iPad 5th generation charging/battery

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iPad 5th generation charging/battery

Hey guys I’ve read a lot of your posts about iPads, I have a unique question and would like your input/facts.

So Ive had this iPad 128GB 5th generation literally BRAND NEW condition for years now since it very first came out in 2017. Over the years I ended up rarely using it while also putting on a full OtterBox case and never taken it off. However I’ve always kept the battery around 50% charged and the iPad off, as per Apple says.

So just recently I’ve bought and set up security cameras that connect via WiFi network and I’ve finally started using my iPad 5th gen daily, as a screen to look at my cameras. I understand it’s not good to always have the iPad on 24/7 and also draining the battery and then charging it everyday or just keeping it plugged in all the time….

So my question is since I’m basically using my iPad as a small TV for the cameras lol, I was wondering should I just keep it plugged in 24/7? Instead of charging it/draining it/charging it/draining it?

Because I’m only assuming when it’s fully charged and plugged in still (like the newer iPads), the iPad won’t use the battery for power but the charger plugged in only instead. I’m using my brand new Apple 20 watt charger. So basically my real question is after the battery is fully charged, will my iPad only draw power from charger or a little bit of both battery and charger? I also don’t use the screen brightness past like 30-40%.

So If anyone could get back to me with a solid lead/fact I would really appreciate it!

Because even though my iPad (5th gen) is literally brand new and never used… I don’t want to damage it or wear off it’s internal hardware since it’s technically brand new out of the box.

Thanks guys!

iPad, iPadOS 14

Posted on Sep 8, 2021 2:02 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Dave_G1

Community Specialist

Sep 9, 2021 9:37 AM in response to Prevail14

Hey there Prevail14!

Based on your post it sounds like you have questions in relation to charging your iPad.

Ultimately, this will depend on your situation and set up. Generally speaking you won't have any issues leaving the iPad plugged in with the lithium-ion rechargeable battery. With that being said your iPad is a smart device so there isn't a reason to be too worried about the charging process if you need to keep the iPad plugged in.

Charge and monitor the iPad battery

Cheers!

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Answer 2

Sep 9, 2021 9:52 AM in response to Prevail14

Having an iPad continuously powered for extended periods is not an issue - as this is common practice in POS (Point of Sale) and Kiosk applications.

iPad will optimally manage battery charging - and may automatically change its charging strategy by reducing the maximum battery charge level to about 80% of maximum capacity. This strategy is intended to extend the life of the battery by reducing chemical ageing that occurs when the battery is continuously maintained 100% charge. When a “normal” charge/discharge pattern is resumed, charge to full capacity is restored.

More information about iPad’s battery management can be found here:

About iPad and iPhone Charge Management Feature – Apple Support

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Answer 3

Prevail14 Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 9, 2021 9:41 PM in response to Dave_G1

Ok thank you!

I tried looking online but couldn’t get a solid answer because my iPad is 5th gen 2017. It doesn’t have a “low power mode” and I’m pretty sure it doesn’t have that built in smart hardware and software for battery. so I wasn’t sure if once it’s fully charged, and I keep the charger plugged in still the iPad will only draw power from the charger instead of the battery or the charger would have to continue to keep it at 100% if it would use battery first and charger second.

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Answer 4

Prevail14 Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 9, 2021 9:36 PM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks for the info! I don’t think my iPad has those features especially “smart charging” with built in hardware and software that will extend battery life and stop at 80% until you really need to use it. I don’t have low power mode or battery health, and I have the current software update 14.7.1. So I wasn’t sure if I kept my iPad plugged in still after 100%, the iPad would only use the charger for power instead of using the battery first and then the charger (second) would have to keep it at 100%

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Answer 5

Sep 10, 2021 2:44 AM in response to Prevail14

Your iPad will automatically regulate charging of its battery. Provided that your iPad is functioning normally, you will not over-charge the battery.

As already outlined, many iPads are routinely kept connected to power for extended periods - without ill effect.

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iPad 5th generation charging/battery

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