If you’ve ever plugged your iPad in for a few hours to find it has barely charged, you aren’t alone. Many Apple users have fallen victim to slow-charging iPads, which can affect productivity or leisure time.
Fortunately, a handful of troubleshooting tips can get your iPad, Air, Air 2, Mini, or Pro charging quicker—and you don’t need to be tech-savvy to employ them!
Why is My iPad Charging Slowly?
Knowing why your iPad takes a while to charge can help you identify the core issue. Here are a few potential reasons why your iPad is slow-charging:
- You’re using an iPhone charger instead of an iPad charger.
- You’re running too many applications.
- Your iPad’s charging capacity is low.
One of these troubleshooting tips should do the trick when you find the culprit.
1. Use the Correct Power Brick and Cable
The iPad requires a special charging cable – not the same one you use for your iPhone. iPads require 12W cables, whereas iPhone cables only provide 5W.
In addition, iPads aren’t compatible with knock-off chargers. Thus, you’re best off using the original charger your iPad came with or an original Apple charging product.
2. Restart your iPad
As with many devices, turning your iPad off and on again may do the trick.
To restart your iPad, simply hold the Home and Sleep buttons for about 15 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
3. Airplane Mode
Disabling WiFi and cellular data will stop running unnecessary applications and updates in the background while your iPad charges.
To activate Airplane Mode, access the Control Panel on your iPad and tap the airplane icon. You can also activate Airplane Mode through your settings.
4. Exit Apps or Turn Your iPad Off
As we mentioned, running applications takes up a lot of battery power. Closing these apps or turning your iPad off can achieve the fastest possible charge.
5. Charge it Using a Wall Socket
While most MacBooks and iMacs have USB ports to charge an iPad, they don’t provide enough wattage for fast charging. Thus, using a wall charger can cut charging time in half.
6. Replace Broken Cords and Sockets
It should go without saying that broken cords and sockets won’t charge your devices as efficiently as new ones. Replace your charging accessories at the first sign of frayed wires and bent prongs, as these can pose safety risks.
7. Maximize Your iPad Battery
iPads contain lithium-ion batteries, which charge faster and last longer than traditional batteries. Keeping your iPad’s battery healthy is essential to increasing its durability. Here are a few things you can do to protect your iPad battery:
- Avoid exposing your iPad to extreme temperatures.
- Update your iPad’s iOS regularly.
- Utilize battery optimization features.
Do you have any tips for charging your iPad quickly? Let us know your thoughts!