You’re just about to complete an important document and your iPad goes suddenly goes dead. You plug in the charger, but the screen still remains blank. What terrible timing! You want to finish your work quickly as the deadline is approaching. So, what can you do to get your iPad charging again?
If your iPad isn’t charging, it could be due to a software bug, faulty charger, old lightning cable, or debris in the charging port. Investing in a new Apple charger, resetting your iPad, and cleaning out the charging port are some effective solutions that can help you get your iPad charging again.
There are a number of reasons why you might be having an iPad charging problem. Luckily, the solutions to these problems are pretty easy and simple to execute. Let’s look at some common reasons why your iPad is not charging and what you can do to get it juiced up again.
Reasons Your iPad Isn’t Charging
An iPad consists of four components that must work together to efficiently charge your iPad. If your iPad isn’t charging, it could be an issue with one of these four parts:
iPad’s Software (iPadOS)
One of the primary reasons why your iPad might not be charging is a software glitch. Problems with your iPad software can turn the display black and leave it unresponsive. In such a case, a hard reset can take care of this issue.
For iPads with a Home button, press and hold both the Power and Home buttons at the same time until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Sometimes, this may take a while, and you might need to hold it for as long as 30-40 seconds.
For iPads that don’t have a Home button, follow the steps below to fix the software crash:
- Press the volume up button for a few seconds and then release.
- Next, hold the volume down button for a few seconds.
- Lastly, keep holding the Power Button until you see the Apple logo on the screen.
iPad Charger
Another common reason why your iPad isn’t charging could be a weak iPad charger. Make sure that you charge your iPad with an original Apple charger (on Amazon). However, there are cases when the charging problem ensues even after when the charger that came with the iPad.
Power fluctuations due to the iPad charger can be detected by the iPadOS and interpreted as a threat or safety risk to your iPad. As a result, your iPad may completely stop charging. Try out different chargers as well as all the USB ports on your laptop to charge your iPad.
If your iPad starts charging with some other charger instead of the original one, then the culprit is your charger and not the iPad.
Lightning Cable
Be sure to inspect your Lightning cable carefully because a damaged Lightning cable can also be the reason why your iPad isn’t charging. If you find any discoloration or fraying on the wire or the Lightning connector, then it is time to invest in a new Lightning cable (on Amazon).
iPad’s Charging Port
If your charger and lightning cable are working fine, then you need to check your iPad’s charging port for any issues. Use a flashlight and inspect closely for any lint, gunk, dirt, or other debris that might prevent your charging cable from making an unobstructed connection with the iPad’s charging port.
Older iPad models are designed with lightning ports that have eight tiny pins. These pins need to connect completely to the Lightning cable for an effective charging process.
The latest iPads, meanwhile, come with a USB-C port that has twenty-four pins. Even if just one pin is covered in debris, it may not be possible to create a connection with the charging cable.
Although there may not be any dirt or debris visible in the charging port, it’s best to clean it out anyways. Minuscule specks of dust present in the charging port can prevent the iPad from charging. Here’s what you can do to make sure that your iPad’s charging port is clean:
- Use an anti-static brush (on Amazon) to clean your iPad’s charging port. Using an electricity-conducting device to clean your iPad can cause damage to your iPad’s internal components. Anti-static brushes are best for cleaning charging ports, as they are not electricity conductors.
- You can also use a brand-new toothbrush if you don’t have an anti-static brush handy. Gently brush out the insides of the charging port. Remove all the dirt and then try charging the iPad again.
Try Different Charging Cables
If there’s a problem with your power adapter or charging cable, then you won’t see the lightning bolt sign at the battery icon once you plug in your iPad to charge. Switching to a different USB power adapter, charging cable, and even a USB port or wall unit can get your iPad charging again.
It’s best to use an Apple-certified accessory as it not only charges at the proper rate but also has a build quality that is guaranteed to last a long time.
Use your cable or charger to charge a different iPad or iPhone to determine if something is wrong with your accessory. If the iPad starts charging, then there’s something wrong with the battery or the charging port of your iPad.
Be sure to use Lightning cables that are MFI-certified. Cables that are typically available at your local gas stations or convenience stores are not MFI-certified.
Although they are cheap, they generally don’t conform to the quality standards set by Apple for a high-quality Lightning cable. Their inferior quality can sometimes cause them to overheat and damage the inner parts of your iPad.
How to Restart Your iPad
Sometimes restarting your iPad can solve its charging problem. Follow the step-by-step guide below to restart your device:
Restarting an iPad That Doesn’t Have a Home Button
- Hold the power button together with either Volume button.
- The power off slider will appear. Drag it to the right. Your iPad will turn off in about 30 seconds.
- Press the Power button until you see the Apple logo to turn it back on.
Restarting an iPad That Has a Home Button
- Press the Power button until the power off slider appears.
- Drag it to turn off your iPad.
- Press and hold the Power button again to turn your iPad back on.
Cleaning Your iPad’s Lightning Port
Any dirt or debris in your iPad’s charging port can prevent an effective connection with your charging cable. Removing all the debris and dirt from your charging port can get your iPad back to charging normally.
However, before cleaning your charging port, you should keep the following points in mind:
- Make sure that your iPad is switched off.
- Avoid using metallic pins or objects as they can damage the pins in the charging port.
- If you are using compressed air for cleaning, then be sure to tape over the speaker holes and the microphone.
- Avoid exerting too much force while cleaning.
Now let’s start cleaning your charging port by following the steps below:
- Use a flashlight or your phone’s light to examine your iPad’s charging port for any dirt or debris stuck there.
- With a sharp plastic object or a toothpick, remove these pieces.
- Once the port is clean, use compressed air (on Amazon) to completely remove the dust inside. Compressed air will also help dislodge stubborn debris.
Make Sure Your Battery Isn’t Overheated
The ideal working temperature for an iPad is between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. An iPad that is too cold or too hot may stop functioning properly.
In addition to the iPad’s display turning black, an overheated battery can cause iPad charging to slow down or stop completely.
Putting your iPad in a cool room can help bring its temperature down to the normal range. Always avoid putting your iPad in direct sunlight. Once your iPad is within the standard operating temperature range, try charging it again.