There’s nothing more frustrating than a powerful iPad Pro that crawls through a charging session. Whether you’re trying to juice it up before a meeting or stream your next show, slow charging can throw a wrench in your plans. The good news? It’s usually fixable. Here’s what you can do to speed things up and get your iPad Pro charging at full speed again.
Use the Right Charger and Cable
Not all chargers are created equal.
- Use the original charger and cable that came with your iPad Pro.
- If you’ve lost them, replace them with an Apple-certified USB-C power adapter (at least 18W or higher).
- Avoid iPhone chargers—they don’t deliver enough power for an iPad Pro.
Cheap third-party cables can also slow things down or fail to charge entirely.
Close Background Apps and Disable Power-Hungry Features
Apps and features running in the background can suck power while you’re trying to charge.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and close all open apps.
- Turn off:
- Bluetooth (Settings > Bluetooth)
- Wi-Fi (if you don’t need it while charging)
- Location Services (Settings > Privacy > Location Services)
This helps your iPad focus on charging instead of multitasking.
Force Restart Your iPad
A quick reboot can clear out any temporary glitches that may be slowing charging.
- On iPads with Face ID:
Press and quickly release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Top button until you see the Apple logo. - On older models with a Home button:
Press and hold both the Home button and Top (Power) button until the Apple logo appears.
Try charging again after the restart.
Check for a Software Update
Outdated iOS versions can cause battery and charging bugs.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If there’s an update available, tap Download and Install.
Updating can include performance improvements that impact charging speed.
Clean Out the Charging Port
Dust, lint, and debris can block your charger from connecting properly.
- Power off your iPad.
- Use a wooden toothpick or a soft, dry brush to gently clean the charging port.
- Avoid using anything metallic.
Even a tiny obstruction can slow down or prevent charging.
Switch Wall Outlets or Charging Locations
Where you plug in matters.
- Charging from a wall outlet is faster than a computer or power bank.
- Try a different outlet if yours feels unreliable or loose.
- Avoid surge protectors that might throttle charging speed.
Try a New Cable or Adapter
If the problem persists, your charger or cable could be the culprit.
- Test your iPad with another Apple-certified cable and power adapter.
- If possible, try charging another device with the same setup to rule out faulty hardware.
Don’t trust bargain-bin accessories—they often can’t deliver the needed wattage.
Check the Battery Health (and Consider Service)
If your iPad is a few years old, the battery might be the issue.
- iPadOS doesn’t show battery health like iPhones do, but a degraded battery will often charge slowly and drain quickly.
- Visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider to have the battery tested and replaced if needed.
A fresh battery can restore fast charging and improve overall performance.