There’s nothing more frustrating than having to wait what seems like forever for your iPad to charge. But why does it seem like your iPad is taking so long, and what can you do to increase the charging speed?
Your iPad might be charging slowly because you’re using the wrong adapter type or damaged cables. Sometimes you might need to clean your charging port or switch to a wall socket. Restarting the iPad, switching on Airplane mode as it charges, and using a fast charger can also speed up charging.
Let’s look at the main reasons for iPads can charge slowly, how to increase your charging speed, and signs that your iPad battery needs replacing.
How Long Should an iPad Take to Charge?
Different iPad models will take between five and a half to 10.5 hours to charge with a normal charger and between two and two and a half hours to charge with a fast charger. 20W fast chargers work with all iPads, and 30W fast chargers work with all iPad models except for the iPad and iPad Mini.
The iPad Mini is the model that charges the fastest with normal chargers, as it reaches a full charge in five and a half hours.
The 11-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air take eight hours to charge with a normal charger, while the original iPad takes nine hours. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro takes the longest to charge with a normal charger at 10.5 hours.
All iPad models except for the iPad Mini take around two and a half hours to charge with a fast charger. However, the Mini can fully charge in two hours with a fast charger. The iPad will charge much faster when the battery is empty, and the charging speed will slow down as the battery’s charge increases.
Why Does My iPad Take Forever to Charge?
The most common causes of slow iPad charging include using the wrong type of charging adapter or a damaged cable. A dirty charging port will also reduce the charge speed. Also, charging the iPad with a laptop or power bank will take much longer than plugging it into a wall socket.
Many battery packs, for instance, charge very slowly, unless you get one like the IDMIX 20000mAh PD30W Power Bank (on Amazon) specifically designed for faster charging rates.
Here’s some reasons why your iPad may be taking too long to charge:
You’re Using the Wrong Adapter
It’s tempting to use your iPhone charger with your iPads, but doing this may result in the iPad taking much longer to charge. While an iPhone charger is compatible with an iPad, it will take much longer to charge this way in comparison with the original iPad charger. Most iPhone chargers are 1 amp, while iPad chargers are 2 amp.
The type of iPad charger adapter will also affect the charging time. If you’re using a regular charger, it will take anywhere from two to three times longer to charge the iPad than a 20W or 30W fast charger.
So, next time you use an iPhone charger on your iPad, remember that you’ll have to wait much longer for it to charge.
You’re Using Damaged Charging Cables
A damaged charging cable can also affect the charging time of your iPad. While iPad charging cables are made to last several years, using them roughly or simply using them often may cause the cables to become damaged by wear and tear.
Fortunately, cables aren’t expensive, and you can get a new one at a fraction of the price you’ll pay for a new charger. However, many people don’t realize that the cables are damaged, and using damaged cables for too long may affect the iPad’s battery health.
Your iPad’s Charging Port Is Dirty
Just like with your smartphone, you’ll have to clean the iPad’s charging port regularly for it to charge optimally. While the iPad usually can still charge with a small obstruction in the port, it will take much longer for the battery to reach full charge.
If you’re using the right charger and there’s nothing wrong with the cables, check the charging port before you try any other fix. You can use a wooden toothpick, cotton swab, or compressed air to remove any dirt inside the iPad’s charging port.
You’re Charging With a Power Bank or Laptop
Charging directly with the cable will always cause the iPad to charge much slower. Whether you’re using a power bank, laptop, or your car’s charging port to charge the iPad, remember that you’ll have to wait longer than when charging through a wall socket.
You’re Using the iPad As It Charges
While this one might seem obvious, you can’t use your iPads while it’s charging and expect it to charge quickly. While the iPad will continue charge even if you’re using it, it will take much longer to do so.
Besides, using the iPad while it’s on the charge may cause it to overheat, especially if you’re streaming or playing games.
Your iPad Has a Defective Battery
If the iPad’s slow charging is caused by a defective battery, your only option will be to replace it. However, this issue only arises when you regularly use the wrong type of charger on your iPad or if it’s an older version.
How Do I Fix a Slow Charging iPad?
To fix a slow-charging iPad, you’ll need to first pinpoint the cause of the problem. Make sure that you’re using the correct adapter and cables and that the charging ports are clean.
When in doubt, check for improvement after connecting the charger to a wall socket. You can also restart or reset your iPad, switch on the Airplane Mode while the iPad is charging, or try using a faster charger. If you’re tired of dealing with cables, you could consider investing in a wireless charger.
Here are some fixes for the slow charging problem and ways to increase charging speed:
Use the Correct Adapter and Cables
The best way to fix the slow charging problem is to use the correct charger. Even if you have the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, you shouldn’t have to wait more than 10.5 hours for the battery to charge fully, even when you charge it from 0%. If you don’t have the original charger, make sure you’re using an original replacement.
Also, make sure that the charging cables aren’t damaged. You can do so by connecting your iPhone or another iPad to the charging cable using the phone or iPad’s adapter. If the phone also charges slower with the cable, you’ll have to replace it.
Connect the Charger to a Wall Socket
It makes a world of difference in terms of charging speed when you connect the charger to a wall socket as opposed to your laptop or power bank. When you connect the charger to a wall socket, it gets the maximum amperage for faster charging.
Clean the Charging Ports
While you should have a regular schedule for cleaning your iPad and other devices, make sure to double-check the charging port if the iPad is charging slower than usual. Avoid using a pin or metal object as it may damage the iPad.
Instead, use a soft cotton swab to remove any dust or a wooden toothpick to dislodge anything stuck in the charging port. Compressed air can also help.
Restart or Reset the iPad
If your iPad is charging slower than usual, this could indicate a software glitch. Sometimes, power-intensive apps running in the background may consume battery even when the iPad’s on charge. Glitches or bugs in certain apps will also cause the iPad to charge slower or become hot while charging.
Assuming the issue is caused by a temporary glitch, restarting the iPad will usually work. This will also clear out bugs in the app cache. However, if the issue is with a certain app or malware, you’ll have to delete the power-intensive app or reset the iPad.
Switch on Airplane Mode
Switching on Airplane mode can help the iPad charge faster because the WiFi and SIM network will be off. This means that apps can’t search for updates and will use less power. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to receive messages or notifications when this power mode is turned on.
Because all these functions use power in the background, switching on the Airplane mode will help speed up the charging time.
Use a Faster Charger
The easiest way to improve the charging speed of your iPad is to use a faster charger. Most iPads will take between six to 10 hours to charge with normal chargers. However, faster chargers have an output of 20W or 30W and can charge the iPad in two in a half hours or less!
However, before getting a fast charger, make sure it works with the iPad model. 20W fast chargers work with all iPads, while 30W ones work for everything except for the iPad and iPad Mini.
How Do I Know if I Need to Replace My iPad Battery?
You need to replace your iPad’s battery if it begins to swell or it doesn’t last as long as it used to. Damaged batteries will also take much longer to charge. However, first make sure that nothing else is causing the charging problem.
The most obvious sign that your battery needs immediate replacement is when it begins to swell. While it’s difficult to know when the battery starts swelling, you can recognize it from the pressure marks that it may leave on the screen.
If you notice these and the battery isn’t lasting as long as it used to, you should send the iPad in for battery replacement.