iPad not charging? Start with the wall adapter. An iPad that says Not Charging is often telling you the power source is too weak, not that anything is broken. Use a wall outlet, a good cable and the right adapter, check the port for lint and restart it. If that fails, look at the port or battery.
Most guides start with the port. We start with the power source, because that is where an iPad's charging problem usually begins. iPads take more power than phones, and a charger that works perfectly on your iPhone can leave a large iPad barely holding even. Rule out the free causes first, and only then talk about the port or the battery. People also search this as "iPad won't charge", and the steps are the same.
Why is your iPad not charging?
Here are the causes, cheapest first.
- A weak power source, such as a laptop port or small phone adapter.
- A worn or damaged cable.
- Lint in the port.
- A frozen iPad.
- A worn battery.
- A damaged port, or a fault on the board.
For an iPad not charging when plugged in, work through that list in order and test after each step.
What does Not Charging mean on an iPad?
If your iPad says Not Charging next to the battery icon, it is reporting a fact, not a fault. Apple's user guide says a Not Charging message appears when a Mac or Windows computer does not provide enough power. Apple also says not to try charging through a keyboard unless it has a high-power USB port, and a computer that is turned off may even drain the iPad.
The fix is usually a wall outlet.
- Plug into a wall outlet, not a laptop, hub or monitor.
- Use the adapter that came with the iPad, or one of the same power or higher.
- Use a cable you know works.
- Leave it for 30 minutes without using it.
iPad not charging but has lightning bolt? That is the other common sign. It can see power, but it is using it as fast as it arrives. Close heavy apps and turn the screen off.
How do you clean an iPad charging port safely?
Lint and bag debris pack into the port over months, and the plug stops short of the contacts.
- Turn the iPad off.
- Shine a flashlight into the port.
- Lift debris out gently with a wooden or plastic toothpick.
- Never use a pin, paper clip or anything metal.
USB-C ports have a thin center tongue, so work around it and don't press on it. If you think there is liquid in the port, leave it alone. Apple warns against plugging a cable into a port that may be wet.
Then force restart the iPad, as covered in our iPad won't turn on guide, and test again.
Could the battery be the problem?
Yes, especially on an iPad that is several years old. The signs are a charge that climbs fast and falls fast, a percentage that jumps around, or an iPad that dies at 30 percent. Some models show Battery Health in Settings under Battery, and on those you can read Maximum Capacity directly.
An iPad not charging or turning on at all can also be a battery that has fully worn out, though that needs a test to confirm. Our iPad battery cost guide has the prices by model, and on some models Apple's estimate is lower than ours, so compare.
When does an iPad need a repair?
Stop and get it looked at if any of these are true:
- A known good cable and wall adapter both fail.
- The plug feels loose or will not seat.
- Charging cuts in and out when you touch the cable.
- You see green or white residue in the port.
- The screen is lifting at an edge, which can mean a swollen battery. Stop charging it.
- The iPad gets hot while charging.
A loose or worn port is a contained repair, and our iPad charging port repair cost guide lists each model. We test the cable and clean the port first, so you won't pay for a part you do not need.
If your iPad is under warranty with no damage, or you have AppleCare, take it to Apple first. Otherwise see our iPad repair page or bring it to Chicago Ave with your charger, so we can test both together.