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iPad Pro First iPad Pro - Is This Normal? Sleep/Wake Button

M

Melodeath

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Dec 9, 2009
580
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I just got my first iPad, an iPad Pro 11" (2021, 3rd gen with M1). After some minor use, I have a question about the sleep/wake button on the top of the iPad.

When I press the center or the right side of the sleep/wake button, it functions as expected. However, when I press the left side of the button, it doesn't seem to work, despite the fact that I'm physically feeling the button go in/click like normal. I want to be clear that I'm still pressing the button from the top, just on the left side of center.

Is this normal behavior for this iPad? It feels wrong, but this is my very first iPad, so I'm inexperienced. I can probably learn to press the button differently, but I just want to be sure I didn't receive an iPad that's not functioning as expected. Maybe other iPad Pro owners can chime in. Thank you
 
I tap the screen or keyboard to wake mine. Only time I use that button is to turn the iPad completely off or back on. Maybe I’m not understanding what you are doing/wanting to do.
 
I just tested on mine and it works as intended. No issue there. So I dunno what’s happening on your iPad. If you are concerned about it a lot, use it a bit and return it to apple for a replacement (if return window still present for you that is).
 
LibbyLA said:
I tap the screen or keyboard to wake mine. Only time I use that button is to turn the iPad completely off or back on. Maybe I’m not understanding what you are doing/wanting to do.
Click to expand...
I was just trying to turn the screen off, and noticed that the button wasn't working, so I started experimenting with how I press it.

When the iPad arrived two days ago, I actually wasn't able to turn it on with the sleep/wake button. I held it, but the iPad still didn't boot up. I assumed the battery arrived dead, so I plugged it in, but the battery was at 70% and I went through the activation/setup. I thought nothing of it since then until just now when the sleep/wake button didn't work as expected.
Shirasaki said:
I just tested on mine and it works as intended. No issue there. So I dunno what’s happening on your iPad. If you are concerned about it a lot, use it a bit and return it to apple for a replacement (if return window still present for you that is).
Click to expand...
True. I will keep using it, but I should be able to exchange if necessary. I just wasn't sure if I was "pressing it wrong" since it's my first iPad.
 
Melodeath said:
I just got my first iPad, an iPad Pro 11" (2021, 3rd gen with M1). After some minor use, I have a question about the sleep/wake button on the top of the iPad.

When I press the center or the right side of the sleep/wake button, it functions as expected. However, when I press the left side of the button, it doesn't seem to work, despite the fact that I'm physically feeling the button go in/click like normal. I want to be clear that I'm still pressing the button from the top, just on the left side of center.

Is this normal behavior for this iPad? It feels wrong, but this is my very first iPad, so I'm inexperienced. I can probably learn to press the button differently, but I just want to be sure I didn't receive an iPad that's not functioning as expected. Maybe other iPad Pro owners can chime in. Thank you
Click to expand...
Works as intended on mine.
 
I just tried pushing the top button different ways and it functions as expected. Yours might be good. But like someone mentioned, I like to tap to wake and only use that button to put my IPP to sleep.
 
Melodeath said:
I was just trying to turn the screen off, and noticed that the button wasn't working, so I started experimenting with how I press it.

When the iPad arrived two days ago, I actually wasn't able to turn it on with the sleep/wake button. I held it, but the iPad still didn't boot up. I assumed the battery arrived dead, so I plugged it in, but the battery was at 70% and I went through the activation/setup. I thought nothing of it since then until just now when the sleep/wake button didn't work as expected.

True. I will keep using it, but I should be able to exchange if necessary. I just wasn't sure if I was "pressing it wrong" since it's my first iPad.
Click to expand...

First question, are you using a case that covers the Sleep/Wake button? If yes, try using without a case.

If it’s not in a case, then it sounds like the button might be defective.
 
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Pathfinder3 said:
I just tried pushing the top button different ways and it functions as expected. Yours might be good. But like someone mentioned, I like to tap to wake and only use that button to put my IPP to sleep.
Click to expand...
Thanks for checking. By that you mean the button always works no matter what way you press it, correct?
rui no onna said:
First question, are you using a case that covers the Sleep/Wake button? If yes, try using without a case.

If it’s not in a case, then it sounds like the button might be defective.
Click to expand...
I’m not using a case, but that was a good question haha. I’m starting to think it is defective
 
I had the same issue on a 10.5 inch iPad Air a year ago, and I was able to get it replaced. Of course, now my new iPad Air creaks around the FaceTime camera, so that sucks.
 
Is there any side to side play in that button. I’m assuming there must be noticeable play in it for you to notice this. Especially if it wouldn’t start up when you first tried to activate it. Either that or you’re not pushing it in far enough or hard enough. I’m guessing that may be what’s happening. My iPads feel fairly snug when I try to rock it from side to side but I do see it move a tiny bit. However no issues in using it.

I once got a new Apple Watch And had a lot of trouble getting Apple Pay to come up when I did a double press of the side button. For the life of me it took at least 3 to 4 attempts to get that to work. And I then realized that there was a lot of wiggle room on that button and if I didn’t press in just the right place Apple Pay would not come up. I made an appointment at an Apple store and demonstrated that to one of the staff and they authorized a replacement. They didn’t have one in the store at that time so Apple overnighted one to me. What you’re describing sounds a bit similar to that.
 
papbot said:
Is there any side to side play in that button. I’m assuming there must be noticeable play in it for you to notice this. Especially if it wouldn’t start up when you first tried to activate it. Either that or you’re not pushing it in far enough or hard enough. I’m guessing that may be what’s happening. My iPads feel fairly snug when I try to rock it from side to side but I do see it move a tiny bit. However no issues in using it.

I once got a new Apple Watch And had a lot of trouble getting Apple Pay to come up when I did a double press of the side button. For the life of me it took at least 3 to 4 attempts to get that to work. And I then realized that there was a lot of wiggle room on that button and if I didn’t press in just the right place Apple Pay would not come up. I made an appointment at an Apple store and demonstrated that to one of the staff and they authorized a replacement. They didn’t have one in the store at that time so Apple overnighted one to me. What you’re describing sounds a bit similar to that.
Click to expand...
There's actually no play in the button. It feels perfectly snug, but it just doesn't respond if you're not centered or on the right side of the button. For example, if you have the iPad in landscape and try to hit the closest edge of the button with your left index finger, there's a good chance it's not going to respond. It clicks in and feels like a normal press, but nothing happens.

But I did have someone else try the button and see if it worked properly for them, and they had the same issue.
 
Just wanted to update the thread that after going to the Apple Store and trying out other iPads, I confirmed that my button is not functioning normally. This was also confirmed by an employee who examined my iPad. Unfortunately, the iPad Pro 11" is not in stock, so I can't exchange it. I'd have to return and re-purchase, waiting for it to come back in stock.
 
Melodeath said:
Just wanted to update the thread that after going to the Apple Store and trying out other iPads, I confirmed that my button is not functioning normally. This was also confirmed by an employee who examined my iPad. Unfortunately, the iPad Pro 11" is not in stock, so I can't exchange it. I'd have to return and re-purchase, waiting for it to come back in stock.
Click to expand...
Remember guys just get Apple care for your devices and the Apple support app on all of your Devices
then you should be good. I’m so sorry your new Device is broken.
 
Applecool78 said:
Remember guys just get Apple care for your devices and the Apple support app on all of your Devices
then you should be good. I’m so sorry your new Device is broken.
Click to expand...
The good news is there's a year warranty so I should be able to exchange it due to the defect even if I don't have AppleCare+ (unless I accidentally damage it in the meantime).

That said, I was told if I exchange it, I won't be able to add AppleCare+ within the normal 60 day period. You have to add AC+ first, then exchange the defective unit (if you want AC+ in general).
 
Ok, so finally got a new iPad Pro. This one doesn't have the sleep/wake issue like the first, but the sleep/wake button is clearly loose. It doesn't feel snug, and you can hear it rattle if you gently shake the iPad.

Am I being too demanding or just very unlucky here?
 
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Melodeath said:
Ok, so finally got a new iPad Pro. This one doesn't have the sleep/wake issue like the first, but the sleep/wake button is clearly loose. It doesn't feel snug, and you can hear it rattle if you gently shake the iPad.

Am I being too demanding or just very unlucky here?
Click to expand...

my iPad pro’s power button is firm. But the volume up button rattles more than my ex-roommates 93 Honda Civic. But the screen is uniform so I’ve decided to keep it. Last year my 2020 iPad had firm volume buttons but a loose power button. I ended up forgetting about it eventually. But button rattle is somewhat common on iPads from what I’ve seen
 
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Itsedstech said:
my iPad pro’s power button is firm. But the volume up button rattles more than my ex-roommates 93 Honda Civic. But the screen is uniform so I’ve decided to keep it. Last year my 2020 iPad had firm volume buttons but a loose power button. I ended up forgetting about it eventually. But button rattle is somewhat common on iPads from what I’ve seen
Click to expand...
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like it's pretty variable. At least I don't notice it too much.
 
The loose buttons are normal on iPad Pros since the 2018 redesign, probably due to the square shape body. I have had several units replaced back in 2018 but it varied from unit to unit: some had loose power button, some was one or two of the volume buttons. Finally I gave up and forgot about it eventually.

For the new 2021 model, the unit I got has a loose power button and firm volume buttons. They are working well no matter how I press them so I guess the rattling is within normal mechanical tolerance, as long as they works. The first unit you got had defective power button apparently. I would say the second one is quite normal. You will forget about it!
 
obargy said:
The loose buttons are normal on iPad Pros since the 2018 redesign, probably due to the square shape body. I have had several units replaced back in 2018 but it varied from unit to unit: some had loose power button, some was one or two of the volume buttons. Finally I gave up and forgot about it eventually.

For the new 2021 model, the unit I got has a loose power button and firm volume buttons. They are working well no matter how I press them so I guess the rattling is within normal mechanical tolerance, as long as they works. The first unit you got had defective power button apparently. I would say the second one is quite normal. You will forget about it!
Click to expand...
Yep, that's what I'm thinking! The first one was so firm that it didn't work on one side haha

The volume buttons are similarly loose to the power button, so I'm keeping this one. I'm sure the rattle won't cause any real problems. Thanks everyone for the help!

When I had both iPads in hand, I also noticed the screen quality was a bit different, with the newest one being less pure white/more yellow. It's too easy to go crazy with this stuff!
 
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Hi guys , yesterday I received my iPad Air 4(first apple device ever) and I noticed that both the volume buttons and power button are loose, with the power button even rattling when touched. Though everything works fine, I’m just worried that a problem will appear in the future. I’ve been reading people’s post with the same rattling ”issue” but I’ve been left confused as some say it’s totally normal and others that it should be replaced. Can I get some opinions? Are there any Long term owners to confirm that’s not an issue? Thanks in advance.
 
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