iPad Not Charging? Know The Reasons And 14 Solid Fixes!

While contacting Apple support if your iPad is not charging might appear easier to many of you, try these 14 fixes for a quick resolution. 

Today, the iPad is one of the most widely used and best-selling touch-screen tablet computers. It’s used for watching movies, playing games, writing, sending emails, reading books, listening to music, and this list isn’t going to end.

The iPad is extremely popular due to its ease of use and portability. And while iPads are excellent devices, they can occasionally cause problems. Sad!

The primary issue users appear to have is that the iPad takes a long to charge. This may be simply a little slower than usual. However, setting your iPad back to the full battery can take a long time in many circumstances.

The trouble is that with such little access to the device’s internals, issues like a dead iPad might be perplexing. Don’t worry if your iPad is not charging; it’s most likely something you can troubleshoot and solve and we’ll help you here. So, let’s start with understanding what causes the iPad not charging problem in the first place. 

Potential reasons why your iPad is not charging 

If you don’t know what’s causing your iPad to stop charging, it can be aggravating. Is your iPad refusing to condemn? It might either be a wrong charger or a faulty cord. Furthermore, these problems could be caused by a faulty port or battery.

There are two significant issues that a user may have while charging an iPad:

• Not charging 
• Slow charging

In either of these scenarios, it’s possible that the charger you’re using to power up your iPad isn’t providing enough power to your device as required. If not this, it could be a hardware issue.

For instance, there could be dirt or debris in the charging port on the bottom of your device, preventing adequate contact between your device and the cable. 

Or it’s also possible that your cable has been damaged. It’s also possible that this is a software issue. It could be due to a flaw in the iOS software. Both the hardware and software issues are addressed in the following solutions.

In a nutshell, there are tons of reasons that fuel the iPad not charging problem. 

How to solve the iPad not charging problem in a breeze?

It’s possible that your iPad isn’t charging correctly. The first step is to ensure that the charger or computer hooked into it has sufficient power. Let’s look into these more to get to the bottom of the issue and figure out why your iPad is taking so long to charge or worse, not charging at all.

1. Turn your iPad off and on
2. Inspect how your iPad is plugged in
3. Assess Your iPad Charger
4. Inspect your iPad charging cable
5. Hard or force reset your iPad
6. Don’t try to charge your iPad via the computer
7. Use the right kind of adapter for charging your iPad
8. Turn off the iPad screen and trickle charge (for older models)
9. Bypass cables that aren’t MFi-certified
10. Check if your iPad is within standard operating temperatures or not
11. Perform A DFU Restore
12. Clean out your iPad’s charging port
13. Check the battery and replace it if required
14. Take your iPad for repair

Let’s discuss each of these solid fixes below. 

1. Turn your iPad off and on

This trick works with almost any device and thus, shouldn’t be left out. To solve the charging problem of your iPad, simply turn off your device and turn it back on. Now, plug it into the charger and see if it’s charging. If not, try the next method. 

2. Inspect how your iPad is plugged in

You can also try a new USB port if the one you’re using isn’t working. Connect it directly to a USB port on the computer rather than using a USB port built into a keyboard or USB hub.

The best option is to use an AC adapter to connect the iPad to a wall outlet. Of course, if the outlet is “switched,” make sure the switch is set on, and the outlet is receiving power.

If you’re using a power strip, you’ll need to turn three screws to get a correctly grounded outlet. If the screws aren’t turned in the proper order, your iPad may work OK but won’t charge. In this instance, you should get confirmation from an electrician. 

3. Assess your iPad charger

The charger is the second most common cause of an iPad not charging. If you’re setting your iPad with a third-party charger (it’s not recommended in the first place), it’s conceivable that it’s wearing out and won’t charge. You’ll need to acquire a new charger if this is the case. If this isn’t the case, your power supply could be a problem.

If you charge your iPad with an iPhone charger, it will charge significantly slower. This is due to the charger’s amperage — an iPhone charger usually is 1 amp, whereas an iPad charger is two amps. As a result, if you use an iPhone charger, your iPad’s battery will charge more slowly.

4. Inspect your iPad charging cable

When an iPad indicates it’s not charging, a faulty cable is one of the most common causes. The most typical issue is fraying or exposed wires and pins getting riled up with wear. If this is the case, the cable will need to be replaced.

As a result, a new cable may be the ideal answer. They’re usually relatively inexpensive on the internet, and you don’t necessarily need a new charger – simply a new cable should suffice.

Ensure you’re using an MFi (designed for iOS) certified cable if you have an iPad with a Lightning connector. iOS devices that use the Apple Lightning connector will not work with cords that do not contain the necessary MFi authentication hardware.

5. Hard or force reset your iPad

A hard reset may be what your iPad requires to restore it to its former glory. Fortunately, this simple procedure can help with various issues, including a sluggish charging iPad.

To hard or force restart your iPad, here are the quick steps.  

• For iPads with the Home button

If your iPad has the Home button, long-press the Home and on/off buttons simultaneously. Continue holding the buttons even after the slider appears on the screen. Once the Apple logo appears, release the buttons to let your device restart. 

• For iPads without the Home button

If your iPad lacks the Home button, quickly press the volume down, volume down, and on/off button simultaneously. Once the Apple logo appears, release the buttons to let your device restart. 

This is a hard reset, and it should be one of the last options you try.

However, you should probably attempt a soft reset first. 

To soft reset your iPad, here are the steps. 

• Press and hold down on the Power button 
• Swipe it to reset it
• Switch on your iPhone back on to see the Apple logo 

This may help you solve your iPad not charging problem. If not, here’s another solution to try out. 

6. Don’t try to charge your iPad via the computer

You might have the habit of charging your smartphone via the computer, refrain from doing the same with your iPad. If you want your iPad to charge as quickly as possible, you should always plug it into the wall rather than directly into your laptop. A poor power source is another reason why an iPad won’t charge. It could be as easy as the outlet, or it could be that the plug is not connected correctly.

The port in your laptop or computer provides less than 10V of power, which is insufficient to charge your iPad efficiently.

7. Use the right kind of adapter for charging your iPad

In some cases, charging an iPad with an unsuitable charging adaptor will result in ‘no charging’ or delayed charging. Hence, look for the Correct Type of Adapter. The USB power adapter that arrived with your iPad is the best option.

You can charge your iPad with a 10W, 12W, or 18W USB-C power converter. Use the USB end of the charging wire with your iPad to attach the tablet to the power adapter.

8. Turn off the iPad screen and trickle charge (for older models)

For correct reporting of the battery’s state of charge, Apple advises doing at least one charge cycle every month (charging the battery to 100% and then totally draining it). Otherwise, after 1,000 full charge sessions, your iPad battery is designed to retain 80% of its original volume.

The final 20% of charge aims to reduce electrical charge and increase the battery’s life. Trickle charging also reduces the risk of a fire or accident by preventing your phone’s battery from overheating.

9. Bypass cables that aren’t MFi-certified

When you plug your iPad in and get an error code claiming that your device isn’t supported or approved, the connecting charging cable isn’t certified. As a result, make sure you’re utilizing Apple-certified USB charging cables in all instances.

MFI now stands for Made for iPhone rather than for iPod; however, utilizing only MFI-approved Lightning cords can protect your iPhone, iPod, and even your PC from damage. 

10. Check if your iPad is within standard operating temperatures or not

The Apple iPad’s operating temperature ranges from 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures that are too low or too high may cause your gadget to cease working correctly. You can shorten the battery life of your iPad if you use it in hot weather. 

If your device’s temperature rises above its normal operating range, charging may delay or stop altogether. 

As a result, please don’t leave your gadget in direct sunlight for long periods or at frigid temperatures outside its operating range. Nonetheless, once your iPad returns to average operating temperatures, the battery life will return to normal.

11. Perform A DFU Restore

Device Firmware Update mode, or DFU mode for short, is a state in which you can place an iPhone or iPad to restore functionality.

Getting it into DFU mode is similar to getting an iPhone into Face ID mode.

• Connect your iPad Pro with Face ID to your Mac or PC via USB cable.
• Check if iTunes (macOS Mojave and PCs) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later) is open.
• Ensure that the iPad Pro is switched off.
• Hold and release the volume up button quickly and do the same with the volume down button.
• Press down the Power button at the top of the screen until the power off slider displays.
• To turn off the iPad Pro, drag the slider.
• Hold the Power button down for three seconds, or until the screen goes black.
• Hold down the volume down button while still holding the power button.
• Hold both buttons down for another 10 seconds.
• You’ve held it for too long if the Apple logo shows. Please try again.
• Release the side button but keep the volume button down for another 5 seconds.
• If the “Plug into iTunes” screen appears, you’ve held the buttons down too long and should try again.
• Your iPad Pro is successfully in DFU mode if the screen remains black but is lighted.

12. Clean out your iPad’s charging port

Older iPads contain eight small pins that attach to the charging cable during the charging process, whereas later iPads have a USB-C port with twenty-four connections. If any of these pins are obstructed by debris, the charging cable may not connect.

Because the charging port is deformed or obstructed, your iPad may not be able to be charged. Cleaning the port is a good idea. You might wish to brush your teeth with a toothbrush.

Try blowing (hard) air into the charging port on your device. This can assist in the removal of debris. Several times plug in and out your charging wire. It may also clear the charging port of any obstructions. For the detailed process to clean your iPad’s charging port, read on.

13. Check the battery and replace it if required 

If you’ve exhausted all other possibilities for why your iPad is taking so long to charge, this is the most likely explanation. It’s possible that your iPad is getting old, and if that’s the case, it’s time for a new battery.

iPads have a longer battery life than most other tablets on the market. The majority of iPads that have been released should endure at least five years, but many will last even longer. As a result, you shouldn’t be concerned about this issue, especially if your iPad is very new.

14. Take your iPad for repair

Make a tech support appointment with Apple. If replacing the adapter or cable does not solve the problem, you may have a hardware problem with the iPad. In this instance, you must seek assistance from Apple. 

Instead of phoning Apple’s primary technical support line, plan an appointment and visit an Apple Store if you live near one. Employees at Apple Stores are friendly and will most likely solve your problem while you wait.

How to clean an iPad charging port?

As aforementioned, even the clogged iPad charging port can result in the iPad not charging problem. Thus, you must keep it clean. Here are the top two ways to clean your iPad charging port at home. 

1. Use compressed air

• Invest in an air duster. Please do not attempt to remove the dust by blowing on it. The components can be harmed by warm, wet breath.
• It would help if you aimed the air nozzle at the charging port. Do not put it in the port since the air could flow out with enough power to damage the delicate prongs, and the straw could also hit a component.
• Spray in a series of brief bursts. Don’t hold the tip down for long periods.
• Plug your iPad in and see what happens. If it still doesn’t charge, proceed to the next step.

2. Use a toothpick

• Check for any caked-on dust or dirt inside the port. Point a flashlight inside it if you can’t see inside.
• Insert the toothpick into the port with care. Don’t just grind it too hard on the sides to remove huge lint or dust particles.

If the compressed air and toothpick don’t help, take your iPhone to an Apple store, where they’ll have special tools for cleaning the Lightning port and will be able to determine if there’s a more significant root issue entirely.

Conclusion

After reading this post, it should be evident that if you understand why my iPad isn’t charging, there’s no need to panic if your iPad suddenly stops charging. The answers to the common causes of the issue presented in the post can always solve the problem.

If you still don’t see any changes after attempting all of the above changes, there’s a good chance that something is amiss with the iPad’s hardware. In this instance, your only option is to contact Apple Support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)