An iPad's large battery needs a decent amount of power. A charger that is fine for a phone may barely keep an iPad topped up, especially while it is in use.
Check the power first
- Use the adapter that came with the iPad, or one with at least the same wattage
- Plug straight into a wall socket rather than a computer or keyboard
- Try a different cable, looking for fraying near the connectors
- Leave it charging for at least an hour if the battery was completely flat
Check the port
Shine a torch into the charging port. Lint packs down over time and stops the cable seating fully. If the cable feels loose or wobbles, that is a strong sign. Do not use metal objects to clean it.
Force restart
A frozen iPad can look like one that is not charging. Force restart it, then connect the charger again.
When it needs repair
- Charging only works with the cable held at an angle
- The iPad shows the charging symbol but the percentage does not rise
- The battery drains very quickly or the iPad shuts down unexpectedly
- The port shows corrosion or visible damage
A charging port repair or battery replacement is the usual fix. Ask the business to find which part is at fault first, so you do not pay for the wrong repair.
Related repair pages
What the repair involves, what to ask and which listed businesses to contact. Each business sets its own prices and repair terms.
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