iPad Not Charging

Owned by Brian Burns, created
Last updated: Feb 23, 2021
3 min read

Plug into power

To charge your iPad, follow these steps:

  1. Connect your iPad to the USB cable that comes with it.

  2. Plug into one of these three power sources:

Wall power outlet

Plug your USB charging cable into a USB power adapter, then plug the adapter into the wall.

Computer

Plug your charging cable into a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port on a computer that's on and not in sleep mode.* Don’t use the USB ports on your computer's keyboard.

Power accessory

Plug your cable into a powered USB hub, docking station, or other Apple-certified accessory.

As your iPad charges, you'll see a lightning bolt on the battery icon in the status bar icon , or a large battery icon on your Lock screen.

  • Some computers might not provide enough power to charge your iPad, or they might charge your iPad slowly. If necessary, use a USB power adapter and plug the adapter into the wall.

Which of these describes your iPad charging issue?

If your iPad charges slowly or won’t charge

Follow these steps and try again after each:

  1. Make sure that your power adapter can charge your iPad. It's best to use the power adapter and cable that came with your iPad.

  2. Check your charging cable and USB adapter for signs of damage, like breakage or bent prongs.* Don't use damaged accessories.18W power adapter and USB-C charging cable12W power adapter and Lightning to USB cable

  3. Remove any debris from the charging port on the bottom of your iPad, then firmly plug your charging cable into your iPad. If the charging port is damaged, your iPad probably needs service.

  4. Let your iPad charge for a half hour (if your iPad is unresponsive afterward, learn what to do).

  5. Force restart your iPad: 

    • If your iPad has Face ID: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Top button until the iPad restarts.

    • If your iPad has a Home button: Press and hold both the Side (or Top) button and the Home button until you see the Apple logo.

  6. Let your iPad charge for another half hour.

  7. Use a wall power outlet and check for firm connections between your charging cable, USB wall adapter, and wall outlet or AC power cable, or try a different outlet.

  8. If your iPad still won’t power on or charge, take your iPad, charging cable, and charging adapter to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for evaluation. You can also contact Apple Support.

  • If you aren't sure that an accessory is damaged, take it to an 

Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for evaluation, or contact Apple Support.

If an alert says that your accessory isn't supported or certified

These alerts can appear for a few reasons:

  • Your iPad might have a dirty or damaged charging port

  • Your iPad needs more power from your power adapter or other power source

  • Your charging accessory is defective, damaged, or not certified by Apple

  • Your USB charger isn't designed to charge iPad

Follow these steps:

  1. If you're using the USB-C port on a Magic Keyboard, it's best to use the power adapter that came with your iPad Pro, or you can use the USB-C port on your iPad Pro instead.

  2. Remove any debris from the charging port on the bottom of your iPad.

  3. Restart your iPad.

  4. Try a different USB cable or charger.

  5. Make sure that you have the latest version of iPadOS.

  6. Contact Apple Support to set up service.

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