iPad: Smart Cover has stopped working. What to do?
If the iPad's Smart Cover no longer works, this is mostly due to the settings of the iPad itself. However, there are other possible sources of error. We'll show you how to solve the problem.
iPad Smart Cover: Activate the function in the settings
The iPad only reacts to the magnet in the Smart Cover if the function is activated in the settings. To activate it:
- Open the "Settings" app on your iPad.
- Select the "General" item in the third settings block at the top.
- Scroll down a little and activate the switch next to "Lock / Unlock" (see picture).
iPad Smart Cover has stopped working. More sources of error
- To be able to use the function, the Smart Cover needs a magnet. If your cover is not the original from Apple, this magnet may be missing. Place a coin on the edge of the smart cover. If the coin does not stick, the magnet is missing and the unlock function cannot be used.
- Inexpensive smart covers with magnets are also sold. However, this is often not strong enough and is not recognized by the iPad. In this case, all you have to do is change your case. You can find out which iPad protective cover is best suited for which purpose in another article.
- The holder of the smart cover can also loosen over time and the two magnets in the cover and iPad no longer meet properly. Move the cover a bit to test if it works in a different position.
- A polarity-dependent magnet is installed in iPads from the third generation. This means that the magnet in the cover must meet the right side on the magnet in the iPad. Otherwise, the iPad will not lock and unlock. An old iPad 2 cover may therefore no longer work on the iPad 3 or 4. In this case you also have to change to a new cover.
- If you can rule out all these sources of error and you have an original iPad Smart Cover, you should contact Apple Support to have the cover replaced (if the guarantee still exists).
Original smart covers work most reliably with the iPad. If you would still prefer to design your iPad case yourself, we will introduce you to the best providers.