My iPad Screen Is a Fuzzy Green, Red, or Blue

If your iPad screen suddenly looks fuzzy, glitchy, or has turned to a single color (usually green, red, or blue), you have a few ways to address or fix the problem. It depends on what caused the crash. If it's a software glitch, the problem is an easy fix. If the hardware is to blame, the solution is more complicated.

Here's what you should do to troubleshoot an iPad green screen.

Reboot Your iPad

The first step in troubleshooting most iPad problems is to reboot the device. When you suspend the iPad by clicking the Sleep/Wake button at the top of the device or by closing the Smart Cover, you aren't actually turning off the iPad.

To power down, hold the Sleep/Wake button down for several seconds (or the power button and volume up button on recent iPad models), releasing it only when the iPad prompts you to slide an on-screen button to power down. When you see this prompt, slide the button using your finger to shut down the iPad.

After the screen goes completely dark, turn the iPad on by holding the Sleep/Wake button (or power button in recent models) until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. At this point, you can release the button. It takes the iPad a few more seconds to boot up fully.

Reset to Factory Defaults

If a simple reboot doesn't work, the best thing to do is reset the iPad to the state it was in when you first purchased it. This entails wiping all the settings and data from the iPad, so it is essential to first back up the iPad, preferably using iCloud. If you have an iCloud backup, you can restore from that backup during the setup process following the reset.

You reset the iPad by going to Settings and choosing General. Scroll to the bottom and tap the Reset option. To reset to factory defaults, select Erase All Content and Settings. The iPad prompts you to confirm your choice before proceeding, and the entire process may take a few minutes.

After the iPad is reset, it takes you through the steps to set up the iPad for use. One of these steps includes signing in to your iCloud account and restoring it from an iCloud backup. After this process is complete, the iPad should be like it was before you started the reset, only without any color problems.

If Resetting the iPad Doesn't Work

Rebooting and resetting the iPad deal with software problems, but if you still have issues even after restoring the iPad to its factory defaults, you likely have a hardware problem. The best way to deal with this is to go to an Apple Store or call Apple Support at 1-800-676-2775.

If your iPad is still under warranty or you have AppleCare+ extended coverage, the fix may be inexpensive. However, if your iPad is not under warranty, this problem can be expensive to fix. You might be better off buying a new iPad.

If all else fails, and you are left with replacing the iPad, there are plenty of ways to get a good deal on an iPad, including buying a refurbished iPad. Another way to help pay for the iPad is to put your existing one up for sale on eBay or Craigslist "for parts." Broken electronics can sell. Even an iPad with a cracked screen can go for $20 to $50.