When you’re on the go, keeping your devices powered and functional can be challenging. You want to make sure that everything is ready to go when you need it, but there are so many different things to think about. Are your phone and laptop both charged? Did you remember your charging cables for each device? Did you bring the wall adapters for your computer? If you have an iPad or any other Apple device, you might occasionally see a message pop up on the screen saying “not charging.” If this happens at home, it’s probably a minor issue with your power outlet or surge protector that should go away after resetting the breaker. If it’s happening while you drive, it could be something more serious—and even dangerous. Here are some potential explanations and solutions to keep your iPad from saying “not charging.”
Why Does iPad Say Not Charging?
Because Apple products tend to be more expensive, consumers are sometimes reluctant to make purchases. One of the most common reasons for not charging your Apple product is because of the fear of it becoming damaged or broken. However, Apple products are usually well-made and durable, meaning that there is no reason to worry about this. It is also best to charge your device when it is new and fresh out of the box. This way, there will be less potential for damage as you open and close the product’s charging port.
iPad Says “Not Charging”
1. The Ipad Is Plugged Into The Wrong Charger
One of the biggest causes of iPad “not charging” problems is a bad charger. Make sure that your iPad is plugged into the same charger that your computer or phone uses. If you have an iPad with a Lightning connector, make sure that it’s not plugged into any other Lightning device or a non-Lightning USB port. Also, make sure your iPad’s Lightning plug and cable are securely wrapped correctly.
2. Apple Watch Wire Is Loose Or Broken
The Apple Watch charges by connecting to the iPhone via wireless induction. It’s possible that if you take your Apple Watch out while it’s charging, this wireless connection could get broken, and “not charging” would be the result. If this happens, try reconnecting to Charge on your iPhone and then try charging again as described above under Wires/Headsets Not Charging. respectively in Finding My Device (if you’re using iOS 11).
3. Wall Adapter Isn’t Working Right
If you use an Apple wall adapter, make sure that it has been tested with both devices before (they are different size plugs) and replace it if necessary by plugging directly into a wall outlet—see How to Replace The Wall Adapter On Your iOS Device for help finding where on your device this happens on most models.
4 . Generator Motor Has Overheated Or Failed Due To Overuse/Overcharging
Generator motors can fail on occasion when used with too much wattage or too much time. If the above is true and your iPad is plugged into a generator, move to a more suitable location for charging and plug it in there instead. In many cases, this will let you continue to use the iPad as normal. Please keep in mind that generators are not intended to be used as power sources and should be used only in emergencies, such as powering up during AC power outages.
5. New Battery Was Installed
If you recently repaired the battery on your iPhone or iPad, you might see a message like “not charging” when it’s plugged into a computer or powered by a wall outlet. If so, try plugging it in again and see if that works—it can take an hour or two for the battery to fully charge after being charged overnight or charged for an extended period via inside charging stations as described above under Wires/Headsets Not Charging.
iPad Doesn’t Turn On and Shows a Black Screen
1. Battery Is Charged
On the left side of the iPad are four round pins that plug into the back of the iPad. These pins provide power to some features such as the Home Button. If you plug your iPad in and it doesn’t turn on, try making sure that these plugs are in place and firmly connected.
2. Problem With Charging Port
On an iPhone or iPad, if you’re having trouble charging your device, even when it’s plugged into a wall outlet, try toggling off and then on Airplane Mode (Settings > “Airplane Mode” > toggle) before plugging your device in again or using it with a different charging cord. You can also try using a different outlet by making sure to pull out all of the cords first and then turning off any standby power sources (if there are any) before attempting to charge your device next time—See How To Use An Apple Dock for more help on this.
3. Something Is Jammed
Remove the battery and try again. If the issue persists, follow this guide to repair a jammed iPad case and appendage according to the same steps as described above under Camera Is In Use; however, if the issue persists you’ll need to erase the memory and restore your iPad (More Information on how to restore/erase information on an iPad). Be sure to download software updates before doing this!
4. Bluetooth Has Been Disabled
On an iPhone or iPad, if you’re having trouble connecting with a Bluetooth device such as headphones or a wireless mouse or keyboard, try making sure that the Bluetooth connection is enabled by tapping Settings > “Bluetooth” > toggle on Bluetooth settings. On an iPhone 7 or 8 reboot using the Home button + volume down button (for about 2 seconds) should both turn off WiFi and enable your headphones/mouse/keyboard.
5. Missing / Broken Headphone Adapter
If you’re using a 3rd-party headphone adapter due to an issue with broken headphones or simply prefer not having your phone near your ears when cases are pending, try plugging the adapter into the headphone jack instead of into the charging port (if available) by utilizing an extension cable that comes with most adapters. Be sure that you’re using a certified adapter for iPhones & iPads.
iPad Shuts Off Immediately After Being Charged
1. Broken Charger
If you have an iPad and your device will not stay charged, try plugging it into a different charger to see if the issue is with that port/adapter. To check if your iPad’s charger is broken, try charging with another brand or model.
2. Not So Bad
If you can be satisfied with just plugging your iPad into a different outlet to keep it charged, go ahead but be sure that this outlet is known for being stable at the bottom of the home screen on iOS (Settings > “General > About”). Also, make sure that there are no electronics or other items plugged in close to this outlet.
3. Problem With Port
On an iPad, if you’re having trouble connecting with a Bluetooth device such as headphones or a wireless mouse or keyboard, try making sure that the Bluetooth connection is enabled by tapping Settings > “Bluetooth” > toggle on Bluetooth settings. On an iPhone 7 or 8 reboot using the Home button + volume down button (for about 2 seconds) should both turn off WiFi and enable your headphones/mouse/keyboard.
4. Missing / Broken Headphone Adapter
If you’re using a 3rd-party headphone adapter due to an issue with broken headphones or simply prefer not having your phone near your ears when cases are pending, try plugging the adapter into the headphone jack instead of into the charging port (if available) by utilizing an extension cable that comes with most adapters. Be sure that you’re using a certified adapter for iPhones & iPads.
Summary
If your iPad loses power while you’re driving, it can become a serious distraction. You’ll need to plug it in as soon as you can so you can get back to navigating and staying safe on the road. Power issues are among the most frustrating problems an iPad owner can face, but they don’t have to be a cause for panic. By knowing the different reasons why an iPad might say “Not Charging,” you’ll be able to pinpoint the problem and find a solution more quickly.
