Settings Not Sticking on iPadOS 26? Here’s Top 11 Solutions You Can Try

After updating my iPad to its latest iPadOS 26 version, I tried changing the settings according to my preference. However, every time I change the brightness, touch controls, and mouse settings, they revert to their default settings. It was annoying, but I realized there's an issue with the iPad version, which was causing the "Settings are not saving iPadOS 26" problem.

If you are in the same situation as I was, I'll walk you through the effective troubleshooting solutions I tried to resolve this problem with step-by-step guides. To better understand how these steps worked, I've provided the common cause for the iPadOS. As a bonus, I will guide you on how to turn to UPDF, which is a must-have PDF editor for iPad users that helps me stay productive.

Part 1. Common Causes of iPad Settings Not Saving

As promised, I've compiled the most common causes of why this "iPad settings not saving" issue occurs in the first place, given as such:

1. Software Glitches: The beta version of iPadOS can often have various bugs in its operating system, which can prevent settings from persisting and cause them to reset immediately.
2. Low Storage Space: When the iPad is filled to the brim in storage capacity, it does not commit to the changes made and goes back to default.
3. Conflicting Settings: Sometimes, the settings may override one another, and if you have set them to automatic, you may not be able to adjust them manually.
4. iCloud Sync Issues: Another common issue for Settings are not saving iPadOS 26 is the problematic cloud syncing that changes back the settings while restoring older data.
5. App-Specific Issues: With the new iPadOS version, third-party tools can interfere with system settings, causing them to revert to their default settings.
6. User Profile Problems: I've noticed that sometimes this error is caused by an issue in my Apple ID or user profile, as it might contain corrupted data.

Part 2. How to Fix iPad Settings Not Saving on iPadOS 26?

Now, let me show you a complete breakthrough of the best fixes I found to resolve the "iPad settings not saving Bug" issue:

1. Restart Your iPad

I try to overcome the issue by restarting my iPad, as this clears out temporary glitches and refreshes the system memory. Moreover, this method is perfect for quickly fixing the "Settings are not saving iPadOS 26" problem. When you're using the beta version, follow these instructions to overrule the settings issue:

Instructions. Press and hold the “Power” button and “Volume Up” on your iPad and slide right to “Slide to Power Off” to restart. After a few seconds, press and hold the “Power” button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

2. Free Up Storage

As discussed, iPad prevents saving your preferred settings when there's a shortage of space. The elimination of large files and unwanted apps improves the iPad’s overall performance and allows normal functioning. So, follow these instructions and learn how to save settings on an iPad:

Instructions. Open iPad “Settings,” head to the “General” tab, and tap the “iPad Storage” option. After that, delete the unnecessary apps or offload ones that are taking up too much space on your iPad.

3. Check for iPadOS Updates

The early version of any iOS device is bound to have various glitches and bugs, and Apple also provides the latest updates to fix them. I recommend checking for any updates, as they address more than one issue. I've demonstrated the instructions you need to follow:

Instructions. Access the “General” tab, tap the “Software Update” option, and hit the “Update Now” button to get the latest iPadOS version.

4. Disable Conflicting Settings

When dealing with iPad settings not saving issues, I turn off the automatic settings that might be blocking my manual changes. After disabling them, I gain more control over my preferences and won't revert to its default setting. The process to disable them is given in the following steps:

Instructions. Swipe down the iPad screen to access the different settings on the right side and disable the unnecessary ones, like "Do Not Disturb", "Focus Mode," and more by tapping them off.

5. Reset Settings

Sometimes, when individually fixing these issues doesn't work, I tend to reset all the settings. This action puts all the system preferences back to default, fixing even the corrupted ones. If you are also dealing with unexplained iPad settings, try following these steps to resolve the issue:

Step 1. Within the “Settings” app, access the “Transfer or Reset iPad” option from the “General” tab.

Step 2. On the next screen, press the "Reset" option, and once a small pop-up menu bar opens, press the “Reset All Settings” option.

Step 4. Next, confirm the process by adding the iPad device password and hitting the “Reset” button to reset the settings to default.

6. Sign Out and Sign Back into iCloud

If there is an iCloud syncing error, it will prevent you from changing the settings. That's why I usually sign out and switch my account to refresh the connection and fix the “iPad settings not saving” problem. You can perform these steps and override local settings:

Instructions. Tap on your “Apple ID” in the “Settings” tab and hit the “Sign Out” button to log out of the iPad device. After a few seconds, log in with your Apple ID again.

7. Check App-Specific Settings

In some cases, I didn't expect third-party apps and VPNs to affect the iPad's ability to save my desired settings. The reason is that these apps have their own restricted rules that override adjusted settings. You can try reinstalling these apps and then adjusting the settings to see if the problem gets resolved.

Part 3. Advanced Troubleshooting for iPad Settings Not Saving

After going through the basic solutions, if your issue is not resolved, turn to the following advanced fixes. These can help you resolve the “Settings are not saving iPadOS 26” problem with ease, just like it did mine:

1. Reset Network Settings

One of the reasons settings aren’t saving lies in network configuration, which is related to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or even VPN. So, I try resetting them as it can remove any hidden bugs affecting my system functions. If you want a clean network flow on your iPad, go through the following instructions:

Step 1. After opening the “Settings,” tap the “Transfer or Reset iPad” button within the “General” tab.

Step 2. Moving forward, press the "Reset" option at the bottom, and when a small list of options pops up, choose the “Reset Network Settings” option.

Step 4. From here, tap the “Reset” button to reset the iPad network settings.

2. Restore iPad Using iTunes or Finder

The most helpful solution I found to resolve the “iPad settings not saving Bug” problem is restoring the iPad using iTunes or Finder. This method wipes out any corrupted system files that might be causing the settings to malfunction. You should try this deep system cleaning to get a clean version of your iPad:  

Instructions. Connect your iPad to your laptop device with a charging port, and when a “Trust This Computer” dialogue box pops up, tap the “Trust” button. Now, on iTunes, tap the "iPad" icon on the main screen to head to the "Summary" tab. There, press the "Restore iPad" button to execute the process of restoring your iPad to its factory settings.

3. Test on Another User Profile

Sometimes, the issue isn't with the iPad, but with your Apple profile, which I discovered myself. The best solution is to test using another user profile and see if the settings problem is resolved. By isolating the user data or iCloud account, you can figure out if your account or profile was causing the issue.

4. Contact Apple Support

Lastly, if everything fails, simply reach out to Apple Support, as they can run a deep diagnostic on your iPad. This checks the hardware, apps, and various personalized settings to resolve the Settings are not saving iPadOS 26 issue. I recommend trying this approach after you’ve executed every troubleshooting fix.  

Part 4. Bonus Tip: A Must-have comprehensive PDF tool on iPadOS 26

If you’re anything like me, facing the “Settings are not saving iPadOS 26” issue on iPadOS 26 can quickly become a productivity killer. I knew I couldn’t afford to let this glitch slow me down, especially with my work on the line.

That's when I turned to UPDF for iOS as it comes in handy with its AI-powered features, along with editing and commenting options. And I can access all my stored documents from its Cloud.

Key Features

1. AI-Powered Tools: This tool offers various AI features where I can summarize, translate, and chat with AI to simplify PDF files.

• Efficient PDF Editing: I can seamlessly edit my important documents, like changing the format, adding pictures, pasting links, and more.

• Personalized Documents: For a more visual appeal, try 14 markup tools, 200+ stickers, and 7 reading modes to get the best customized PDF.

• Organization Pages: The organizer helped me rearrange my messy document, where I could also copy, share, delete, and extract pages as well.

• Bookmark PDFs: Keeping track of important pages is easier with the bookmark feature, as I can navigate them with ease.

To know about UPDF, you can read this review article and watch the video below.

Conclusion

In summary, the Settings are not saving iPadOS 26 issue can be a frustrating situation, especially in its beta version. However, you don’t need to stay ideal; simply follow these top fixes to ensure your settings remain permanent. Aside from these issues, one of the best solutions to stay productive is utilizing UPDF with reliable settings. Click the button below to download UPDF on your iPad now!