iPad battery is dead so it won’t charge
Want to trade this iPad in but because it won’t charge, I can’t erase it. Is there any way to erase it when it’s basically dead?
iPad (5th generation)
Question marked as
Unless the iPad will power-on - necessary to demonstrate that it is functional (this being a fundamental requirement of Apple’s trade-in programme) - your iPad will not be accepted for trade-in. Apple will, however, responsibly recycle the iPad without cost to you.
Your iPad has an encrypted filesystem. Unless the iPad can boot to a running state - and the Passcode successfully entered to unlock the iPad - no data can be retrieved from the device. Similarly, unless the iPad is running, there is no method by which the iPad’s encrypted filesystem can itself be erased. While erasure in this condition is not possible, take solace from knowing that nobody (not even Apple) can recover any data from your dead iPad.
While data locally stored on the iPad may be beyond reach, as long as you have an iCloud or iTunes backup of your data, your backup can restored to your own device after repair, or to a replacement iPad. If your Photos are synchronised with iCloud Photos, these are already accessible from any computer with a web browser:
Addressing the charging issue itself, these support pages should help with troubleshooting 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 (i.e., 2.4A @5V) or greater to reliably charge. 5W Power Adapters (1.0A @5V) 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.
Some third-party USB-C power adapters (and portable PowerBanks) may not support USB PD (Power Delivery). Power Delivery mutually negotiates the charging voltage; the source, load and cable are all elements involved in the negotiation protocol. Unless the Power Adapter explicitly supports USB PD, it will almost certainly fail to charge the iPad; proprietary charging standards, such as QC (Quick Charge), are not supported.
Many computer USB ports also 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, you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, 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