Why does my iPad say not charging but is charging slowly?
I’ve been experiencing some issues with my iPad lately. Whenever I plug it in, it often says ‘not charging,’ even though I can see that the battery percentage is increasing, albeit very slowly. This has been quite frustrating, as I’m not sure if it’s an issue with the charger, the cable, or the device itself. The charging process is noticeably slower than it used to be, and I find myself needing to leave it plugged in for much longer just to get a decent charge. It’s confusing because the screen shows that it’s not charging, but it is clearly gaining some battery power, just at a snail’s pace. I’m concerned that this might lead to further problems down the line, but for now, I need to understand why this is happening and what could be causing such conflicting indicators on my iPad.
6 Answers
Software issues can cause the iPad to misinterpret the charging status. To tackle this, try restarting your iPad by holding the power button until the ‘slide to power off’ appears, then turn it off. Wait a few minutes before powering it back on. If necessary, do a soft reset by pressing the home and power buttons together until you see the Apple logo. This can help jumpstart the system and correct minor software glitches.
A frayed or damaged charging cable might be to blame. Inspect the cable for any obvious signs of wear, like exposed wires or fraying. A damaged cable can disrupt the electrical flow, leading to slow charging or non-recognition by the iPad. Swapping out the faulty cable with a new, high-quality one should resolve the issue if the cable is the culprit.
Interference from other electronics could be the issue. If numerous devices are plugged into the same power strip or outlet, this may cause electrical interference or overload. Unplugging some devices and giving your iPad a dedicated power source might alleviate the charging problem. Ensuring your iPad has its own separate power supply could eliminate conflicting electrical signals.
One of the most common reasons your iPad might indicate that it’s not charging while charging slowly is the charger’s power output. iPads typically require 10-12 watts of power for optimal charging, but many generic chargers offer only 5 watts. This discrepancy can result in the confusing message you’re seeing. It would help to use the original Apple charger that came with your iPad or another high-quality charger specifically rated for your iPad.
Your iPad’s battery health could be deteriorating, which is another reason for the charging problem. Batteries lose effectiveness over time, particularly after extensive use. Navigate to Settings > Battery to assess battery health. If it’s significantly degraded, a battery replacement might be necessary to restore charging speed and efficiency.
Sometimes, the problem arises due to the presence of debris in the charging port. Over time, dust, lint, or dirt can accumulate, which may impede proper contact between the charger and the device. To clean it, follow these steps:
1. Turn off your iPad.
2. Inspect the port carefully with a flashlight.
3. Use a toothpick or soft brush to remove any obstructions.
4. Plug the charger back in and see if the issue persists. Keeping the port clean is crucial for effective charging.