Why Is My iPad “Not Charging” From a Computer?

If you’ve ever plugged an iPad into a PC or Mac, it’s possible you’ve seen a “Not Charging” message on your iPad’s screen. We’ll explain why the message appears—and what you can potentially do about it.

Not Enough Current

Many computer USB ports don’t supply enough current to charge an iPad while the iPad’s screen is turned on. If that’s the case, you’ll see a “Not Charging” message on your iPad’s screen beside the battery icon.

Depending on the model, iPads need anywhere from 10 watts to 20 watts of power to charge at a reasonable speed, especially if you are using the iPad at the same time.

Typically, many computer USB ports (especially in older devices) often only output 0.5 amps of current, which isn’t enough to charge your iPad at a reasonable rate—and not enough to power it while in use. But some newer Macs and PCs do have some high-power charging ports that can charge an iPad. Unless you know the complete technical specs on every USB port in your machine, finding out which port can charge an iPad is largely a matter of trial and error.

Still, it could be a hardware issue, and there are some strategies that can help.

What You Can Do About It

If you plug an iPad into a USB port on a computer and see the “Not Charging” message, there are a handful of things you could try. Here’s a rundown of the most promising options:

Ultimately, the best option is to charge your iPad using a USB adapter that plugs into an AC wall outlet. Look for one that outputs at least 2 amps (2000 mA). For newer iPads, a 3 amp charger is ideal. For example, our favorite iPhone charger is a 3.0A charger that works well with iPads, too.

Spigen 30W USB-C Power Adapter

Our favorite charger for iPhones works well with iPads and anything else that charges via USB-C, too.

$24.99

You can usually read an adapter’s power output in fine print somewhere on the body of the charger. Look for the word “Output,” then read the numbers printed after that, such as “2.1A” for “2.1 amps.”

If you can’t find the proper charger, some iPads can charge with 1 amp (1000 mA) chargers (like those for older iPhones), but it will be a slow process. Good luck!

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