iPad screen showing low battery Icon, not charging.

iPad not charging? - How to Fix?

When our iPad refuses to charge, it can be incredibly frustrating, especially when we rely on it for daily tasks like work, entertainment, or staying in touch. If you’re facing this issue, don’t panic. In many cases, it's not a serious fault and can be resolved with a few simple steps. Before you consider replacing your device or heading to an Apple store, try these proven methods to fix your iPad not charging problem.

1. Is your iPad really not charging?

Let’s start with the basics. Plug your iPad into a power outlet using an AC adapter, not your computer. Wait a few minutes to see if the lightning bolt icon appears on the battery indicator in the top right corner of the screen. If the battery is completely flat, it may take a little time to respond, so give it a moment to build a charge.

2. Avoid charging through your computer

We often assume that charging through a laptop or desktop is convenient, but it’s not ideal. iPads require more power than most USB ports can provide. If you see a "Not Charging" message when plugged into your computer, that’s likely the issue. Always use a wall socket with a high-wattage AC adapter, preferably the one that came with your device.

3. Inspect your charging cable

iPad plugged into a charging cable with focus on the connection point, inspecting for faults

If your cable looks frayed, bent, or worn out, it could be the culprit. Even if it appears fine externally, internal damage might still prevent it from working. Cheap third-party lightning cables are especially unreliable, as they can fail without warning due to power regulation chip issues. We strongly recommend using an Apple-certified charging cable or better yet, have us at Imfixed test a replacement for you.

4. Examine the iPad’s charging port

Dirt, lint, or debris inside the Lightning port can stop your charger from making a proper connection. Shine a light into the port and use a toothpick or anti-static brush to gently remove any gunk. Be careful not to damage the internal pins.

5. Check your power source

Try plugging your iPad into a different wall outlet or using a different adapter. Faulty power sockets and damaged plugs are more common than we think. Also, remember to turn the wall switch on. If you're unsure whether the plug socket is working, test it with another device.

6. Perform a soft or hard reset

Sometimes, your iPad may just need a system refresh. For a soft reset, press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons simultaneously until you see the Apple logo. For newer iPads without a Home button, press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and finally hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears.

If the soft reset doesn’t help, try a hard reset using the same button combinations, just hold them down for longer until the screen turns off and reboots.

7. Clean your charging dock

Moisture or grime inside the charging dock can also cause charging issues. Use a clean, dry brush to remove any build-up. This simple maintenance step can make a big difference.

8. Try a factory reset

If the above methods don’t work, a factory reset might help, especially if you suspect a software glitch. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Don’t forget to back up your iPad to iCloud or your computer before doing this.

9. Check background apps and battery usage

iPad placed on a table over a case next to a pen, displaying multiple apps open on the screen

Heavy apps running in the background can prevent your iPad from charging effectively. Double-tap the Home button or swipe up and close unused apps. Also, go to Settings > Battery to check which apps are consuming the most power. Disabling Background App Refresh can also help preserve battery and improve charging speed.

10. Still not charging? Let us at Imfixed help

If your iPad is still not charging after trying all the above, there may be an issue with the internal battery, charging IC, or logic board. Don’t waste time and money going to Apple or risking further damage. Bring your iPad to us at Imfixed, and we’ll diagnose and repair the issue quickly and affordably. Whether it’s a battery replacement, charging port repair, or deep clean, our expert technicians will sort it.

You can visit our store or contact us at info@imfixed.co.uk or ring us on 01204 520520. We offer professional iPad repair services with genuine parts and fast turnaround times.

FAQs – iPad Not Charging Issues

1. Why won’t my iPad charge even though it’s plugged in?

It could be due to a faulty cable, adapter, power source, or a blocked charging port. Try different combinations to isolate the issue.

2. What should I do if my iPad shows the lightning icon but isn’t charging?

It’s likely a software glitch. Try restarting or updating your iPad, and check for battery-draining apps.

3. Why is my iPad charging slowly?

You may be using a low-wattage adapter. Use an Apple-certified charger and close all apps to charge faster.

4. Can all iPads charge wirelessly?

No, most iPads do not support wireless charging. Check your model’s specs for compatibility.

5. My iPad still doesn’t charge. What now?

It could be a hardware fault. Don’t worry. Bring it to us at Imfixed, and we’ll have it working again in no time.

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