugs and improve performance. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates. Freeing up some storage space can also help. If your iPad is running low on storage, it can slow down performance and cause apps to crash. Delete unused apps, photos, and videos to free up space. Sometimes, a specific app might be the culprit. If an app is constantly crashing or misbehaving, try updating the app. If that doesn't work, try deleting and reinstalling the app. This can often fix corrupted app files. If you've tried everything and your iPad is still acting up, you might want to consider a factory reset. This will erase all the data on your iPad, so be sure to back up your data first! To do a factory reset, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings. This is a last resort, but it can often resolve persistent software problems. It will return your device to its original factory settings and will eliminate corrupted files. Always remember, before you do anything serious, like a factory reset, back up your data. It's super important!

Charging Problems: No Power? No Problem?

Charging problems can be a real pain. Your iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen, 2018) not charging, charging slowly, or only charging to a certain percentage? Let's fix that. First, try a different charging cable and power adapter. Sometimes, the cable or adapter can be the problem, not the iPad itself. Make sure you're using a genuine Apple charging cable and power adapter. If you are, good on you! Next, check the charging port for debris. Dust, lint, and other gunk can sometimes get lodged in the port, preventing a good connection. Gently clean out the charging port with a toothpick or a compressed air can. Be careful not to damage the pins inside the port. Make sure the power outlet is working. Try plugging your charger into a different outlet to make sure the problem isn't with the outlet. If your iPad is charging slowly, close any background apps you're not using. If you have many apps open, it can take longer for your iPad to charge. If your iPad is only charging to a certain percentage, there may be a software issue. Ensure that your software is up to date. Or it could be a battery hardware problem. If the problem continues, you might consider taking the device to the Apple Store or another qualified repair shop. They might be able to replace the battery or identify any other problems.

Performance Issues: Slowdowns and Stutters

If your iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen, 2018) is running slow or stuttering, it can be frustrating. Here's how to speed things up: Close unnecessary apps. If you have tons of apps open in the background, they can hog system resources and slow down performance. Close any apps you're not actively using. Free up storage space. Like with software glitches, a full iPad can slow things down. Delete unused apps, photos, and videos to free up storage. Update your iPadOS. Apple often releases updates that improve performance and fix bugs. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates. Restart your iPad. A simple restart can often clear out temporary files and improve performance. Power down your iPad and then turn it back on. Check your internet connection. If you're experiencing slow performance while browsing the web or using online apps, it could be a problem with your internet connection, not the iPad itself. Reset all settings. This will reset all your settings to their defaults but won't delete any of your data. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings. It's worth trying if your iPad is really sluggish. If your iPad continues to be sluggish, it might be that the hardware has failed and that a replacement or upgrade is needed.

When to Seek Professional Help

Okay, so you've tried the troubleshooting steps, but your iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen, 2018) is still giving you trouble? Sometimes, you just need to call in the pros. Here's when to consider professional help: If you've got a hardware issue, like a cracked screen, a faulty battery, or a broken charging port. If you are not comfortable working with electronics. If you've tried all the DIY solutions and the problem persists. When the issue is outside your technical comfort zone. When in doubt, contact Apple Support or take your iPad to an Apple Store or a certified repair shop. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix more complex issues. They can also provide you with information about the price of repairs. Don't be afraid to seek professional help! It's better to be safe than sorry, and it can save you a lot of headaches in the long run. Good luck, and enjoy that beautiful iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen, 2018)!