iPad Won’t Charge? 10 Proven Solutions

Quick Fix

iPad won’t charge? Clean the charging port with a wooden toothpick to remove lint and debris. Use the original Apple charger (at least 12W adapter, not iPhone 5W). Try a different cable and outlet. If still not charging, force restart: press and release Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Top button until Apple logo appears.

Why Won’t iPad Charge?

iPads stop charging due to debris in the port, faulty cables, weak chargers, software glitches, or battery issues. iPads require more power than iPhones, so using an iPhone charger results in very slow or no charging.

Method 1: Clean the Charging Port

Lint and debris block the connection.

1. Turn off iPad
2. Use a wooden or plastic toothpick
3. Gently scrape debris from port
4. Use a flashlight to inspect
5. Avoid metal objects that can damage pins
6. Blow gently to remove loose particles

Method 2: Use Proper Charger

iPads need more power than iPhones.

• Minimum: 12W adapter for standard iPad
• Recommended: 20W+ for iPad Pro
• iPhone 5W charger is too weak
• Use Apple original or certified charger
• Check adapter wattage printed on it

Method 3: Try Different Cable

Cables wear out and fail.

1. Try a different Lightning/USB-C cable
2. Inspect cable for damage or fraying
3. Use Apple original or MFi-certified cable
4. Avoid cheap third-party cables
5. Test cable with another device

Method 4: Try Different Outlet

Outlet may not provide power.

1. Unplug from current outlet
2. Try a different wall outlet
3. Plug directly into wall (not power strip)
4. Test outlet with another device
5. Avoid USB ports on computers for charging

Method 5: Force Restart iPad

Software glitches can stop charging.

iPad with Face ID:

1. Press and release Volume Up
2. Press and release Volume Down
3. Press and hold Top button
4. Hold until Apple logo appears

iPad with Home button:

1. Hold Home + Top button together
2. Hold until Apple logo appears

Method 6: Check for “Accessory Not Supported”

This message indicates charger issues.

• Use Apple or MFi-certified accessories
• Clean charging port and cable ends
• Try different cable
• Dismiss message and check if charging starts

Method 7: Check Battery Health

Degraded batteries charge slowly.

1. Go to Settings > Battery
2. Check Battery Health (if available)
3. Below 80% may indicate replacement needed
4. Check “Maximum Capacity” percentage

Method 8: Update iPadOS

Software bugs can affect charging.

1. Connect to WiFi
2. Go to Settings > General > Software Update
3. Download and install updates
4. Restart iPad
5. Try charging again

Method 9: Let It Charge Longer

Completely dead iPads need time.

1. Connect to charger
2. Leave for 15-30 minutes
3. Dead battery needs time to show any response
4. Screen may stay black initially
5. After 15 min, try force restart

Method 10: Contact Apple Support

Hardware issues need professional help.

• Make Genius Bar appointment
• Check warranty at checkcoverage.apple.com
• Battery replacement available
• Port repair may be needed
• Consider third-party repair for out-of-warranty

FAQ

Why does my iPad charge very slowly?

Slow charging is usually due to using a weak charger (like iPhone’s 5W adapter). iPads need at least 12W for normal charging speed. Also check for background apps using power while charging.

Can I use my iPhone charger for iPad?

You can, but it will charge very slowly or not at all. iPhone chargers (5W) are too weak for iPads. Use at least a 12W adapter, or 20W+ for faster charging.

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

This appears when connected to a weak power source like a computer USB port. Use a wall outlet with a proper iPad charger (12W minimum) for actual charging.