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.

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple introduces powerful new iPad mini built for Apple Intelligence. Learn more >

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

Can I use old usb cords and chargers with iPad 10 generation

Can I use old usb cords and charger with new iPad 10 th generation


iPad, iPadOS 16

Posted on Feb 21, 2023 2:34 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 21, 2023 3:18 PM

Yes with caveats, but charging will be much slower.


Your iPad10 was supplied with a 20W USB-C Power Adapter. USB-C is the new standard for charging portable devices that is being adopted worldwide, this new standard now becoming mandatory in many countries/regions.


The 20W USB-C Power Adapter will optimally charge your iPad at its maximum charging rate.


You can still charge your new iPad using the older USB Type-A charging outlets. To do so, you simply require a certified USB Type-A to USB-C charging/data cable. These are available from good computer stores - and Apple. Here is one example manufactured by mophie and marketed by Apple:


  • mophie USB-A Cable with USB-C Connector (1 m)

https://store.apple.com/xc/product/HN892ZM/A



Always use a Certified USB cable. You should aim to avoid simple plug-adapters - as these do not contain the protective active electronic circuitry intended to protect the iPad from misconnection and potential damage. Certified cables do incorporate the necessary electronics.


Most models of iPad require a Power Adapter rated at 12W or greater to reliably charge. 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.


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



2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 21, 2023 3:18 PM in response to Szejm0m

Yes with caveats, but charging will be much slower.


Your iPad10 was supplied with a 20W USB-C Power Adapter. USB-C is the new standard for charging portable devices that is being adopted worldwide, this new standard now becoming mandatory in many countries/regions.


The 20W USB-C Power Adapter will optimally charge your iPad at its maximum charging rate.


You can still charge your new iPad using the older USB Type-A charging outlets. To do so, you simply require a certified USB Type-A to USB-C charging/data cable. These are available from good computer stores - and Apple. Here is one example manufactured by mophie and marketed by Apple:


  • mophie USB-A Cable with USB-C Connector (1 m)

https://store.apple.com/xc/product/HN892ZM/A



Always use a Certified USB cable. You should aim to avoid simple plug-adapters - as these do not contain the protective active electronic circuitry intended to protect the iPad from misconnection and potential damage. Certified cables do incorporate the necessary electronics.


Most models of iPad require a Power Adapter rated at 12W or greater to reliably charge. 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.


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



Feb 21, 2023 2:45 PM in response to Szejm0m

You can use any compatible cables, old or new and any compatible charger old or new.


The 10th generation iPad has a USB-C port, so you cannot use old Lightning cables, but you can use a USB-C to USB-A cable and an older USB-A charger just fine.


USB-C to USB-A cable

Standard 12 watt USB-A charger.

The older chargers may take longer to charge the iPad however, but there is no risk of damage or harm.




You cannot use old USB-A to Lightning cables like the one below:

Can I use old usb cords and chargers with iPad 10 generation

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