How To Fix An iPad That Won't Charge Or Charges Slowly

Check the Charging Cable

One of the first things to do when your iPad isn’t charging or charges slowly is to check the charging cable. Over time, the cable may become damaged or frayed, resulting in a poor connection or no charging at all. Here are some steps to help you diagnose and fix any issues with the charging cable:

Inspect the cable: Look for any visible signs of damage, such as cuts, frayed wires, or bent connectors. If you notice any damage, it’s best to replace the cable with a new one.
Use a different cable: If you have an additional charging cable available, try using it to see if the iPad charges properly. This will help determine if the issue is with the cable itself.
Try a different power source: Connect the charging cable to a different USB port or wall adapter. Sometimes, a faulty power source can prevent the iPad from charging correctly.
Test with another device: If possible, test the charging cable on another compatible device to see if it charges normally. This will help confirm whether the cable is the culprit.

If none of the above steps resolve the charging issue, it’s likely that the problem lies elsewhere. However, if you find that the charging cable is indeed the problem, consider purchasing a high-quality replacement cable to ensure optimal charging performance for your iPad.

Clean the Charging Port

Another common reason for an iPad not charging or charging slowly is a dirty or obstructed charging port. Dust, lint, and debris can accumulate over time, preventing a proper connection between the charging cable and the port. Here’s how to clean the charging port:

Turn off the iPad: Before cleaning the charging port, make sure to turn off your iPad to avoid any potential damage.
Inspect the charging port: Use a flashlight to examine the charging port closely. Look for any dirt, dust, or lint that may be blocking the connection. If you notice any debris, proceed to the next step.
Use compressed air: Using compressed air, carefully blow into the charging port to remove any loose particles. Be gentle and avoid applying excessive force to prevent any damage to the port or internal components.
Remove stubborn debris: If the charging port is still obstructed, use a clean, dry, and non-metallic tool, such as a wooden toothpick or plastic toothbrush, to gently remove any remaining dirt or lint. Take extra care not to damage the port.
Reconnect the charging cable: After cleaning the port, reinsert the charging cable and ensure it is securely connected to the iPad.
Test the charging: Turn on your iPad and check if it is charging normally. If not, proceed to other troubleshooting steps.

Regularly cleaning the charging port can help maintain a good connection between the cable and the iPad, ensuring efficient charging. It’s advisable to perform this cleaning process periodically, especially if you frequently carry your iPad in pockets or bags where dust and debris can accumulate.

Restart the iPad

If your iPad is not charging or charging slowly, a simple restart can sometimes resolve the issue. Restarting the device can help refresh the software and clear any temporary glitches that might be affecting the charging process. Follow these steps to restart your iPad:

Press and hold the Power button: Locate the Power button on your iPad. Press and hold it until the “Slide to power off” slider appears on the screen.
Slide to power off: Drag the slider to the right to turn off your iPad.
Wait for a few seconds: Keep your iPad turned off for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This allows for a complete shutdown of the device.
Press and hold the Power button again: After the specified time has passed, press and hold the Power button once again until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Release the Power button: Once you see the Apple logo, release the Power button and wait for your iPad to restart.
Check if the charging issue is resolved: After the restart, reconnect the charging cable and observe if the iPad is charging properly. If not, proceed to other troubleshooting methods.

A simple restart can sometimes fix minor software glitches that may be interfering with the charging process. It allows the iPad to start afresh and can often resolve temporary issues. If the charging problem persists, there are more troubleshooting steps to follow to identify and resolve the underlying cause.

Update the iPad’s Software

Keeping your iPad’s software up-to-date is essential for optimal performance and can also address potential charging issues. Apple regularly releases software updates that include bug fixes and improvements, which can resolve software-related charging problems. Here’s how to update your iPad’s software:

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network: Ensure that your iPad is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network with a reliable internet connection.
Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPad and navigate to “General.”
Select Software Update: In the General settings, tap on “Software Update.” The iPad will check for available updates.
Download and install the update: If a software update is available, tap “Download and Install.” Make sure your iPad is sufficiently charged or connected to a power source during the update process.
Follow the on-screen instructions: After the update is downloaded, follow the on-screen prompts to install it. Your iPad will restart during this process, so ensure that you have saved any unsaved work.

Updating your iPad’s software not only provides bug fixes but also enhances the overall performance of your device, including the charging functionality. It is recommended to regularly check for and install software updates on your iPad to ensure that you have the latest features and improvements.

If updating your iPad’s software does not resolve the charging issue, there are additional troubleshooting steps to consider.

Reset the iPad’s Settings

If your iPad still isn’t charging properly, resetting the device’s settings can often help resolve software-related issues that may be affecting the charging functionality. Resetting the settings doesn’t erase your data, but it does revert your device’s settings back to their default values. Here’s how to reset the iPad’s settings:

Open the Settings app: Locate and open the Settings app on your iPad. It can usually be found on the home screen.
Select General: In the Settings menu, tap on “General” to access the general settings.
Scroll down and select Reset: Scroll down and tap on “Reset” to view the reset options.
Choose Reset All Settings: In the Reset menu, tap on “Reset All Settings.” You may be prompted to enter your passcode or Apple ID password.
Confirm the reset: A warning message will appear informing you that this action will reset all settings to their factory defaults. If you are certain, confirm your selection.
Wait for the reset to complete: The iPad will now reset its settings. This process may take a few minutes, and your device will restart once it’s done.

Resetting the iPad’s settings can resolve any configuration issues that might be affecting the charging function. After the reset is complete, you’ll need to reconfigure your preferences and settings according to your personal preferences.

If resetting the iPad’s settings doesn’t solve the charging problem, there are still other troubleshooting steps to explore.

Force Restart the iPad

If your iPad is still experiencing charging issues, performing a force restart can help to overcome minor software glitches or frozen processes that may be causing the problem. Unlike a regular restart, a force restart forcibly turns off and restarts your iPad. Follow these steps to force restart your device:

Simultaneously press and hold the Sleep/Wake & Home buttons: Depending on the iPad model you have, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button (located at the top or side of the device) and the Home button (located at the bottom) at the same time. Continue holding them even after the screen goes black.
Keep holding both buttons: Hold both buttons for about 10 to 15 seconds or until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.
Release the buttons: Once the Apple logo appears, release both buttons. Your iPad will restart.
Test the charging functionality: After the restart, reconnect the charging cable and see if the iPad charges properly. If not, proceed to other troubleshooting methods.

A force restart can help to clear any temporary software glitches that might be interfering with the charging process. It’s a simple procedure that is often effective in resolving minor issues and restoring normal functionality to the iPad.

If the charging problem persists even after a force restart, there are further steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.

Turn on Airplane Mode

If your iPad is not charging or charging slowly, enabling Airplane Mode can sometimes help resolve the issue. Airplane Mode disables all wireless connections on your device, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular data. By turning on Airplane Mode, you can potentially mitigate any interference or conflicting signals that may be affecting the charging process. Here’s how to enable Airplane Mode:

Swipe down from the top-right corner: On iPads with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to access the Control Center. On iPads with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
Tap on the Airplane Mode icon: In the Control Center, locate the Airplane Mode icon, which looks like an airplane silhouette. Tap on it to turn it on. The icon will turn orange.
Connect the charging cable: Once Airplane Mode is enabled, connect your iPad to the charging cable.
Check if the charging issue is resolved: Allow your iPad to charge for a few minutes and observe if the charging process improves. If the problem persists, proceed to other troubleshooting methods.

Enabling Airplane Mode can help eliminate any potential wireless interference that might be impacting the charging process. It allows your iPad to solely focus on charging without distractions from other wireless signals. Remember to disable Airplane Mode when you’re done troubleshooting to regain access to your wireless connections.

If Airplane Mode doesn’t resolve the charging problem, there are additional steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue further.

Disable Background App Refresh

If your iPad is not charging or charging slowly, disabling the Background App Refresh feature can help conserve battery power and potentially improve the charging performance. Background App Refresh allows apps to update in the background even when you’re not using them, which can consume additional power. By turning off this feature, you can minimize battery drain during charging. Here’s how to disable Background App Refresh:

Open the Settings app: Locate and open the Settings app on your iPad.
Select General: In the Settings menu, tap on “General” to access the general settings.
Tap on Background App Refresh: Scroll down and tap on “Background App Refresh.”
Disable Background App Refresh: You can either turn off Background App Refresh for all apps by tapping on the toggle switch at the top or choose specific apps to disable. To disable individual apps, toggle off the switches next to their names.
Connect the charging cable: Once Background App Refresh is disabled, connect your iPad to the charging cable.
Check if the charging issue is resolved: Allow some time for your iPad to charge and see if the charging performance improves. If the problem persists, proceed to other troubleshooting methods.

Disabling Background App Refresh can help optimize battery usage and prioritize charging during the charging process. By limiting app activity in the background, you can potentially enhance the charging speed and efficiency of your iPad.

If disabling Background App Refresh doesn’t solve the charging problem, there are additional steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue further.

Check for App Updates

If your iPad is experiencing charging issues, it’s important to ensure that all your apps are up to date. Outdated apps can sometimes cause compatibility issues or software conflicts that may affect the charging process. By checking for app updates, you can ensure that you have the latest bug fixes and improvements. Here’s how to check for app updates:

Open the App Store: Locate and open the App Store on your iPad. It can usually be found on the home screen.
Tap on your Profile icon: At the top right corner of the App Store, tap on your profile icon to access your account details.
Scroll down and find the Updates section: Scroll down and look for the “Updates” section. This section will display any pending updates for your installed apps.
Update individual apps: If you see any pending updates, tap on the “Update” button next to each app to update it individually.
Update all apps: Alternatively, you can update all your apps at once by tapping on “Update All” located at the top right corner of the Updates section.
Connect the charging cable: Once you have updated your apps, connect your iPad to the charging cable.
Check if the charging issue is resolved: Allow your iPad to charge for a few minutes and observe if the charging process improves. If not, proceed to other troubleshooting methods.

Updating your apps ensures that you have the latest versions, which often include bug fixes and performance enhancements. This can potentially resolve any app-related conflicts that may be impacting the charging performance of your iPad.

If updating your apps doesn’t solve the charging problem, there are additional steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue further.

Restore the iPad to Factory Settings

If you’ve tried all the previous troubleshooting steps and your iPad still isn’t charging properly, restoring it to factory settings can be a last resort option. Restoring your iPad to factory settings erases all data and settings, returning it to its original state when you first purchased it. This can help eliminate any software-related issues that may be causing the charging problem. Here’s how to restore your iPad to factory settings:

Create a backup: Before proceeding with the restoration process, it’s crucial to create a backup of your iPad’s data. You can use iCloud or iTunes to back up your device to ensure that you don’t lose any important information.
Open the Settings app: Locate and open the Settings app on your iPad.
Select General: In the Settings menu, tap on “General” to access the general settings.
Scroll down and tap on Reset: Scroll down and tap on “Reset” to view the reset options.
Choose Erase All Content and Settings: In the Reset menu, tap on “Erase All Content and Settings.” You may be prompted to enter your passcode or Apple ID password.
Confirm the restoration: A warning message will appear, informing you that all data will be erased. If you are certain, confirm your selection.
Wait for the restoration process to complete: The iPad will now begin the restoration process, which may take some time. Once it’s done, your iPad will restart.
Set up your iPad: After the restart, follow the on-screen prompts to set up your iPad as new. You can then choose to restore your data from the backup you created earlier.

Restoring your iPad to factory settings wipes all data and settings, so it’s important to create a backup beforehand to avoid data loss. By starting fresh, you can eliminate any lingering software issues that may be affecting the charging performance of your iPad.

If restoring your iPad to factory settings doesn’t resolve the charging problem, it’s recommended to contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Contact Apple Support

If you have followed all the troubleshooting steps and your iPad is still experiencing charging issues, it’s advisable to contact Apple Support for further assistance. Apple Support has a dedicated team of experts who can provide personalized guidance and help diagnose and resolve the problem. Here’s how you can contact Apple Support:

Visit the Apple Support website: Go to the official Apple Support website at https://support.apple.com.
Select your iPad model: Choose your specific iPad model from the list provided.
Choose the issue category: Select the category that best matches your charging issue, such as “Power & Battery” or “Hardware Issues.”
Explore support options: On the support page for your iPad model and issue category, you will find various support options available, including live chat, phone support, and scheduling an appointment at an Apple Store or authorized service provider.
Provide necessary information: When contacting Apple Support, be prepared to provide your iPad’s serial number, purchase details, and a detailed description of the charging problem you are experiencing.
Follow the guidance from Apple Support: Apple Support will guide you through the troubleshooting process and may provide further instructions or offer service options based on the nature of the issue.

Apple Support is dedicated to helping customers resolve their device-related concerns effectively. They have the expertise to diagnose and address complex issues, including charging problems that may require advanced solutions or repairs.

Remember to reach out to Apple Support if you have exhausted all other troubleshooting steps and need additional assistance in resolving the charging issues with your iPad.