How to Fix iPad Not Charging

Step by step

1. 2 min

   Check the charging cable and adapter

   Examine your Lightning or USB-C cable for visible damage like fraying, kinks, or bent connectors. Test with a different Apple-certified cable and power adapter if available. Use the original 20W adapter or higher for optimal charging speed.

   Note: Third-party cables often fail first. Apple-certified cables have a small chip that prevents charging when damaged.
2. 3 min

   Clean the charging port

   Power off your iPad completely. Use a dry toothbrush or anti-static brush to gently remove lint and debris from the charging port. For stubborn debris, use a wooden toothpick to carefully dislodge particles without scratching the contacts.

   Note: Compressed air works well for loose debris, but avoid moisture-removing sprays which can damage internal components.
3. 2 min

   Force restart your iPad

   For iPads with Face ID, press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears. For iPads with Home buttons, hold Home and Power simultaneously for 10 seconds until you see the Apple logo.

   Note: This clears temporary software glitches that can interfere with the charging process without affecting your data.
4. 2 min

   Test different power sources

   Try charging from a wall outlet instead of a computer USB port, which provides insufficient power for iPad charging. Test multiple wall outlets to rule out electrical issues. Avoid USB hubs or extension cables that can reduce power delivery.

   Note: Wall adapters provide 12-20W while computer USB ports typically provide only 2.5-5W, insufficient for most iPads.
5. 5 min

   Check for software updates

   Connect to Wi-Fi and go to Settings > General > Software Update. Install any available iPadOS updates, as they often include charging and battery management improvements. The update process may temporarily drain battery further.

   Note: If battery is critically low, charge for 30 minutes before attempting software updates to prevent interruption.
6. 3 min

   Reset all settings

   Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings. Enter your passcode when prompted. This preserves your data while resetting charging-related system preferences to defaults.

   Note: You'll need to reconfigure Wi-Fi passwords, wallpapers, and accessibility settings, but apps and data remain intact.
7. 1 min

   Contact Apple Support for hardware diagnosis

   If charging issues persist after software troubleshooting, schedule a Genius Bar appointment or contact Apple Support. Hardware problems like a faulty charging port or degraded battery require professional diagnosis and repair.

   Note: Check your warranty status at checkcoverage.apple.com before scheduling service to understand potential repair costs.