iPad Not Charging? 10 Quick Fixes That Work

Quick Fix

Clean the Lightning or USB-C port on your iPad using a wooden toothpick to remove lint and debris. Then try a different charging cable and power adapter. Dirty charging ports are the most common reason iPads won’t charge.

Understanding iPad Charging Problems

When your iPad won’t charge, you might see no response when plugged in, the battery icon not showing the charging symbol, or extremely slow charging. The issue could be with the cable, adapter, port, or the iPad itself.

iPads require more power than iPhones, so using an iPhone charger results in very slow charging or no charging at all. Apple recommends using at least an 18W or 20W adapter for iPads.

Before assuming hardware failure, try these solutions – most charging issues have simple fixes.

Method 1: Clean the Charging Port

1. Turn off your iPad
2. Shine a flashlight into the charging port
3. Look for lint, dust, or debris
4. Use a wooden or plastic toothpick to gently remove debris
5. Never use metal objects that could damage pins
6. Use compressed air to blow out remaining particles
7. Try charging again

Method 2: Try a Different Cable

1. Inspect your current cable for damage
2. Look for fraying, kinks, or exposed wires
3. Try a different Lightning or USB-C cable
4. Use an Apple-certified (MFi) cable for best results
5. Cheap third-party cables often fail
6. Try the cable with another device to verify it works

Method 3: Use a Higher Wattage Adapter

1. Check the wattage of your current adapter
2. 5W iPhone adapters charge iPads very slowly
3. Use at least an 18W or 20W adapter
4. iPad Pro works best with 30W or higher
5. Try plugging directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip
6. USB ports on computers often don’t provide enough power

Method 4: Force Restart iPad

For iPads with Home button:

1. Press and hold Home + Power buttons together
2. Hold for 10 seconds until Apple logo appears
3. Release and let iPad restart
4. Try charging after restart

For iPads without Home button:

1. Press and release Volume Up
2. Press and release Volume Down
3. Press and hold Power until Apple logo appears
4. Try charging after restart

Method 5: Check for Software Updates

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update
2. If an update is available, download and install it
3. Keep iPad plugged in during the update
4. Software bugs can sometimes affect charging
5. Updates may include battery management improvements

Method 6: Try Wireless Charging (If Supported)

1. iPad Pro (2018 and later) supports some wireless charging accessories
2. Place iPad on a Qi wireless charger
3. If wireless charging works, the port may be damaged
4. Note: Most iPads don’t support wireless charging
5. Check Apple’s specifications for your model

Method 7: Check Battery Health

1. Go to Settings > Battery
2. Look at Battery Health if available
3. If Maximum Capacity is below 80%, battery may need replacement
4. Old batteries may not hold charge well
5. Apple offers battery replacement service

Method 8: Reset All Settings

1. Go to Settings > General
2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPad
3. Tap Reset > Reset All Settings
4. Enter your passcode
5. This won’t delete your data, just settings
6. Try charging after the reset

Preventing Future Charging Issues

• Use Apple-certified cables and adapters
• Avoid charging in extremely hot or cold environments
• Keep the charging port clean
• Don’t bend or stress the cable near connectors
• Remove the case if it interferes with the cable connection

FAQ

Why does my iPad say “Not Charging” when plugged in?

This message appears when the power source doesn’t provide enough wattage. Use a higher-powered adapter (18W+) instead of a computer USB port or small phone charger.

Can I use my iPhone charger for iPad?

You can, but it will charge very slowly. The 5W iPhone adapter may take 10+ hours to charge an iPad. Use an iPad-specific adapter for reasonable charging times.

Why does my iPad only charge when turned off?

This indicates the power source is barely sufficient. The iPad uses less power when off, allowing it to charge. Use a more powerful adapter for charging while in use.

How long should it take to charge an iPad?

With the appropriate adapter, an iPad should charge from 0-100% in 2-4 hours. If it takes much longer, there’s likely an issue with the cable, adapter, or port.

Is it bad to use iPad while charging?

No, using your iPad while charging is fine. It will charge slower because power is being used, but it won’t damage the battery. Apple designed iPads for this use case.

Should I let my iPad battery drain completely?

No, modern lithium batteries don’t need full discharge cycles. In fact, keeping the battery between 20-80% is better for long-term battery health. Charge whenever convenient.