Why is my iPad dying while I’m charging it

Most models of iPad require a Power Adapter rated at 12W or greater to reliably charge. Some older models of iPad were supplied with a 10W Power Adapter. 5W Power Adapters intended for older models of iPhone are inadequate to charge an iPad; if the iPad charges at all, charging will be very slow.

When iPads are operating at maximum screen brightness - and/or running CPU/GPU intensive tasks - lower wattage Power Adapters may not be able to provide adequate power to both charge the iPad battery and sustain the display and CPU load. This may account for your observed behaviour - with the iPad slowly discharging while connected to an external power source.

While you can use higher output Power Adapters, many iPads with a Lightning connector are limited to 12W (i.e., 2.4A @5V). Newer models - and those with a USB-C connector - support USB PD (Power Delivery) at up 20W.

Be aware that many computer USB ports cannot source sufficient power to charge an iPad. Unless explicitly designed for charging connected devices, computer USB ports are typically limited to 0.5-1A @5V (i.e., 2.5-5.0W).

Thanks for reaching out wednesday290,

It sounds like you have some questions about your iPad battery. We can help.

Whenever you use your iPad, some amount of power is required. Each task can use different resources of the iPad, and some more than others.

For example, tapping the screen once to check the time uses significantly less than playing a game that uses a high amount of memory and cpu, that connects to the internet, plays audio and requires input from a screen that also stays on constantly.

When you are using your device there are also background processes that could be running too, like checking for email or keeping track of notifications for apps you aren't using at the moment.

All that is to say that when you charge your iPad, if the amount of charge provided is more than being used, you'll see the charge increase. If you are using more than is coming in, you'll still see a decrease, but slower than if you weren't charging the device. Your current battery condition, how consumed it is, will also play a role.

You can learn more about batteries here: Batteries - Maximizing Performance.

Hope that helps.

Take care.