While the iPad 2 is a multimedia powerhouse, the device can be problematic at times. Common problems include the battery not charging, accessories not being recognized, the device not responding, and email and FaceTime problems. Troubleshoot your issues before to try and fix the device on your own before ponying up for professional help.
Battery Not Charging
1) The iPad 2 can only be charged using a high-power USB port. High-power USB ports are the USB ports located directly on your computer's tower or on the monitor of an all-in-one computer. Also, the USB-to-AC adapter that comes with the iPad 2 is also a high-power USB port. Low-power USB ports that don't actually charge the device are the USB ports typically found on standalone monitors, desk phones, keyboards and other locations. The fastest way to charge your iPad 2 is using the USB-to-AC adapter.
2) The iPad 2 charges more slowly when it's turned. If your iPad 2 is turned on but you don't think it's charging, turn the device off and leave it connected to a high-power USB port for at least 10 minutes before turning it back on.
Accessory Not Supported
Check the specifications on the device you are attempting to use with your iPad 2 to ensure that not only is the iPad 2 supported but that the version of iOS that is on your iPad 2 is also supported. Also, ensure that the cable connecting the accessory to your iPad 2 is not dirty and that the cable is not damaged any way. If possible, try using a different cable.
iPad 2 Not Responding
1) Charge your iPad 2. If the battery is running low, that may be the problem.
2) Press and hold the "Sleep/Wake" button down until the slider tab appears on the screen. Don't move the slider to shut down your iPad 2, but rather press the "Home" button to close all of the apps that are currently running. Press "Cancel" to go back to your iPad 2 home screen and see if the iPad 2 will now respond to your touch.
3) Restart the iPad 2 if you are still experiencing problems. Do this by pressing and holding the "Sleep/Wake" button down until the slider tab appears on the screen, then moving the slider from left to right.
4) If you're still experiencing problems, reset the iPad 2 by holding down both the "Sleep/Wake" and "Home" buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This resets the device's firmware and completely shuts down any problems that were running.
5) If the problem is that the screen is not rotating when you move it, navigate to "Settings," "General" and then "Side Switch Lock." From here you can ensure screen rotation is unlocked.
Unable to Send Email
1) Restart your iPad 2 to ensure the device is not experiencing a glitch.
2) If you sync your emails from iTunes and don't have the email account you're using set up directly on the iPad 2, take the time to set the email account up directly on your device. If you don't have an account set up directly on your iPad 2, you won't be able to send email from that account.
3) Check the settings associated with the email account your attempting to use. Select "Settings," "Mail, Contacts, Calendars" and then select the email account your trying to use. Specifically, check the server settings and that the password is up to date. If you've changed the password associated with the email account since you set it up on your iPad 2, the account is probably not communicating with your device.
Unable to Receive Email
1) Checking your email account from too many computers can result in you being locked out of the account. Check your email provider's guidelines to see if this may be the problem.
2) If you're syncing your email account through iTunes, set up the email account on your iPad 2.
3) Restart the device in case the problem is a glitch.
4) If Wi-Fi and 3G are enabled and there is no Wi-Fi connection within range, turn off Wi-Fi. Occasionally, the iPad 2 can get hung up trying to pull in email using a Wi-Fi connection and won't pull in mail until it finds one.
FaceTime Problems
1) If the person attempting to call you is using an email address that isn't recognized by FaceTime, you won't be able to communicate with that person. Apple IDs will work and any email used to set up FaceTime.
2) FaceTime can only be used over a Wi-Fi connection and won't work if you are only on a cellular signal.
3) Don't hang up if someone doesn't pick up a FaceTime call automatically. It takes a few rings on the sender's end before the recipient actually receives a call.
4) FaceTime video may seem pixelated or the movements may seem to lag if your Wi-Fi connection is not strong. Move closer to the wireless router or upgrade your broadband network. Alternatively, if the picture appears pixelated, move into an area with better lighting.
