When an iPad Air won’t charge, it’s quite frustrating. Thankfully, most iPad Air charging problems can be fixed at home. In this article, I’ll show you how to fix an iPad Air that won’t charge, step-by-step.
The iPad Air is a fantastic device, but like all electronic gadgets, it’s not immune to issues. One of the most frustrating problems an iPad Air owner can experience is when the device won’t charge. This problem can happen for various reasons, but the good news is that it’s usually fixable. In this article, we’ll discuss seven ways to fix an iPad Air that won’t charge.
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the potential causes of the problem.
Here are some common reasons why your iPad Air is not charging:
Faulty charging cable or adapter
If your charging cable or adapter is damaged or not working correctly, it can prevent your iPad Air from charging.
Dirty charging port
A dirty charging port can cause a poor connection between your iPad Air and the charging cable, leading to charging issues.
Software issues
Sometimes, software issues can prevent your iPad Air from charging. For example, if your device’s battery is critically low, it may not turn on until let it charge for a while.
With that said, let’s dive into the solutions.
How To Fix An iPad Air That Won’t Charge
Solution 1: Check the power outlet
Before you start worrying about your iPad, it’s essential to ensure that your power source is working correctly. If your device is not charging, the first thing you should do is check the power outlet. Sometimes, the issue could be as simple as a blown fuse, a tripped circuit breaker, or an unplugged power cord.
To determine if the power outlet is working, try plugging in a different device, such as a lamp or a phone charger, into the same outlet. If the other device charges, then you know that the outlet is not the problem. Try to insert the plug into the wall outlet firmly. Don’t forget to check the power cord on the charger side. Make sure you insert the power cord into the charger firmly as well. If it’s still not working, move on to the next step.
Solution 2: Check the Charging Cable and Adapter
As mentioned earlier, a faulty charging cable or adapter is one of the most common reasons why an iPad Air won’t charge. So, before you do anything else, it’s essential to check if your charging cable and adapter are working correctly.
Here’s what you can do:
Check the charging cable for damage
Examine your charging cable for any damage, such as frayed wires or broken connectors. If you find any damage, you’ll need to replace the cable.
In addition, the iPad Air charger uses a removable charging cable. Make sure the cable is fully inserted into the charging adapter. Believe it or not, these simple checks often fix the iPad Air battery not charging issue.
If your iPad Air starts charging when you wiggle the cable, the cable is not connected properly. The removable charging cable is prone to get damage by bending the plugs at the two ends. Stop using the cable immediately and get a new one.
Check the charging adapter
Examine your charging adapter for any damage or dirt buildup. If you find any dirt, use a toothbrush or a cotton swab to clean it. If you find any damage, you’ll need to replace the adapter.
Try a different charging cable or adapter
If you don’t find any damage or dirt, try using a different cable or adapter to see if the problem persists. If the iPad Air charges with a different cable or adapter, you’ll know that the original one is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Solution 3: Clean the Charging Port
If your charging cable and adapter are working correctly, the next step is to check the charging port. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate in the charging port, preventing the charging cable from making a good connection.
Here’s how you can clean the charging port:
Before you start cleaning the charging port, turn off your iPad Air to prevent any damage.
Use a flashlight and take a close look at the charging port in the bottom of your iPad. If you see any debris or gunk in there, it might be preventing the charging cable from making a solid connection to your iPad. There are lots of connectors down there (the lightning cable has 9), and if the wrong one is blocked off, your iPad Air won’t charge at all.
If you find lint, gunk, or other debris in the charging port of your iPad, it’s time to brush it out. You need something that won’t conduct an electric charge or damage the electronics in the bottom of your iPad. Here’s the trick:
Find a toothpick and straighten it out. Then, gently insert it into the charging port and move it around to remove any dirt or debris. If you don’t have a toothpick, use a small brush, such as a toothbrush or a paintbrush, to clean the charging port. Be gentle and avoid using too much force, as you could damage the port. If you have a can of compressed air, use it to blow any dirt or debris out of the charging port. Hold the can upright and spray short bursts of air into the port. Be careful not to shake the can or hold it upside down, as this could damage the device.
Solution 4: Hard Reset Your iPad Air
If neither of the above solutions work, the next thing you can try is to hard reset your iPad Air. Sometimes, software issues can prevent your device from charging, and a simple restart can fix the problem.
Here’s how you can hard reset your iPad Air:
Hard Reset iPad Air (models with the Home button)
Press and hold the top button and the Home button together until the Apple logo appears on the screen, and then let go.
Hard Reset iPad Air (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)
- Quickly press and release the volume up button.
- Quickly press and release the volume down button.
- Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears on the display, and then let go.
After the restart, connect your charging cable to your iPad Air and see if it starts charging.
Solution 5: Let your iPad Air cool down
Is your iPad too hot? In that case, iPadOS is designed to stop the charging until the device cools down. So, remove the iPad case if you’re using one and let the tablet cool. I also suggest turning it off so that everything goes back to normal quicker.
Solution 6: Inspect your iPad for hardware damage
One of the most common reasons why an iPad Air won’t charge is liquid damage. Liquid damage can short out the connections in the charging port of your iPad cause all sorts of problems with your iPad. Even if you’ve dried out the port and brushed out the gunk, sometimes the damage has already been done.
Visit your nearest Apple Support or authorized service center and get your device checked. If your iPad Air won’t charge due to hardware problems, they may have to repair the device by changing the charging port unit or the necessary connections.
Solution 7: Replace Your iPad Air’s Battery
If none of the above solutions work, the problem may be with your iPad Air’s battery. Over time, the battery may lose its capacity to hold a charge, and you may need to replace it. This is a more advanced solution and may require professional help, especially if you’re not familiar with replacing electronic components.
Here’s what you can do:
Contact Apple Support
If you suspect that your iPad Air’s battery needs to be replaced, contact Apple Support. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and advise you on the best course of action.
Go to an authorized repair center
If you’re out of warranty, you can take your iPad Air to an authorized repair center to have the battery replaced. This will ensure that your device is repaired by a certified technician and that only genuine parts are used.
Replace the battery yourself
If you’re comfortable with DIY repairs, you can replace the battery yourself. However, this is not recommended unless you have experience in replacing electronic components. You can purchase a replacement battery online and follow a tutorial or guide to replace it.
iPad Air charging again
If your iPad Air is not charging, it can be a frustrating experience, but these solutions should help you fix the problem. It’s important to follow these solutions in order, starting with the easiest and moving on to the more complex ones. If none of these solutions work, it may be time to consider replacing your iPad Air’s battery or seeking professional help from an authorized repair center. I’d love to hear from you about your experiences fixing the iPad Air charging problem, and I’m here to help along the way.
