Auto lock/ unlock feature missing from ipad a16 in the display and brightness settings

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Auto lock/ unlock feature missing from ipad a16 in the display and brightness settings

I recently purchased ipad a16, the auto lock/unlock feature is missing from the display and brightness settings.

Contacted the customer service, first they said it's a glitch and after resetting and restoring the feature will show. But it didn't work. I even sent them video of a friend who has the same model as me and has that feature in her ipad. They collected logs and now they are telling me that the feature has been removed and will be available if use the apple's Smart Folio. My friend is using the cover from a local shop and the auto lock / unlock feature is working for her perfectly. I have used other models of ipad and all of them have the auto lock/ unlock feature . I have used back cover from local shops as well but never faced any issue. If I purchase the apple's smart folio cover and the option still doesn't show on my ipad , I very well know that next they will say that they have removed the feature from the ipad device. You invest so much on apple device , the most key feature is missing and the customer service is so inefficient and slow. It's nearly a month now and still no resolution.

Is anyone facing the same issue as me?

iPad, iPadOS 26

Posted on Feb 25, 2026 5:25 AM

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Answer 1

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LotusPilot

Level 10

303,584 points

Feb 25, 2026 3:26 PM in response to snow162

Appearance of the Lock/Unlock setting, that automatically locks the iPad when closing the cover of a compatible fitted case or folio cover, is not device dependent. Whether or not you are using an appropriate case or folio cover does not influence availability of the setting.

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:

Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
Press and hold the top button.
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:

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

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