How to Fix an iPad That Won't Charge or Charges Slowly

Troubleshoot charging problems with your iPad

This article covers the six solutions to try when you are having trouble charging your iPad.

How to Fix an iPad That Won't Charge

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Why Won't My iPad Charge?

  1. Stop charging iPad with your computer. Your laptop or desktop computer may not output enough power to charge your iPad, especially if it is an older PC. The iPad requires considerably more power to charge than the iPhone, so even if your smartphone charges up fine with your computer, the iPad may take a lot longer.

    If you must charge using a PC, don't use the iPad while it is charging. This can result in the iPad not charging or losing more power than it is gaining.

    The best solution is to plug the iPad into a power outlet using the adapter that came with the iPad.

    When you connect your iPad to an older computer, you may see the warning "Not Charging." Don't fret; the iPad is probably still charging, but it isn't getting enough juice to display the lightning bolt that indicates it is charging.

  2. Use the iPad charging block to charge your iPad. The smaller iPhone adapter can supply the iPad with only half the power of the iPad adapter. If you have an iPad Pro, the iPhone charger takes even longer to bring it up to 100 percent.

    While the iPad still charges with an iPhone adapter, it is slower. Look for markings on the charger that read "10w," "12w," or "24w." These have enough juice to power up an iPad quickly.

    Want to charge your iPhone quicker? The reverse is also true. An iPhone charges faster using an iPad's AC adapter.

  3. Reboot the iPad. Make sure the tablet doesn't have a software problem by rebooting the iPad. It helps out if a software issue is causing the problem. You'll see the Apple logo appear in the middle of the screen while it boots back up. It may be enough to fix the slow-charging issue.

  4. Test the charging cable or adapter. If the iPad doesn't charge through the electrical outlet, you may have a problem with the cable or the adapter. You can troubleshoot the cable by connecting the iPad to your computer. If you see the lightning bolt on the battery meter, you know the cable is working.

    If the computer does not react when you plug in the iPad, it doesn't recognize the iPad is connected. Try another cable to see if that fixes the problem. If it does, toss the first cable.

    Similarly, try switching power adapters if you have more than one or borrow one. If the iPad adapter doesn't work, but another one does, buy a new Lightning adapter.

  5. Clear out the iPad's charging port. If plugging in a new cable doesn't work, there may be a problem with the charging port. The most common problem is that dust, lint, or another material has made its way into the port.

    You'll use the same process as you would when you clean your iPhone's charging port. Turn the iPad upside down and shine a flashlight into the port. You should be able to see if any materials are clogging the port. Use canned air or an anti-static brush to clean out the port. If you use small tweezers, turn off the iPad before attempting to dislodge materials and avoid touching the sides of the port.

    You can also take your iPad to an Apple Store and have someone from there perform the cleaning. They usually do it for free.

  6. Make an Apple Genius Bar appointment for tech support. In rare cases, when replacing the adapter or cable doesn't do the trick, you may have a hardware issue with the iPad. In this case, you need to contact Apple for support. If you live near an Apple Store, schedule an appointment and go to the store rather than calling the main Apple technical support line. Apple Store employees are accommodating and can most likely address the problem while you wait.

FAQ
  • Does the temperature make my iPad slow to recharge?

    If your iPad is too hot or too cold, it may not charge as usual. Avoid temperatures lower than 32 degrees or higher than 95 degrees. Don't leave your iPad in your parked car because the temperature may exceed this range and permanently shorten the battery life. If you see a temperature warning screen, don't attempt to charge the device.

  • What can I do to recharge my iPad quickly?

    If you need a fast charge, turn on Airplane mode and decrease the screen brightness, both of which you can do in the iPad Settings. Also, close any open apps and, if possible, don't use the iPad while it is charging.

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