Severe iPadOS 26 Bug: Bluetooth Missing & Settings Crashing

After updating to iPadOS 26, my iPad basically became unusable. Bluetooth is completely gone — the section in Settings is totally blank, no on/off switch, nothing. Tapping it instantly crashes the Settings app every single time.


Most of my apps won’t even open anymore. They just sit forever on the loading screen. Trying to reset from the Settings app also crashes, so the only way to fix anything is doing a full factory reset from my Mac… and the nightmare starts again 1–2 days later. I’ve had to repeat this over and over.


I honestly thought my iPad Air (M1) was dying, so I bought a brand-new iPad Air M3. But the exact same problem showed up on day two. Now I’m seriously wondering if I just wasted money on a new iPad for absolutely nothing.


The 26.1 update changed nothing. Still broken.


Is anyone else getting hit with this? This is beyond frustrating — I can’t even reliably use my iPad anymore.

Posted on Nov 25, 2025 12:05 AM

Reply
2 replies

Nov 25, 2025 6:29 AM in response to MarkuDaMan

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.





If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings. As a diagnostic exercise, when restoring to factory settings, do not restore your iCloud or iTunes backup to the iPad. Instead, set-up the iPad "as new" with your AppleID - and test the iPad. If the iPad is operating as expected, you can then restore your backup and re-assess.

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Severe iPadOS 26 Bug: Bluetooth Missing & Settings Crashing

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