When setting up a new iPad for your child, Apple offers a parental setup process that includes setting content restrictions and screen time. However, many users in the Apple Community report getting stuck on the Update Restrictions screen, unable to move forward or back. It’s a frustrating roadblock, especially with a new iPad meant as a gift. If you’re caught in this setup loop, don’t worry. This guide breaks down what causes the iPad stuck on Update Restrictions issue and provides easy solutions to get your iPad working properly again.

• Part 1. How to Set Up an iPad for a Child
• Part 2. Why Is My iPad Stuck on Update Restrictions?
• Part 3. How to Fix iPad Stuck on Update Restrictions
  • Solution 1. Force Restart Your iPad
  • Solution 2. Fix iPad Stuck During Update
• Part 4. How to Fix Update Restrictions iPad Not Working
  • Method 1. Clear Update Alerts on Parent’s iPhone
  • Method 2. Erase and Reset the iPad
  • Method 3. Add the iPad After Setup
  • Method 4. Update and Restore via iTunes
  • Method 5. Reach Out to Apple Support
• Part 5. Conclusion

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Part 1. How to Set Up an iPad for a Child

Sometimes, your iPad may not be correctly set up for your child due to skipped steps or setup errors. To avoid issues like restriction freezes, follow Apple’s guided setup carefully and check each setting. If you're unsure, follow a simple guide to set up a new iPad for your child.

Step 1. Power on the iPad and go through the initial setup, connecting it to Wi-Fi and setting up Touch ID and a device passcode.

Step 2. On your own device, head to Settings > Family > Add Member to create an Apple ID for your child through Family Sharing.

Step 3. Enable parental controls by turning on Screen Time, applying content restrictions, and activating Ask to Buy to manage purchase permissions.

Step 4. To enable location tracking in case of loss, go to Settings > [child’s name] > Find My and switch on Find My iPad.

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Part 2. Why Is My iPad Stuck on Update Restrictions?

Your iPad setup stuck on update restrictions is usuallly due to software bug during the Screen Time process, especially when selecting content restrictions for your child. Other causes can include pending notifications on the parent’s iPhone or system bugs in iOS, causing delays. These issues interrupt the setup flow, preventing it from completing successfully and leaving the iPad stuck on this screen until resolved.

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Part 3. How to Fix iPad Stuck on Update Restrictions

If you find yourself stuck on the Update Restrictions screen during setup, don’t panic. Two reliable fixes can help you move past this issue. Whether it's a minor glitch or a deeper system delay, the methods below are proven to work for many users facing the same frustration.

Solution 1. Force Restart Your iPad

A force restarting can help when you’re setting up iPad but stuck on Update Restrictions. It can often break the freeze and let you try again. Many users report success with this method, as it refreshes the system and skips the affected setup point. Try this first before using more advanced tools.

For iPads with Home Button:

Step 1. Touch and hold the Top (or Side) key and the Home key simultaneously.

Step 2. Keep hitting both keys until the Apple logo appears, then release.

For iPads without Home Button:

Step 1. Hit and release the Volume Up key, then touch and release the Volume Down key.

Step 2. Next, tap and hold the Top key until the Apple logo displays, then release.

Solution 2. Fix iPad Stuck During Update

If your iPad remains stuck on the Update Restrictions screen even after a force restart, using the MagFone iOS System repair tool can help fix the iOS update stuck issues, like Update Restrictions stuck or Update Requested stuck. This tool not only removes the stuck screen but also fixes underlying system bugs that cause delays during setup. By repairing these iOS issues, MagFone iOS System Recovery ensures your iPad can complete the Family Setup process smoothly, allowing you to set up parental controls without interruptions or errors. Here's how to use it.

Step 1 Fire Up MagFone and Connect iPad

Begin by connecting your iPad to a network-enabled computer using a USB cable. Open the MagFone iOS System Recovery software and select the iOS System Repair option from the main interface. Then click Start to move forward with fixing the iPad stuck during the iOS update process.

Step 2 Choose the Standard Mode for Repairs

To avoid data loss, choose the Standard Repair mode. MagFone will ask you to get the device into Recovery Mode or DFU Mode. Simply follow the instructions shown on the screen to put your iPad into the correct repair mode so the software can successfully detect and prepare your device for fixing.

Step 3 Download the Right Firmware for iPad

After detecting your iPad, MagFone will display your device's model and current system version. Check its information and pick a suitable iOS firmware package. Click the Download button to start downloading the necessary firmware that will be used to resolve the update-related issues causing the iPad to freeze.

Step 4 Fix the iPad Update Restrictions Stuck

Once the firmware download finishes, click Start Standard Repair to begin the actual system repair. MagFone will unzip the package and automatically fix problems like being stuck on the Update Restrictions or Update Requested screens, ensuring your iPad completes the update smoothly.

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Part 4. How to Fix Update Restrictions iPad Not Working

If your new iPad stuck on Update Restrictions page even after previous attempts, you’ll need to take extra steps. Below are several effective methods that address both parental control bugs and setup conflicts to help complete the iPad setup process.

Method 1. Clear Update Alerts on Parent’s iPhone

When you’re setting up an iPad or iPhone for your child, some notifications may pop up on your device. Check the parent’s iPhone for any pending Family Sharing or Screen Time notifications. Clearing these alerts often helps the child’s iPad continue the setup without screen freezes.

Method 2. Erase and Reset the iPad

If no alerts are found, you can erase and reset the iPad. This resets the setup process, which can bypass the glitch causing the restrictions screen to freeze. Here’s how to do that.

Step 1. During setup, press and hold the Power button until a menu appears.

Step 2. Then, continue to pick Start Over from the pop-up menu.

Step 3. Confirm your choice and then wait for a while until the iPad finishes resetting.

Step 4. After that, begin the setup process again and check if the issue is resolved.

Method 3. Add the iPad After Setup

Another trick is to skip setting it up as a child’s device initially. Complete the setup with a regular Apple ID, then log in again and apply parental controls once the setup is finished.

Step 1. Complete the initial iPad setup as a regular device using your Apple ID.

Step 2. After setup, enter Settings > your Apple ID > Swipe up and hit Sign Out.

Step 3. Sign back in and choose Set up for a child when prompted.

Step 4. Follow the steps to apply parental controls and finish the setup.

Method 4. Update and Restore via iTunes

Use iTunes to update and restore your iPad. This ensures the software is up to date and resets any system conflicts that may prevent the setup from finishing properly.

Step 1. Link your iPad to a computer running iTunes or Finder.

Step 2. Then, proceed to select the device when it appears in iTunes.

Step 3. Choose Update to install the latest iOS version and then click Restore iPad.

Method 5. Reach Out to Apple Support

If you recently bought a new iPad and none of the above methods work, contacting Apple Support can be a fast way to get help. They may provide a replacement or help resolve the issue with less time because the iPad is still under the repair warranty period.

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Part 5. Conclusion

Getting stuck on the Update Restrictions screen is a common issue when setting up a child’s iPad, but it’s fixable. Whether by restarting, resetting, or using tools like MagFone, you can complete the setup and get your child’s device working as intended. Try the steps above to enjoy a smooth setup experience.