iPad Won't Charge: Causes and Fixes

Work through the easy causes first

When an iPad won't charge, the cause is often outside the iPad: a tired cable, an underpowered adapter or lint in the port. Work through the checks below in order, from simplest to most involved. If you get to the end and it still won't charge, you'll have ruled out the common causes and can describe exactly what happens when you ask for help.

Know which port your iPad has

All current iPad models charge through USB-C. Older ones, such as the iPad 9th generation and earlier, older iPad Air and iPad mini models, use Lightning. Knowing which you have helps you pick the right cable and adapter, and tells you what to look for in the port.

Step-by-step fixes

1. Try a different cable. Cables fail quietly, often near the ends where they bend. Test with a cable you know works on another device. Avoid frayed, kinked or very cheap cables.
2. Check the adapter's wattage. An iPad needs more power than a phone. A small, low-watt phone cube may charge it very slowly, or not keep up at all while you're using it. Look at the number printed on the adapter and use one rated for your iPad; Apple lists the recommended adapters for each model.
3. Plug into the wall, not a computer. A computer's USB port often can't supply enough power. If you see "Not Charging" in the status bar while connected to a computer, that's usually the reason. Power strips and car chargers can also fall short.
4. Look in the port. Shine a light into the charging port. Pocket and bag lint packs into the back of the port over time and stops the cable seating fully. If the cable feels loose or wobbles, lint is a likely suspect.
5. Restart the iPad. A software hiccup can stop charging. Try a force restart (steps below), then plug in again.
6. Warm it up if it's cold. Apple designs iPads to work between about 0°C and 35°C. An iPad left in a cold car or near a drafty window can pause charging until it warms up. Let it reach room temperature on its own; don't put it on a heater.
7. Give a fully drained iPad time. If the battery is completely empty, it can take a while on the charger before anything appears on screen. Leave it plugged into a wall adapter for up to an hour before deciding it's dead.
8. Update iPadOS. Once it's charging again, install any available update in Settings › General › Software Update.

How to force restart an iPad

iPad without a Home button: press and quickly release the volume button nearest the top button, press and quickly release the other volume button, then press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.

iPad with a Home button: press and hold the top button and the Home button together until the Apple logo appears.

Cleaning lint from the port safely

Power the iPad off first. Use a plastic or wooden toothpick and gently lift debris out from the back of the port, without pressing on the contacts. Don't use metal (pins, paper clips, SIM tools), liquids or a burst of canned air up close. If the lint is packed in hard, it's better to have it removed professionally than to dig. Our post on charging port fixes covers more port checks that apply to iPads too.

When it's the battery or the port

If the cable, adapter, outlet and port all check out, the problem is likely inside the iPad. These clues help narrow it down:

A swollen battery needs attention right away. If the screen is lifting or the case is bending, stop charging the iPad, don't press on it and keep it away from heat.

Coverage and older iPads

If your iPad is newer or has extended coverage through Apple or a credit card, check that before paying for a repair. For an older iPad, compare the repair against what you need the iPad to do. Our post on whether iPad repair is worth it walks through that decision.

Need a hand?

If your iPad still won't charge, Woman Wireless On The Go can help without you packing it up and driving anywhere. A certified woman technician comes to your home, workplace or parked car across our service area, checks the port, battery and charging, and gives you a free quote before any work starts. Read about our iPad repair service, call or WhatsApp (365) 351-4247, or request a visit online.

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