Why Is My iPad Charging So Slow? Find Reasons and Their Fixes

An iPad that charges slower than usual can disrupt your routine and raise concerns about its performance. Many may wonder, why is my iPad charging so slow. Various factors, from software glitches to hardware issues, could be at play. So, it's necessary to identify the root cause to restore optimal charging speed.

This article will explore common reasons why your iPad takes so long to charge, and offer practical tips to make your iPad charge faster. We will also clarify how long a typical iPad should take to charge. By the end, you'll have actionable solutions to keep your device powered up efficiently.

Why Does My iPad Charge So Slow? Common Reasons

Charging a device is a seemingly straightforward process, but when your iPad's charging speed starts resembling a leisurely stroll, it's time to investigate the underlying causes. Here are some common reasons why iPad charging is so slow and introduces how to fix them.

Low-Power USB Port or Adapter

In most cases, when an iPad is charging slowly, the issue may not necessarily be with the device itself, but rather with the charging equipment in use. iPads require higher wattage for efficient charging, yet many users unknowingly use iPhone adapters or older USB-A ports, which deliver insufficient power.

For example, iPhone chargers typically provide only 5W, whereas iPads demand at least 12W, with newer models supporting up to 20W or more with USB-C. Using a lower-powered adapter or charging through USB-A connections significantly slows the charging process, especially for larger-battery models like the iPad Pro, which may not charge at all under heavy use.

A damaged or low-quality power adapter may not deliver consistent power to your iPad, resulting in iPad slow to charge or interruptions.

How to Fix It:

To make a slow charging iPad charge faster, always use an iPad-specific charging adapter, preferably the one included with your device or an Apple-certified 20W USB-C adapter. If your iPad has a larger battery (e.g., iPad Pro), consider a 30W charger for faster and more reliable charging.

When it comes to keeping your devices powered up efficiently, the Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger stands out as a beacon of modern charging prowess. With its ability to deliver 100W max output across two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, this compact charger is perfect for powering your iPad alongside other devices, ensuring fast and reliable charging every time.

Damaged or Poor-Quality Cable

The humble charging cable, often overlooked but essential, can wield a significant influence over your iPad's charging speed. A cable that's seen better days, with frayed ends or weakened connectors, can interrupt the seamless flow of power. Just as a kink in a hose impedes water flow, a damaged cable can slow down the charging process. Besides, non-certified or counterfeit cables may lack proper power regulation, leading to iPad taking so long to charge. 

How to Fix It:

Test your cable by swapping it with another cable while keeping the same adapter and wall socket. If the new cable works better, replace the old one with an MFi-certified or official Apple cable. Note that stick to high-quality, MFi-certified USB-C cables that are less than 2 meters long to maintain power delivery efficiency.

Anker's got different kinds of cables for you to help to stay charged and connected. The Anker 641 USB-C to Lightning Cable is a durable and reliable link between your devices.

Its MFi certification ensures compatibility with your iPad and other Lightning devices, while its soft silicone finish and 25,000-bend lifespan make it a reliable and durable choice for everyday use.

Dirty Charging Port

Over time, your iPad's charging port can accumulate dust, lint, or debris, obstructing the connection between the charger and the device. It can lead to the iPad charging slow or even not charging at all, as the electrical connection becomes unstable or intermittent.

How to Fix It:

Inspect the charging port for visible debris and carefully clean it. Use a toothpick, a can of compressed air, or a soft brush to gently remove any obstructions.

Avoid inserting objects too deeply to prevent damaging the internal components. If cleaning doesn't improve the charging, consider having the port inspected by a professional.

Faulty Power Outlet

Sometimes the issue isn't with your iPad or charger but with the power source. A malfunctioning wall outlet or a low-power USB port, such as those on older computers, may not provide sufficient power to charge your iPad efficiently, even causing the iPad won't charge.

How to Fix It:

Plug your iPad into a different wall outlet, preferably one you know is functional. Avoid charging via USB ports on computers or older power strips, as they may not deliver enough power. Always use a wall outlet with a high-wattage adapter, which is the fastest way to charge iPad.

Temperature Issues

Extreme temperatures can negatively impact your iPad's charging efficiency, leading to the iPad not charging fast. Overheating can trigger the device to slow down or stop charging to protect the battery, while very cold environments can hinder the battery's ability to accept a charge.

How to Fix It:

Keep your iPad in an environment with a moderate temperature range, ideally between 32°F and 95°F (0°C to 35°C). Avoid charging in direct sunlight or freezing conditions. If your iPad becomes too hot or cold, allow it to return to a normal temperature before attempting to charge.

Background Apps and Usage

If your iPad is plugged in, but you're simultaneously streaming videos, replying to emails, and navigating social media, you won't expect your device to charge at lightning speed. So, why won't my iPad charge while I'm using it? The multitasking scenario is no friend to expeditious charging. Running resource-intensive apps or engaging in data-heavy tasks diverts a portion of the available power away from the charging process, leading to slow charging.

How to Fix It:

Avoid using the iPad during charging. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle, then swipe up on each app to close it. Or you can put the device into Low Power Mode to speed up charging. 

Outdated Operating System

Running an outdated version of iPadOS can cause software glitches that lead to iPad charging really slow. Apple regularly releases updates to fix bugs, optimize battery management, and enhance overall system performance.

How to Fix It:

Update your iPad to the latest iPadOS version by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery life or is plugged in during the update process.

Hardware Damage

Physical damage to your iPad, such as a dropped device or water exposure, can impact internal components like the charging port or battery, leading to the iPad taking forever to charge or connection issues.

How to Fix It:

If you suspect hardware damage, take your iPad to an Apple Store or authorized service provider for a professional diagnosis. Attempting to repair the hardware yourself may worsen the issue or void your warranty.

Battery Aging

Why is my iPad charging so slow and dying fast after several years? Lithium-ion batteries naturally degrade over time, reducing their capacity and efficiency. After around 1,000 charge cycles, your iPad's battery may only hold about 80% of its original capacity, leading to slower charging and shorter usage times.

How to Fix It:

If your battery health is significantly degraded and taking a long time to charge, or you find your iPad won’t hold charge, visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center. They can fix a slow charging iPad by replacing the battery.

How to Make iPad Charge Faster?

If your iPad charges very slowly and you're looking for ways to speed it up, optimizing your device's settings and habits can make a significant difference. Here are some practical tips to get iPad to charge faster:

1. Enable Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode reduces power consumption by limiting background activity and performance. This allows your iPad to direct more power toward charging.

Go to Settings > Battery and toggle on Low Power Mode.

2. Turn Off Unnecessary Features

While charging, disable features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Location Services to minimize battery drain.

• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Swipe down to open Control Center and toggle off the respective icons.
• Location Services: Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and toggle it off temporarily.

3. Lower the Screen Brightness

A bright screen consumes significant power. Dimming the display can help your iPad charge faster.

Go to Settings > Display & Brightness, or swipe down to access Control Center and adjust the brightness slider.

4. Turn On Airplane Mode

Airplane Mode disables all network connectivity, reducing battery usage and speeding up the charging process.

Swipe down to open Control Center and tap the airplane icon, or go to Settings > Airplane Mode.

5. Remove Heavy or Thick Cases

Some cases can trap heat, causing your iPad to overheat and slow down charging. Remove such cases while charging to keep the device cool. This may make your iPad charge faster while using it.

6. Use Optimized Battery Charging

If enabled, this feature learns your charging habits and minimizes battery wear by reducing the time your iPad spends fully charged.

Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and toggle on Optimized Battery Charging.

7. Reboot Your iPad Regularly

Restarting your iPad clears temporary data and ensures optimal performance, which can indirectly help with faster charging.

• For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold the Power button until you see the slider to power off.
• For iPads without a Home button: Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously.

Conclusion

By now, you must have known why do iPads charge so slow. Slow iPad charging can stem from a myriad of reasons, from hardware malfunctions to software-related issues. It's essential to understand these potential culprits to take informed action. By implementing the solutions discussed, such as ensuring the use of high-quality chargers and being aware of background processes, you can charge iPad faster and make the most of your device's battery life. Knowledge and proactive measures together lead to a smoother, more efficient Apple experience.

Common FAQs about Why Is My iPad Charging so Slow

Why won't my iPad charge fast anymore?

The once-swift charging pace of your iPad could hit a snag due to a multitude of factors. Often, using a low-power adapter or a cable that's past its prime can hinder your device's charging speed. Additionally, resource-intensive background activities can divert power away from charging, resulting in a lackluster pace.

Why is my iPad charging but the percentage isn't going up?

Your iPad may be charging, but if the battery percentage isn't increasing, it could be due to a couple of factors.

Firstly, the power adapter you're using might not be providing sufficient power, especially if it isn't rated at 12W or greater, which most iPad models require for reliable charging.

Secondly, the charging cable might be faulty or compromised. It's recommended to troubleshoot by substituting your current power adapter and cable with known-good items to identify and resolve the issue.

How do I check battery health on iPad?

Navigate to "Settings," then select "Battery," followed by "Battery Health." Here, you'll find vital insights into your battery's maximum capacity and its peak performance capability. Monitoring this information over time allows you to proactively manage your device's battery life, ensuring its longevity and sustained efficiency.

How long does it take for an iPad to charge?

Charging an iPad typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the model and charger used. Smaller models like the iPad Mini may take around 2 hours, while larger devices like the iPad Pro can take up to 3 hours due to their higher battery capacities, nearly three times that of an iPhone. Adjusting your expectations based on device size and battery capacity is important, as iPads naturally take longer to charge compared to smaller devices like iPhones.

Does iPad charge faster when powered off?

Yes, an iPad charges faster when powered off because it eliminates power consumption from background processes, apps, and system operations. With no energy being used, the battery receives uninterrupted power, maximizing charging efficiency.