How to Shut Down Your iPad (11th Generation A16): Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve recently upgraded to the iPad 11th generation with A16 chip, you might notice the shutdown process works differently than older iPads. Unlike traditional power buttons, the A16 iPad requires you to press two buttons simultaneously to access the shutdown menu—a design that prevents accidental power-offs while you’re holding the tablet.

What is a Full Shutdown on iPad A16?

A full shutdown completely powers down your iPad (11th generation, 2025), halting all operations and background processes. Unlike sleep mode, which keeps your device in a low-power state with some background functions still active, shutdown drains almost no battery power and is useful for troubleshooting or storing your iPad for extended periods. The iPad A16 is exclusive to Apple’s standard iPad line—if you have an iPad Pro or iPad Air 2024, your device uses an M4 or M2 chip respectively and follows the same shutdown procedure. [Current as of: iPadOS 18 - March 2025]

According to Apple’s official support documentation, all iPad models without a Home button use the same button combination: simultaneously press and hold the top button (power) and either volume button to trigger the shutdown menu.

Why Use This Feature?

• Fixes frozen apps or performance issues: A complete shutdown clears temporary data and resets system processes more thoroughly than sleep mode, often resolving lag or unresponsive apps

• Extends battery life for long-term storage: Full shutdown preserves battery for weeks or months, losing only minimal charge, whereas sleep mode drains 1–2% of battery daily due to background processes

• Prevents accidental power-offs: The two-button combination design makes it nearly impossible to shut down accidentally while holding your tablet, compared to earlier iPad models with traditional power buttons

• Prepares your iPad for travel or repair: Professional troubleshooting and device repairs require a complete shutdown rather than sleep mode

Things to Consider

• You must manually save your work first: Unlike computers with shutdown prompts, iPads don’t warn you to save documents, emails, or drafts before powering down. Close and save all open apps before starting the shutdown process

• Alarms won’t function during shutdown: If you rely on your iPad as an alarm clock, keep it in sleep mode instead—alarms only work when the device is powered on. In sleep mode, alarms will ring as scheduled

• Startup takes 15–30 seconds: After powering down, your iPad takes approximately 15–30 seconds to restart and become fully usable, so plan accordingly if you need immediate access

How to Shut Down Your iPad A16 - Step by Step

Step 1: Save all open work Before proceeding, close any apps with unsaved data. Check your email drafts, document editors, and note-taking apps to ensure nothing will be lost. Unlike computers, iPads don’t display a “save before shutdown” warning.

Step 2: Locate the power and volume buttons The power button is on the top edge of your iPad (right side if holding in landscape mode). The volume buttons are on the side edge—you can use either the volume up or volume down button. Both work equally well for the shutdown process.

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: Close-up view of iPad A16 showing power button location on top edge and volume buttons on side edge, with labels and arrows pointing to each button]

Step 3: Press and hold both buttons simultaneously Press the power button (top) and either volume button at the exact same time. Don’t press them one after the other—both must be pressed together. Hold both buttons for 2–3 seconds until the “Slide to Power Off” screen appears with the red slider and the “Cancel” option.

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: iPad screen showing the red “Slide to Power Off” slider interface with the power-off icon and Cancel button visible]

Step 4: Slide to power off Drag the red slider from left to right across the text “Slide to Power Off.” The screen will go black, and you’ll see the Apple logo briefly before disappearing completely. Wait 10–15 seconds until all visual signs of power have ceased. Your iPad is now fully powered down.

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: iPad screen showing the slider in various positions during the drag gesture, demonstrating the motion from left to right]

Sleep Mode vs. Full Shutdown: Quick Comparison

Sleep Mode (single tap power button): • Reduces power consumption to minimal levels but keeps background processes active • Alarms, notifications, and iCloud sync continue to function • Battery drains approximately 1–2% per day • Device wakes instantly (under 1 second) • Use for daily breaks or overnight rest

Full Shutdown: • Halts all operations and background processes completely • Battery drain is almost zero—ideal for storage lasting more than 2 weeks • Alarms will NOT function • Device takes 15–30 seconds to restart • Use for troubleshooting battery issues, extended storage, or professional repairs

If you’re storing your iPad for more than two weeks or troubleshooting battery drain, choose full shutdown. For daily use, sleep mode is sufficient and more convenient.

Shutting down your iPad A16 is straightforward once you know about the two-button combination—a design choice that prioritizes accident prevention over simplicity. Whether you’re preparing for travel, troubleshooting issues, or extending battery life during storage, following these four steps ensures a clean, complete shutdown every time.