You plug in your iPad, see the charging icon appear, but that battery percentage stays stubbornly frozen at the same number. This frustrating issue means your iPad recognizes the charger but isn’t actually receiving enough power to charge the battery, which can leave you stranded without a working device.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Step 1: Force Restart Your iPad
Press and quickly release the volume up button, then the volume down button. Now press and hold the power button until you see the Apple logo. This simple reset often fixes software glitches preventing proper battery percentage updates. The whole process takes about 15 seconds and is ideal for resolving temporary system hiccups.
Step 2: Try a Different Charger and Cable
Grab another Lightning or USB-C cable (depending on your iPad model) and power adapter. Test with an official Apple charger if possible, or at least a certified third-party option rated for iPad charging. Many charging issues stem from damaged cables or underpowered adapters. This step is best used when you notice the charging icon appears but nothing happens.
Step 3: Clean the Charging Port
Turn off your iPad completely. Use a wooden toothpick or plastic dental pick to gently remove any lint, dust, or debris from the charging port. Blow into the port softly or use compressed air held at least 6 inches away. Built-up debris blocks proper connection between cable and port, which is not recommended when using metal objects that could damage the delicate pins inside.
Step 4: Check Background App Activity
Open Settings > Battery and look for apps consuming excessive power. Some apps running intensive tasks like video rendering, large downloads, or location tracking can drain battery faster than your charger replenishes it. Force quit these apps by swiping up from the bottom and flicking them away. This solution works best when your iPad feels warm while charging.
Step 5: Update iPadOS
Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. Install any pending updates, as Apple frequently releases fixes for battery and charging bugs. Connect to WiFi and ensure at least 50% battery before starting. Updates in 2025 have specifically addressed power management issues on older iPad models.
Step 6: Reset All Settings
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings. This won’t delete your data but will reset system settings to defaults. You’ll need to reconnect to WiFi and reconfigure preferences, but this often resolves deep software conflicts affecting charging behavior.
Likely Causes
Cause #1: Insufficient Power Delivery
Your charger might not provide enough wattage for your iPad model. iPad Pro models need 20W or higher adapters, while standard iPads work with 12W. Check your adapter’s tiny printed text for wattage ratings. Using an iPhone’s 5W charger on an iPad creates this exact symptom – the device recognizes charging but can’t keep up with power demands. Switch to an appropriate adapter rated for your specific iPad model.
Cause #2: Battery Calibration Issues
Sometimes the battery percentage display loses sync with actual charge levels. You’ll notice jumps in percentage or the number staying frozen despite hours of charging. To recalibrate, let your iPad drain completely until it shuts off, then charge uninterrupted to 100% while powered off. This process is ideal for iPads showing erratic battery behavior after iOS updates.
Cause #3: Aging Battery Health
iPad batteries degrade after 500-1000 charge cycles, typically showing problems after 2-3 years of daily use. Signs include rapid percentage drops, unexpected shutdowns, or charging that stalls at certain percentages. Check battery health by looking for unusual swelling on the iPad’s back or screen separation. Unfortunately, battery replacement requires professional service for all iPad models.
When to Call Expert Help
Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store when these symptoms persist after trying all steps above. Specifically seek help if your iPad gets extremely hot while charging, shows a temperature warning, or won’t charge past a specific percentage like 80%. These indicate potential hardware failures requiring diagnostic tools only available to technicians.
Professional repair becomes essential when you notice physical damage to charging ports, see corrosion inside the port, or if your iPad is under warranty. Apple’s technicians can run proprietary diagnostics revealing issues invisible to users. The cost ranges from free under warranty to $99-$499 for battery service depending on your iPad model.
Copy-Paste Prompt for AI Help
“My iPad shows the charging symbol but the battery percentage won’t increase. Model: [your iPad model]. iOS version: [your version]. Charger wattage: [check adapter]. Symptoms: percentage stuck at [X]%, iPad feels [warm/normal], been charging for [time]. Already tried: [list what you’ve done]. The issue started [when]. Please provide specific troubleshooting steps for this charging but not charging issue.”
Remember that charging problems often start small before becoming major issues. Acting quickly when you first notice irregular charging behavior prevents permanent battery damage and extends your iPad’s lifespan. Most charging percentage freezes resolve with simple fixes, so work through these steps methodically before assuming hardware failure.