How to Fix iPad Attempting Data Recovery Issue: 100% Useful

What should you do when iPad stuck in attempting data recovery? All things are listed here and you can also use the professional tool to help you easily get your iPad data back.

Kelsey by Kelsey Updated November 3, 2025
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What does iPad attempting data recovery mean?

Seeing the "attempting data recovery" message on your iPad after an iOS update can be worrying, especially when the process gets stuck or fails. This comprehensive guide explains what this error means and provides proven solutions to recover your data and get your iPad working again.

Understanding the "Attempting Data Recovery" Message

This screen typically appears when iTunes encounters update errors on your iPad. While the process should complete automatically in most cases, sometimes it gets stuck or fails, leaving your device inaccessible.

Common scenarios include:

  • Successful recovery followed by normal restart
  • iPad stuck on recovery screen indefinitely
  • "Data recovery failed" error message

Fix iPad stuck in attempting data recovery after iOS update

When your iPad is trapped in the recovery loop, a force restart often resolves the issue.

Force Restart Methods by iPad Model

Here are the steps to force restart an iPad:

For iPads with Face ID (iPad 2018, iPad Pro models):

Step 1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.

Step 2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.

Step 3. Press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPads with Home Button (iPad Air and older models):

Step 1. Press and hold both the Home and Top buttons simultaneously.

Step 2. Continue holding for 10+ seconds until Apple logo appears.

iPad button locations for force restart process

Recover iPad data when iPad attempts data recovery fails

If the recovery process fails, FoneTool provides a reliable way to retrieve your important data directly from the iPad.

Highlights:
yes Comprehensive recovery: Retrieve photos, contacts, messages, videos, and more
yes Multiple file formats: Supports MP3, JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV, CSV, VCF files
yes Selective restoration: Preview and choose specific files to recover
yes Fast processing: Quick scanning and recovery saves time
yes Wide compatibility: Works with all iPad models including latest versions

Now you can download FoneTool on your Windows PC and learn from the detailed steps to get how to do when your iPad attempting data recovery failed. 

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1.  Connect your iPad to computer via USB > Launch FoneTool > Go to Toolbox > Choose iOS Data Recovery.

FoneTool Toolbox interface showing iOS Data Recovery option

Step 2. Choose file types to recover (photos, contacts, etc.) > Click Start Scan.

 FoneTool file type selection screen

Step 3. Preview recoverable files > Select desired items > Click Recover to PC.

FoneTool Recover to PC screen

Step 4. And then go to Phone Transfer > Select PC to iPhone > Choose recovered files > Transfer to your repaired iPad.

transfer photos to iPad

   
★Tip:
   If you need to access iPhone files on your PC, you can also use iPhone to PC to get your iPhone files on the computer.

Conclusion

When faced with iPad data recovery problems, start with a force restart to break the recovery loop. If that doesn't work or the recovery fails, FoneTool offers the most reliable solution to rescue your valuable data directly from the device. The software's ability to preview and selectively recover files ensures you retrieve exactly what matters most.

Facing iPad data recovery issues? Download FoneTool today to quickly recover your important photos, contacts, and files when system recovery fails, ensuring your data remains safe through any update problems.

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