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If the Smart Cover of the iPad no longer works, this is usually due to the settings of the iPad itself. But there are also other possible sources of error. We show you how to solve the problem.
iPad Smart Cover: Activate the function in the settings
The iPad will only respond to the magnet in the Smart Cover if the feature is turned on in Settings. To activate it:
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Select the item “General” 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 no longer works: Other sources of error
In order to use the function, the Smart Cover requires a magnet.
- If your cover is not the original Apple cover, 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.
- Budget Smart Covers with magnets are also sold. However, this is often not strong enough and is not recognised by the iPad. In this case, your only option is to get another cover. You can find out which iPad protective cover is best suited for which purposes in another article.
- The holder of the Smart Cover can also become loose over time and the two magnets in the cover and iPad no longer meet properly. Move the cover a little to test if it works in a different position.
- In iPads from the third generation onwards, a polarity-dependent magnet is built in. This means that the magnet in the cover must hit the magnet in the iPad with the correct side. 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 will also need 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 arrange for the cover to be replaced (if it is still under warranty).
