You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

User profile for user: engineero1
engineero1 Author
User level: Level 1
6 points

MacBook Pro will not charge iPad Pro

Hi, I have the new 14" M1pro MacBook Pro. Very happy with it. However, the USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) ports do not seem able to charge my iPad Pro (12.9", 3rd Gen). I have tried multiple cables and the result is always the same. I plug in a USB-C to USB-C cable into the Mac, then into the iPad. Initially it comes up with the lighting (charging) symbol on the battery, but then 30 second later that goes away. If I leave the iPad plugged in the battery goes down as it would normally do when not plugged in. I have tried all three ports, with all cables, with all combinations of what gets plugged in first (iPad or Mac) and the results are the same. The Mac just won't charge the iPad. BTW, the iPad charges no problem from a power adapter. Does the new MacBook Pro not put out enough power from the USB-C ports to charge the iPad?


Finally comment - my old MacBook Pro (13" 2018 Intel) charged the iPad without an issue from the USB-C ports.

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Apr 28, 2022 4:36 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: matbishop
matbishop
User level: Level 1
8 points

Posted on May 3, 2022 2:43 AM

I have this exact same problem, and it is extremely frustrating. I do not believe the theory that the Macbook cannot provide enough power - the iPad should simply charge slower if this is the case. The iPad also does not charge when the Macbook is fully charged, and plugged into the wall.


This is a bug and I hope it will be fixed soon, although I am not optimistic.

View in context

Similar questions

7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: matbishop
matbishop
User level: Level 1
8 points

May 3, 2022 2:43 AM in response to engineero1

I have this exact same problem, and it is extremely frustrating. I do not believe the theory that the Macbook cannot provide enough power - the iPad should simply charge slower if this is the case. The iPad also does not charge when the Macbook is fully charged, and plugged into the wall.


This is a bug and I hope it will be fixed soon, although I am not optimistic.

Reply
User profile for user: lsalo
lsalo
User level: Level 1
8 points

Apr 29, 2022 3:15 AM in response to engineero1

Here's the most likely reason, after speaking to an Apple advisor. This is approximately quoted from what they told me:


"The problem is related to insufficient power. Your MBP can't produce the same amount of power as a wall charger, and that might be the cause of this problem. Your iPad needs more watts to be charged than what your mac produces through the usb-c.


Since Mac USB ports can only produce 10 watts, you can try to connect your iPad to it when its over 50%. This way it should charge, but in case it does not then try charging your iPad to 80% on wall charger and then connect it to your Mac. As long as your iPad is charging through wall charger then there is not issue with it.


To be sure your usb-c ports on MBP are working fine, you can try connecting the iphone and checking if it charges.

Make sure the screen of your phone is unlocked and if it shows you the notification to trust this computer, please select yes. Your Mac should charge the iPhone because phones require less power as their batteries are small in size and capacity compared to an iPad."


Are you wondering why they would give us 3 usb-c ports and advertise sidecar with the capacity to charge ipad, if, in reality, MBP cannot properly charge the ipad? Me too.

Reply
User profile for user: engineero1
engineero1 Author
User level: Level 1
6 points

Apr 30, 2022 12:22 PM in response to lsalo

Thanks. I assumed that it was related to the power output of the MBP. My iPhone charges no problem. But I agree, I would have thought that with three ports they would have designed the MBP to produce sufficient power to charge the iPad. As mentioned in my original post, my old MBP charged my iPad 100% of the time during the three years I used it.

Reply

MacBook Pro will not charge iPad Pro

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up