Why Does My iPad Die While Charging? Common Causes

Trendian Staff

It’s incredibly frustrating, isn’t it? You plug in your iPad, expecting it to juice up overnight, only to wake up and find it completely dead. Or, even worse, it dies while you’re actively using it, despite being plugged in. I’ve been there, and I know how annoying it is.

This is a common issue, and there are several reasons why your iPad might be dying while charging. It’s not always a sign of a major problem, but it’s definitely something you want to troubleshoot. We’ll explore the most frequent culprits, from simple software glitches to hardware issues, and how you can fix them.

Get ready to uncover the reasons behind this perplexing problem and learn how to keep your iPad powered up when you need it most. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Problem: Why Your iPad Fails to Charge Properly

Before we jump into solutions, let’s understand the underlying issues. When your iPad dies while charging, it means that the power it’s receiving isn’t sufficient to keep it running or charge the battery. This can be due to a variety of factors, including the charging source, the charging cable, the iPad’s battery health, or even software-related problems. It’s a complex interplay of hardware and software, and pinpointing the exact cause requires a bit of detective work.

Common Symptoms

  • iPad shuts down completely while plugged in.
  • Battery percentage decreases while charging.
  • iPad shows the charging icon but doesn’t gain any charge.
  • iPad charges extremely slowly.
  • iPad gets unusually hot while charging.

Possible Causes

Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons why your iPad might be dying while charging:

1. Faulty Charging Cable or Adapter

This is often the first place to start. The charging cable and adapter are the conduits of power, and if they’re not working correctly, your iPad won’t charge properly.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  • Inspect the Cable: Check the Lightning cable (or USB-C cable for newer iPads) for any visible damage. Look for frayed wires, bent pins, or tears in the rubber casing. Even a small amount of damage can disrupt the charging process.
  • Test Different Cables and Adapters: Try using a different charging cable and adapter. Use an official Apple cable and adapter, or a reputable brand known for quality. This helps determine if the issue lies with your current cable or adapter.
  • Check the Wall Outlet: Sometimes, the issue isn’t the cable or adapter, but the wall outlet itself. Try plugging the adapter into a different outlet to ensure it’s providing power.
  • Clean the Charging Port: Dust, lint, and debris can accumulate in the charging port of your iPad, preventing a good connection. Use a non-metallic object like a toothpick or a soft brush to gently clean out the port. Be careful not to damage the pins inside.

Why It Matters: A damaged or low-quality cable or adapter won’t deliver enough power to charge your iPad, or it might deliver power inconsistently. Using a cable that is not MFi certified (Made for iPhone/iPad) can also cause charging issues.

2. Problems with the Power Source

The power source itself can be the problem. Using the wrong power source can lead to insufficient power delivery.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  • Use the Correct Adapter: Apple recommends using the adapter that came with your iPad. If you’re using a different adapter, make sure it provides the correct wattage. For example, iPads often require a higher wattage adapter than iPhones.
  • Avoid USB Ports (Sometimes): Charging from a computer’s USB port can be slow, or in some cases, not charge your iPad at all. USB ports typically provide less power than a wall adapter.
  • Check Power Banks: If you’re using a power bank, make sure it’s fully charged and provides enough power to charge your iPad. Check the power bank’s specifications.

Why It Matters: iPads require a certain amount of power to charge efficiently. If the power source doesn’t provide enough power, your iPad might charge very slowly, or even die while plugged in, especially if you’re using it at the same time. (See Also: Why Is My iPad Storage Full? Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks)

3. Battery Health and Degradation

Like all batteries, your iPad’s battery degrades over time. As it ages, it can hold less charge and may have trouble charging efficiently.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  • Check Battery Health (if possible): Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t provide a direct battery health indicator for iPads like they do for iPhones. However, you can often get a general idea by observing how quickly the battery drains, and how long it takes to charge.
  • Monitor Battery Usage: Go to Settings > Battery to see which apps are using the most battery power. This can help you identify apps that are draining your battery excessively.
  • Consider Battery Replacement: If your iPad is several years old and the battery life is significantly reduced, it might be time to consider replacing the battery. Contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider.

Why It Matters: A degraded battery can struggle to hold a charge, and it might not be able to accept power as quickly as it used to. This can lead to your iPad dying while charging, especially if you’re using it at the same time.

4. Software Issues and Glitches

Sometimes, the problem isn’t hardware-related. Software glitches can also interfere with the charging process.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  • Restart Your iPad: A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches. Press and hold the power button (and either volume button on newer iPads) until the power off slider appears, then slide to turn off. Then, press and hold the power button again to turn it back on.
  • Force Restart Your iPad: If a regular restart doesn’t work, try a force restart. The method varies depending on your iPad model. Generally, it involves quickly pressing and releasing the volume up button, quickly pressing and releasing the volume down button, and then pressing and holding the power button until the Apple logo appears.
  • Update iPadOS: Make sure your iPad is running the latest version of iPadOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates. Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can address charging issues.
  • Reset All Settings: If the problem persists, you can try resetting all settings. This won’t erase your data, but it will restore your settings to their default values. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings.

Why It Matters: Software glitches can interfere with the charging process, causing the iPad to misinterpret the battery level or prevent it from charging properly.

5. Temperature Issues

Extreme temperatures can affect your iPad’s charging and battery performance.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  • Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Don’t leave your iPad in direct sunlight, in a hot car, or in a very cold environment.
  • Let it Cool Down: If your iPad feels hot, let it cool down before charging it.
  • Monitor the Environment: Ensure the environment where you’re charging your iPad is within the recommended operating temperature range.

Why It Matters: Excessive heat can damage the battery and affect its ability to charge. Cold temperatures can also slow down charging and reduce battery capacity.

6. Charging Port Issues

The charging port itself can be damaged or have problems.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  • Inspect the Port: As mentioned earlier, check the charging port for debris, lint, or damage.
  • Clean the Port: Use a non-metallic object to gently clean out the port.
  • Check for Loose Connections: If the cable doesn’t fit snugly into the port, there may be a problem.
  • Professional Repair: If the port is damaged, you may need to take your iPad to an Apple Store or an authorized service provider for repair.

Why It Matters: A damaged or dirty charging port can prevent a good connection between the cable and the iPad, preventing charging. (See Also: Why Isn’t My iPad Getting My Text Messages? Troubleshooting)

7. Running Power-Hungry Apps or Games While Charging

If you’re using your iPad for intensive tasks while it’s charging, it might struggle to keep up. This is especially true if the battery is already in poor condition.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  • Avoid Intensive Tasks While Charging: Try to avoid playing graphic-intensive games, streaming videos, or running other power-hungry apps while your iPad is charging.
  • Close Unused Apps: Close any apps you’re not actively using to reduce battery drain.
  • Dim the Screen: Lowering the screen brightness can also help conserve battery power.

Why It Matters: If the iPad is using more power than it’s receiving, it will continue to drain even when plugged in.

8. Background App Activity

Even when you’re not actively using your iPad, apps running in the background can drain the battery.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  • Close Background Apps: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-tap the Home button on older models) to see a list of open apps. Swipe up on each app to close it.
  • Disable Background App Refresh: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn it off for all apps or selectively for specific apps.
  • Check for Battery-Intensive Background Processes: Some apps are known to drain the battery in the background. Pay attention to which apps are using the most battery power in the Battery settings.

Why It Matters: Background app activity can drain the battery even when the iPad is plugged in, especially if the charging rate is slow or if the battery is already partially degraded.

9. Water Damage

Water damage can cause significant problems with your iPad, including charging issues.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  • If your iPad has been exposed to water: Immediately turn it off and do not attempt to charge it. Take it to an Apple Store or an authorized service provider for repair as soon as possible.
  • Do not use rice: Contrary to popular belief, placing your iPad in rice is not an effective way to remove moisture. It can even cause further damage.

Why It Matters: Water can corrode the internal components of your iPad, including the charging circuitry and the battery.

10. Using Third-Party or Uncertified Accessories

Using accessories that aren’t Apple-certified can sometimes cause charging issues.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  • Use Apple-Certified Accessories: Stick to official Apple accessories or accessories that are MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad) certified. These accessories have been tested and approved to work with Apple devices.
  • Avoid Cheap or Unbranded Accessories: Cheap or unbranded cables and adapters may not meet Apple’s standards and can cause charging problems or even damage your iPad.

Why It Matters: Uncertified accessories may not provide the correct power or may not be designed to work safely with your iPad. (See Also: Can You Get Procreate on iPad Air? Everything You Need to Know)

11. Hardware Failure

In some cases, the problem may be a hardware failure, such as a faulty charging port, a damaged battery, or an issue with the logic board.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  • Contact Apple Support or an Authorized Service Provider: If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your iPad still won’t charge properly, it’s time to seek professional help.
  • Get a Diagnosis: An Apple technician can diagnose the problem and determine if any hardware repairs are needed.

Why It Matters: Hardware failures require professional repair and cannot be fixed with software or simple troubleshooting steps.

Troubleshooting Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide

To help you systematically troubleshoot the issue, here’s a checklist you can follow:

  1. Check the Cable and Adapter: Examine the cable and adapter for damage. Try using a different cable and adapter.
  2. Verify the Power Source: Try a different wall outlet or a different USB port on your computer (though wall outlets are preferred).
  3. Restart Your iPad: A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches.
  4. Force Restart Your iPad: If a regular restart doesn’t work, try a force restart.
  5. Update iPadOS: Make sure your iPad is running the latest version of iPadOS.
  6. Check Battery Usage: Go to Settings > Battery to see which apps are using the most battery power.
  7. Avoid Intensive Tasks While Charging: Refrain from playing graphic-intensive games or streaming videos while charging.
  8. Close Background Apps: Close any apps you’re not actively using.
  9. Consider Battery Health: If your iPad is older, consider getting a battery replacement.
  10. Seek Professional Help: If the problem persists, contact Apple Support or take your iPad to an authorized service provider for a diagnosis and repair.

Preventative Measures: Keeping Your iPad Charging Smoothly

While troubleshooting the current problem is important, taking preventive measures can help you avoid these issues in the future:

  • Use Genuine or MFi-Certified Accessories: This is the most crucial step. Using high-quality accessories minimizes the risk of damage.
  • Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Protect your iPad from extreme heat and cold.
  • Keep the Charging Port Clean: Regularly clean the charging port to prevent debris buildup.
  • Charge Your iPad Regularly: Don’t let your iPad’s battery drain completely. Aim to charge it when it reaches around 20%.
  • Update iPadOS Regularly: Keep your iPad’s software up-to-date to ensure you have the latest bug fixes and performance improvements.

Conclusion

Dealing with an iPad that dies while charging can be frustrating, but it’s often solvable. By systematically troubleshooting the potential causes, from faulty cables to software glitches, you can usually identify and fix the problem. Remember to start with the basics: check your cable and adapter, ensure a good power source, and restart your iPad. If the issue persists, consider more advanced troubleshooting steps, such as checking battery health and updating your software.

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Preventive measures, such as using genuine accessories and avoiding extreme temperatures, can help you keep your iPad charging smoothly in the long run. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from Apple Support or an authorized service provider. With a little patience and persistence, you can get your iPad charging reliably again, ensuring you stay connected and productive.

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