Fix charging issues with your iPad.
This article explores six ways to address problems you may face when charging your iPad.
How to Repair an iPad That Isn’t Charging
- Avoid charging your iPad with a computer. Older laptops and desktops might not supply enough power for an iPad, especially compared to an iPhone. While your smartphone might charge quickly using a computer, it could take much longer for your iPad to charge this way.
Tip: If you need to charge your iPad with a computer, avoid using the iPad during the charge. Doing so could lead to the iPad not charging at all or using more power than it receives.
The ideal approach is to connect your iPad to a wall socket using the original adapter provided with it.
Note: If you plug your iPad into an older computer, you might notice a “Not Charging” alert. Don’t worry; your iPad is likely still charging, just not with enough power to show the lightning bolt symbol that indicates charging.
- Charge your iPad using its own charging block. The smaller iPhone charger only delivers half the power compared to the iPad’s charger. For an iPad Pro, using an iPhone charger will take even more time to fully charge it.
Although an iPhone adapter can charge an iPad, it does so more slowly. Check the charger for labels like “10w,” “12w,” or “24w.” These indicate the charger is strong enough to quickly charge an iPad.
Tip: Looking to speed up your iPhone’s charging time? Using an iPad’s AC adapter can help. Just like the larger chargers are designed to deliver more power for the iPad, they can do the same for your iPhone, charging it faster than the standard iPhone charger.
This is because the iPad’s charger provides a higher wattage, which the iPhone can handle safely. It’s a quick and easy swap that makes a significant difference, especially when you’re in a hurry.
Always check to ensure that the adapter is compatible with your iPhone to avoid any potential issues. This method is an efficient way to get your phone powered up quickly.
- Restart the iPad. Rebooting can check if a software issue is affecting the tablet. When you restart, you’ll see the Apple logo in the center of the screen as it powers up again. This might resolve the problem if the iPad is charging slowly.
- Check the charging cable or adapter. If your iPad isn’t charging from the wall socket, the issue might be with the cable or adapter. To test the cable, plug the iPad into your computer. If a lightning bolt appears on the battery icon, the cable is functioning properly.
If your computer doesn’t respond when you connect the iPad, it might not recognize that the iPad is plugged in. Use a different cable to see if that solves the issue. If the new cable works, get rid of the old one.
Likewise, switch to a different power adapter if you have an extra one, or borrow one to test. If your current iPad adapter fails but another works, it’s time to get a new Lightning adapter.
- Clean the iPad’s charging port. If changing the cable doesn’t help, the issue might be with the port itself. Often, dust, lint, or other debris can block the port.
Follow the same steps as cleaning an iPhone’s charging port. Hold the iPad upside down and use a flashlight to look inside the port. Check for any debris clogging it. To clean the port, use canned air or an anti-static brush.
If using small tweezers, make sure to turn off the iPad first and be careful not to touch the port’s sides while removing debris.
You can also bring your iPad to an Apple Store where a staff member can clean it for you, usually at no cost.
- Book an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar for technical help. If changing the adapter or cable doesn’t solve the issue, your iPad might have a hardware problem. It’s best to visit an Apple Store if one is nearby. Instead of calling the main Apple support line, go directly to the store. The staff there are helpful and can often fix the problem quickly while you wait.
