How To Fix iPad Not Charging When Plugged In

Is your iPad not charging although it’s plugged into a power source? The charging indicator isn’t displayed in the status bar even though the device is connected to a wall power socket, a computer or any other accessory. Remaining battery percentage remains the same or continues to drop?

Don’t panic, you’re not the first to experience this issue. It has happened to me and to many other iPad users too. In most cases the iPad not charging issue isn’t serious and you can easily fix it!

iPad Not Charging Symptoms

1. Not Charging At All

In this case the charging indicator doesn’t show up in the status bar and the iPad clearly doesn’t recognize that it was plugged into a power source.

2. Charging Very Slowly

The charging bolt is displayed on top of the battery icon in the status bar, but the remaining battery percentage is rising very slowly.

Fix: When this happens the power source isn’t strong enough to charge your iPad. It can happen when you’re using the USB port of computers as power source. Use an USB power adapter instead!

How To Fix iPad Not Charging

I’ve summed up a series of troubleshooting methods for an iPad that refuses to charge when plugged in:

1. Test iPad Charger

First of all, you have to make sure that you’re not dealing with a hardware issue. Assuming that you’re using a genuine Apple charger, that has worked in the past, unplug it from the iPad and connect your iPhone instead.

Does the iOS device charge? In this case you have the confirmation that the charger isn’t faulty and you can proceed with the next tips.

If the iPhone doesn’t charge either, there is a problem with the charging cable or the power outlet. Try to use a different wall power socket.

2. Clear iPad Lightning Port

If you’re dealing with an older iPad, use a toothbrush to gently clean the Lightning port. Lint might have accumulated over time, to a point that charging can no longer occur.

3. Force Restart iPad

Minor software glitches can prevent your iPad from charging. A quick way to flush any minor issues is to reboot your iPadOS device.

How to: Click and release Volume Up, followed by Volume Down and press & hold the Top button until the screen turns black and the Apple logo is displayed on the screen.

For iPad with Home button: Simultaneously press & hold the Side Button + Home button until the Apple logo is displayed on the screen.

4. Disable Do Not Disturb

iPad still not charging? In iPadOS 14.6 I’ve noticed that my iPad won’t charge when Do Not Disturb is enabled:

• If the half-moon icon is displayed in the status bar, swipe-down from the top-right corner of the screen to open the Control Center.
• Turn off Do Not Disturb.
• Plug your iPad into a power source. Does it charge now?

Fix iPad Charging Accessory Isn’t Supported

If your iPad shows the Charging Accessory not supported or certified pop-up, it can be caused by:

• Dirty or faulty charging port.
• Charging intensity is too low, use an iPad specific charger or power adapter.
• Charger isn’t genuine or certified by Apple.

Have you managed to fix the iPad not charging issue? Which troubleshooting step worked out for you? Use the comments section and share your feedback.

Related: How to fix liquid detected in lightning connector issue!