Why Isn’t My iPad Charging? Here’s Why & The Real Fix

March 8, 2023

Introduction

A non-charging iPad can be a major inconvenience, especially when you rely on it for work, communication, or entertainment. This problem can manifest in several ways: your iPad may not charge at all, or it could charge at an extremely slow pace. The good news is that most charging issues are fixable, whether the problem lies with the charger, the battery, the software, or the hardware. This comprehensive guide will help you troubleshoot the common causes of charging issues and provide actionable solutions to get your iPad back to full power.

Symptoms and Indices

1. Signs of Charging Problems

To start diagnosing the issue, you must first identify the symptoms of a charging problem. These signs can help you determine whether the problem lies with the charging equipment, the iPad’s internal components, or a software glitch.

a. No Charging Indicator

When you plug your iPad into the charger, the charging icon should appear on the screen, indicating that the device is charging. If the icon is missing or the iPad doesn’t show any indication of charging, this could point to a charging issue.

b. Battery Percentage Stuck

If your iPad’s battery percentage doesn’t increase after being plugged in for a while—or worse, if it decreases while plugged in—this is a clear sign that the device isn’t charging as it should.

c. Slow Charging

Even when connected to a charger, if your iPad is charging extremely slowly, it could be due to a faulty charger, a software issue, or a hardware malfunction.

d. iPad Won’t Turn On

If the iPad won’t turn on, even after being plugged in for a while, it could indicate a severe issue with the battery or charging port.

2. Examining Battery Conditions

Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, it’s worth checking the health of your iPad’s battery.

Battery Health: In iOS 11.3 and later, Apple introduced a feature that allows you to monitor the battery health of your device. Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to check for any issues. If there’s a warning message about battery health, you might need a battery replacement.
Battery Usage: You can also review the battery usage history to see if certain apps are draining the battery too quickly. If you notice that the battery isn’t charging properly, it might be due to the battery’s inability to hold a charge, and replacing the battery may be necessary.

Basic Troubleshooting

1. Check Cable Integrity and Charger Performance

A common reason for charging problems is faulty charging equipment. Here’s how to check:

a. Inspect the Charging Cable

Examine the charging cable for visible signs of wear, such as fraying, cuts, or bends. A damaged cable can interrupt the charging process, so try using a different cable to see if that resolves the issue.

b. Check the Charger

Ensure that the charger itself is functioning properly. If possible, try using another charger to verify whether the issue lies with the charger. If using a third-party charger, make sure it’s Apple-certified. Non-certified chargers can be less effective and potentially harmful to your iPad.

c. Inspect the Charging Port

The charging port on your iPad can accumulate dust, dirt, or debris, which can block the charging connection. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean out the charging port carefully.

2. Restart the iPad

Sometimes a simple restart can fix minor issues. Restarting your iPad can help reset the system, which may resolve small software glitches that are causing charging issues.

To restart the iPad:

Press and hold the Top (or Side) Button and either Volume Button until the slider appears.
Slide to power off, wait for a few seconds, then press and hold the Top (or Side) Button to turn it back on.

Problems with Chargers and Cables

Not all chargers and cables are created equal. Faulty or incompatible chargers can often lead to charging problems.

1. Use Certified Accessories

Always use Apple-certified chargers and cables. Non-certified third-party accessories can sometimes fail to work properly, or worse, cause long-term damage to your device. Apple’s MFi (Made for iPhone) certification ensures that the accessory meets their quality standards.

2. Verify Compatibility

Ensure that the charger and cable you’re using are compatible with your specific iPad model. Different iPad models may require different types of charging cables, such as Lightning or USB-C cables, and not all chargers are capable of providing the correct amount of power.

Software Errors

1. Software Issues Influencing Charging

Software bugs can sometimes interfere with your device’s charging process. Here’s how to check:

a. Update iOS

An outdated iOS version may have bugs that affect charging. To check if you’re running the latest version of iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, download and install it.

b. Power Cycle the iPad

If a simple restart didn’t work, performing a full power cycle might help reset software functions that could be causing charging issues. To power cycle the device:

Press and release the Volume Up button.
Press and release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Top Button until the Apple logo appears.

Problems with Hardware

1. Charging Port or Internal Hardware Damage

Hardware problems may be more serious and harder to identify without professional help. Here’s what to check:

a. Inspect the Charging Port

As mentioned earlier, dust and debris can cause charging issues. However, if the charg ing port is physically damaged (e.g., bent pins or corrosion), it could prevent proper charging. Inspect the port closely and contact a professional if you find any damage.

b. Internal Damage

If your iPad has suffered a fall or other physical trauma, it might have internal damage to its battery or charging circuit. In this case, you’ll need to take your device to a professional technician for further inspection and repair.

When Should You See a Professional?

If you’ve tried all of the above troubleshooting steps and your iPad is still not charging properly, it may be time to seek professional help.

1. Authorized Repair Services

Contact Apple Support for further assistance, or visit an Apple Store or an authorized repair center. They can run diagnostics and perform repairs to fix any internal issues, such as a malfunctioning battery or charging circuit.

Advanced Solutions

1. Resetting Settings

If the problem persists, you can reset all settings on your iPad. This will revert all system settings (like Wi-Fi and wallpaper) back to their default values, but it will not erase any personal data.

To reset your settings:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
Tap Reset All Settings and follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Restoring the iPad

If a software glitch is causing charging issues, restoring your iPad to factory settings may help. Before you do this, ensure that you have backed up your data to iCloud or iTunes.

To restore the iPad:

Connect your iPad to a computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
Select Restore iPad and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your device to its original settings.

Conclusion

Charging problems on your iPad can stem from several different causes, including faulty cables, outdated software, hardware damage, or even software bugs. By following this complete troubleshooting guide, you should be able to identify the source of the issue and implement an appropriate solution. If the problem persists after you’ve tried these fixes, it’s time to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider. By staying proactive and aware of common charging problems, you can avoid future disruptions and keep your iPad working smoothly.

What typical indicators point to my iPad not charging?

Typical symptoms include lack of charging icon, battery percentage not rising, very slow charging, or iPad not turning on.

How can I find out whether the cable or the charger is malfunctioning?

Examine both for obvious damage; try using another charger or cord to see whether the issue continues.

Can a third-party charger change the charging capacity of my iPad?

Indeed, malfunctioning or non-certified third-party chargers could cause charging problems. Use accessories approved by Apple always.

Could there be hardware issues keeping my iPad from charging?

Indeed, hardware problems like internal components or a broken charging connection can stop charging. Look for debris and obvious damage.

Which advanced troubleshooting techniques should I try?

Advanced actions could be resetting all settings or returning the iPad to factory settings. Before you restore, be sure your data backs up.

Why is my iPad charging far too slowly?

A broken charger, cable, or a problem with the iPad’s battery could all be causes of slow charging. Check that every component is in operating order.

How should I maintain the charging port on my iPad?

Dust and trash should be softly removed from the charging port using compressed air or a soft brush. Steer clear of metal things potentially damaging the port.

Should my iPad not turn on at all, what ought I to do?

Make sure it is hooked to a power source; look for damage; and attempt restarting. If it stays unresponsive, think about expert repair.

How often ought I to update the iOS on my iPad?

Install iOS upgrades often to solve problems and boost performance. See Settings > General > Software Update.

When should I call in expert iPad repairs?

If you have tried all troubleshooting techniques and the iPad still does not charge or if there is obvious damage, get in touch with Apple Support or visit a qualified repair facility.