IPAD 101: PROPER CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Care for an iPad is similar to care for any other electronic portable device. Tablet computers are delicate
and do not respond well to excessive force, temperature extremes, or moisture. This document will go
over some basic elements of care and cleaning of your iPad. Once you understand these basics, you will be
able to care for any electronic device, including your iPad. If you are ever in doubt as to whether
something is “unsafe” for your iPad, please do not hesitate to ask someone from the IS&T group at
Georgia State University.
A few basics:
**This is the home button
referenced to in diagram.
Charging:
The best way to charge the iPad battery is to connect your
iPad to a power outlet using the included Dock
Connector to USB Cable and 10W USB power adapter.
When you connect iPad to a USB 2.0 port on a Mac with
the Dock Connector to USB Cable, iPad may charge
slowly while syncing. Also, please note that the iPad
battery may drain instead of charge if iPad is connected to
a PC, to a computer that’s turned off or is in sleep/standby
mode, to a USB hub, or to the USB port on a keyboard.
These are the charging utilities you will receive with your
iPad.
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Battery:
iPad has an internal rechargeable battery. The
battery isn’t user accessible and should only be
replaced by an Apple Authorized Service
Provider. The battery icon in the upper-right
corner of the status bar shows the battery level or
charging status.
You can also see the remaining charge left in the
battery displayed as a percentage next to the
battery indicator.
**If for some reason this is not showing up:
Click “Settings”, “General”, and scroll down to
“Battery Percentage” and turn that setting “On”.
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What to do if the iPad “freezes” and won’t
respond:
You will need to do what is called a “Force Restart”.
Before we go any further, do not worry, this will NOT
cause any loss of data….with the possible exception of
whatever you are currently working on that is not saved.
Click and hold down the Sleep/W ake button (upperright corner iPad….also pictured at top of document).
While holding down the Sleep/W ake button, hold down
the H ome button as well (front of iPad at bottom).
Continue holding down both buttons until the iPad
powers off. It will reboot and the screen will display the
silver Apple image. This process takes about 30 seconds.
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Tips:
***The following are some best practice tips to ensure
getting maximum quality from your iPad.
-Always run the latest version of iTunes (click on check for
update to ensure this)
-Keep your iPad in its designed case at all times to ensure
extra safety from drops/scratches.
-Never leave your iPad in plain sight…this is a very expensive
product, and people WILL take it.
-Be cautious in choosing who you let “borrow” your
iPad…ultimately YOU are responsible for returning it, not
whomever you may lend it to.
-Do NOT “jailbreak” your iPad…. this will put your iPad at a
security risk, forfeit your ability to run software updates, and
void your warranty.
-Heed the "Do Not Disconnect" message. This message tells
you that you must eject the iPad before disconnecting it from
your computer. Ejecting the iPad takes a few clicks of the
mouse and preserves your files from damage.
-Another option to help increase the life and appearance of
your iPad is to protect it with invisibleSHIELD or a similar
protective film cover. These screen protectors are designed
to help protect the iPad and keep it clean.
Proper Cleaning:
-Unplug all cables and disconnect the iPad from any
accessories or docks.
-Turn off the iPad by holding the Sleep/Wake button and
sliding the onscreen slider off.
-Do not use window cleaners. They can permanently
damage your screen.
-Do not use clothing to clean the iPad, as they are too
rough and could scratch the screen.
-Use a soft, lint-free, slightly damp cloth to wipe your iPad.
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Proper Cleaning (ctd):
-Wipe the iPad in a circular motion and be sure that no
sand, dirt, or dust is on the cloth being used.
-The iPad screen’s coating is designed to repel oil. This
may be why fingerprints show up so quickly on the screen.
These fingerprints can be wiped off gently with
-Avoid getting moisture in openings /connection ports and
also avoid using household cleaners and solvents.
- Instead, use tap water, and avoid getting excess moisture
in the connection ports.
-As always, clean the iPad carefully and frequently so that it
continues to look great and to help ensure it’s value over
time.
-Never leave your iPad sitting out in the sun or in extremely
warm areas. Also, the iPad has been known to stop
functioning outside when the temperature rises too high.
-If your iPad gets wet, turn the machine off and allow it to
dry thoroughly before using again.
THE DIGITAL AQUARIUM: FOR STUDENTS
The Digital Aquarium is the BEST resource on campus for students. It is an open-access multimedia
computer lab, providing high-end workstations for all Georgia State University students. Workstations
are equipped with the multimedia production tools needed to support current and future academic
programs. A calendar is available on the site listing training classes offered by the aquarium each semester:
Location: Student Center, room 390
Website: http://www.gsu.edu/aquarium
Email: aquarium@gsu.edu
Phone: 404.413.4730
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THE EXCHANGE: WHERE LEARNING MEETS TECHNOLOGY
The Exchange is a technology resource center for Georgia State University faculty and staff. The
Exchange offers private workspace, conference areas, recording studio and computer labs. Additional
services include workshops, group and one-on-one training sessions, and technology demos—all
conducted by experts and well trained staff. The Exchange has equipment available for checkout MacBooks, iPods, Interwrite Pads, Classroom Response Systems (clickers), Dell Laptops, LCD
Projector, and Video Cameras.
Location: Library South, room 106
Website: www.gsu.edu/exchange
Email: exchange@gsu.edu
Phone: 404.413.4700
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Apple: http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/
AppleCare: http://support.apple.com/kb/index?page=applecare_protection_plan&locale=en_US
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