iPad Pro won’t charge with USB-C to USB-C cable

First, USB-C cables are fully reversible - and as such, it should make no difference at all to functioning if the connecting plug is reversed. If flipping the plug orientation makes a difference, either the cable or its connector are defective, or the mating device connector has been damaged.

Per your description, the USB-C connector on your iPad may have been damaged, or has an associated fault.

These support pages should help with troubleshooting general battery and charging issues:

Charge and monitor the iPad battery - Apple Support

If your iPad won't charge – Apple Support

Troubleshooting generally requires substitution of the Power Adapter and cable for another known-good item. 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. Recent models of iPad are supplied with a 20W USB-C Power Adapter.

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).

If you continue to experience difficulties when using an appropriate Power Adapter of 12W or greater, you might be best advised to seek assistance directly from from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively, if you have access to another Apple device, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad, Power Adapter and cable(s):

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

RESOLVED. Had the same issue. Onboard USB-C port stopped working about a week ago. No charging (despite trying many cables and charging blocks) and no SD Card reader functionality. I’ve fortunately been able to charge my [heavy daily use] iPad 11inch Pro via the USB-C port on the Magic Keyboard.

RESOLVED. Just upgraded to iPadOS 17.2 and my USB-C charging and SD card reader functionality was instantly restored. #ThanksApple

I was experiencing the same thing with my iPad Pro 11 inch. Was charging fine up until about a week ago then all of a sudden, none of my USB-C cables and charging blocks would charge my iPad. Tried everything - resetting, swapping cables and charging blocks, etc. Was finally able to resolve by thoroughly cleaning my charging port with compressed air, white distilled vinegar (for the corrosion), 99% Isopropyl Alcohol, and this cleaning kit from Amazon (although you could probably use a shaved wood toothpick/Q-tip, etc., as long as you're careful to not leave debris in the charging port).

After letting it sit for 12 hours to thoroughly dry, I plugged my iPad in this morning and was greeted with the familiar charging notification noise. Big relief as I didn't want to think about how much it would cost for repairs or a new iPad Pro.

MY $150 SOLUTION

Was quoted $250 to replace USB C charging port by a non-Apple repair shop. Replacement ports are available online for $30 and there are YouTube videos explaining the process, however, it's very technical and risky.

I bought a renewed Magic Keyboard for $150 on Amazon ($350 new), that charges the ipad via 3 metal contacts on the back of the ipad near the usb c port. The magic keyboard has a usb c port at its hinge. In addition to immediately resolving the charging issue, the keyboard and mouse pad worked seamlessly and turns into a very nice case. The magnetic attachment make detaching a snap when you need the ipad for creative use and the keyboard is in the way.

Still very unhappy this very fundamental part is an issue and Apple has neither acknowledged or resolved it.

So, I tried the USB A to USB C suggestion and I can confirm that it works, sort of. Ok, so what I found is this, it all depends on the power adapter and the USB A to USB C cable. I have a plethora of USB A wall warts kicking around, some Apple, some 3rd party. The old Apple iPhone ones haven’t worked for me, but a 3rd party 10 watt charger did, but only with a specific 3rd party USB A to USB C cable. This is odd in that the cable was purchased as part of a 3-pack, each cable ostensibly the same aside from color. With these cables there’s a definitive line on one side of the USB C plug and that has to be pointed toward the back of the iPad when plugged in to work. At least, for me.

Now, I’ve tried cleaning the port, very carefully, with alcohol, cotton swabs, toothpicks, and soft 100% cotton wipes (no cleaners or additives) and still can not get any USB C to USB C cable to work, regardless whether the cable and power adapter are from Apple or a 3rd party.

To be honest, while I’m able to get the USB A to USB C trick to work it is really slow. If you have a Magic Keyboard it’s best to use that for charging, though it does kill the use case of using the iPad as an actual tablet while charging.

Oh, lastly, I did contact Apple Support and they ran remote diagnostics which came up with nothing wrong. If this really is a software issue then I guess we’re all at the mercy of Apple’s iPadOS team to resolve.

Had the same issue. To fix it I powered down my iPad and then plugged in the charging cable and it began charging again. Must have been an update issue that required a restart.

Richard Schwalb wrote:

So, my only conclusion is that it's a hardware issue. Some bit of hardware is either breaking or shorting but it's not being detected in any logs, error or otherwise, so Apple's diagnostics don't reveal any issues. I think you'd have to open the iPad and physically inspect the USB C port hardware to figure out what's wrong. The only other thing I can think is that if there's no broken connections/wires perhaps the connection pins themselves are getting worn to the point where they can't make a solid connection. Hence, the port itself is reporting all is ok as there's nothing broken between it and the mainboard, but any cable that's connected just isn't being recognized because the connection isn't being made.

Yes it does seem that there is a connector pin in the port that recognizes USB-C cables, and it's wearing out or shorting out.

As mentioned in my earlier post about testing A-C and C-A USB adapters, it seems that something hardware-wise that recognizes USB-C is wearing out or getting dirty.

I just plugged in a USB-C flash drive that I know used to be recognized by the iPad Pro, and it's not being recognized. That tells me it's not a charging issue, but a port issue. And specifically regarding detecting USB-C cables and peripherals, because the USB-C to C cable plugged into it right now, using a C-to-A adapter at the charger, is charging the iPad Pro (slowly).

I took my iPad Pro 11 (1st generation, purchased less than 2 years ago from Apple as "certified refurbished") to the Apple store last week because I couldn't get it to charge. The tech at the store could get it to charge on a Magic Keyboard so decided that my charging port was bad. After I let it die completely, it miraculously started charging but only with a 3rd party 45W charger and with a USB-C to USB-C cable. It won't charge even with an Apple 30W charger. So, maybe try letting your iPad battery drain to zero then try using a charger with more wattage. I don't understand it at all and when I took it to a local repair shop, the tech there basically told me there wasn't anything wrong with it LOL OK. At least I can get it to take a charge now, although the battery definitely doesn't last as long as it did before this issue appeared out of nowhere about a week ago.

After some time charging my iPad Pro 11 with the suggested usb-a charger and cable , I tried to charge it again with the default charger that came with. Until now it’s working as before and connecting to my m1 laptop also recognises it. The battery seems to have no issues as it charges as before the problem. Thanks all the users for the solution about the usb-a , as I was ready to trash my iPad. I wish Apple would do something or make a statement as their silence doesn’t honour them. iOS 15.4 , iPad Pro 11

Finally figured out a way to charge my ipad pro! A VRURC portable charger from amazon is the only thing that works. I had tried every combination of cables/adapters etc... and nothing worked. The $30 charger from Amazon worked immediately and has worked several times. Until Apple admits there is a problem this is a workaround that allows me to still use my ipad.

After some time charging my iPad Pro 11 with the suggested usb-a charger and cable , I tried to charge it again with the default charger that came with. Until now it’s working as before and connecting to my m1 laptop also recognises it. The battery seems to have no issues as it charges as before the problem. Just to mention that when the problem occurred I was charging the iPad with the Apple Magic Keyboard also with its type c port and couldn’t charge , very very slow till 20% and it stopped there , so I think my problem wasn’t only the type c port. Thanks all the users for the solution about the usb-a , as I was ready to trash my iPad. I wish Apple would do something or make a statement as their silence doesn’t honour them. iOS 15.4 , iPad Pro 11

Just tried something: USB adapters. If I use a C-to-C cable (which didn't work directly) with a C-A adapter, it charges. If I use an A-to-C cable (which did work directly) with an A-C adapter, no charge.

Used the same charger for all tests.

There is something going on with how the cables are being recognized. Either a hardware fault (broken or dirty pin in the port?) or software. But it sure seems like a hardware issue to me.

I had the same problem with my 11" Pro. Apple Support ran remote diagnostics and everything came up roses even though nothing worked when attached to the internal port. It didn't matter if it were a charging cable or USB C accessory. The only thing I could do was charge through the Magic Keyboard.

I just bought a new 13" M4 iPad Pro and completely reset the 11" to factory default. I thought maybe it was a software issue, maybe something got corrupted after all these years and OS updates and the reset would magically cure the bad port. Nope. Didn't work.

So, my only conclusion is that it's a hardware issue. Some bit of hardware is either breaking or shorting but it's not being detected in any logs, error or otherwise, so Apple's diagnostics don't reveal any issues. I think you'd have to open the iPad and physically inspect the USB C port hardware to figure out what's wrong. The only other thing I can think is that if there's no broken connections/wires perhaps the connection pins themselves are getting worn to the point where they can't make a solid connection. Hence, the port itself is reporting all is ok as there's nothing broken between it and the mainboard, but any cable that's connected just isn't being recognized because the connection isn't being made.

Whatever the issue I'm dreading hearing from the trade in people. When asked if the iPad charges I said "Yes" because it does, through the Magic Keyboard (which I sent back with the iPad as a subtle hint). This may end up being a discussion (I had a similar problem with an iPhone that charged fine with some of my Lightening cables, but not all).

Whatever the issue there seems to be a rather large number of us running into it and absolutely zero response from Apple. Not even a "We haven't found any problems when using Apple chargers and cables, so it must be a problem with 3rd party gear". I just hope I'm not having the same issue with the new iPad in a few year's time.

It appears that the usb-c connector that apple solders to its motherboards is not reliable. It probably costs Apple a few pennies for this connector but when they solder it to the motherboard the connector cannot be replaced according to the genius at the genius bar. The "genius" also told me that perhaps my wife didn't plug it in correctly. So apple's solution is to toss the ipad in the trash.

However there is a workaround for just powering/charging the ipad (air in my case) and Lotuspilot nailed it. Buy the magic keyboard and never buy an apple product again until the connector, which is poorly designed, is replaced with a repairable AND reliable part.

As an apple investor and mechanical engineer I was angered and frustrated by the design/engineering choices they made. If you need to blame the customer for inserting a USB-C connector incorrectly then it failed basic poka yoke and likely customer retention.

My wife has also had the same issue with her iPad mini 6, which is just over 2 years old, it has worked fine until a couple of months ago the it stopped charging, found if you just reboot the iPad then it will start charging again, contacted Apple support as the iPad is covered by Apple Care +, she is now on her 3rd replacement iPad, as the other replacements also stopped charging after 2-3 weeks, and today that has started to misbehave and stopped charging, rebooting the iPad has allowed us to charge it ok, will be monitoring it closely to see how long it actually works for. Apple support have recommended resting the iPad, after backing it up, and try a new virgin apple account to see if that helps, Have yet to try this. The iPad mini 6 is running iPad os 17.0.3 and still exhibiting this charging issue.