iPad Not Charging? Causes and Fixes to Try First

An iPad that will not charge is frustrating, especially when it is the device the whole family uses. Before you assume the battery or the port is gone, work through these checks. They solve a good share of charging problems.

Step 1: Try a different cable and adapter

Cables fail far more often than iPads do.

• Try another cable that you know works with another device.
• Use a wall adapter, not a computer USB port. Many computer ports cannot supply enough power to charge an iPad properly, so it may charge very slowly or show "Not Charging".
• Use a good-quality adapter. Very small phone adapters may not keep up with an iPad that is in use.

Step 2: Look inside the charging port

Lint, crumbs and dust build up in the port over time, especially for iPads carried in bags or used by kids. When the cable cannot seat fully, it may only charge at certain angles or not at all.

• Shine a light into the port and look for debris.
• Use a wooden toothpick or soft brush very gently to loosen lint, or have us clean it.
• Never use metal objects such as pins or paper clips. They can damage the contacts.

Step 3: Restart and update

A software glitch can stop charging from being reported correctly. Restart the iPad, then check for updates once it has some charge.

Step 4: Check whether it is charging slowly or not at all

• Slow charging while in use may simply mean the adapter cannot keep up with the screen and apps. Try charging with the iPad locked.
• Charging that stops at a certain percentage may be the iPad managing the battery to protect it, especially if it is plugged in for long periods.
• No sign of charging at all after an hour on a known good cable and adapter points to the port or the battery.

Signs the battery is wearing out

iPad batteries wear out with age and charging cycles, just like phone batteries:

• It drains much faster than it used to
• It shuts off suddenly at 20 or 30 percent
• It only works while plugged in
• The screen has started to lift or the case bulges

A lifting screen or bulging case can mean a swollen battery. Stop using and charging the iPad, and bring it in.

Charging port repair or battery replacement?

On many iPads the charging port is a separate part that can be replaced. On others, it is built into a larger assembly. Battery replacement on an iPad means carefully removing the screen, which is bonded in place. We test first, so you are not paying for the wrong repair, and we tell you up front if an older iPad is not worth the cost.

For help deciding on an older model, see our guide on whether iPad screen repair is worth it for an older iPad.

iPad repair in Canton

Our iPad and tablet repair service covers charging ports, batteries, screens and buttons for iPads and other tablets, for families and schools across Canton, Ball Ground, Woodstock and Holly Springs.

Get it charging again with Alpha Computers

Chuck and our team have more than 26 years of experience and over 20,000 devices repaired. Every repair includes our 1-year warranty and No Fix – No Fee promise. Walk in to our shop on Hickory Flat Hwy, call 678-899-6800, or request a free quote.