iPadOS 17.1 and 17.1.1 Charging block damage

After upgrading both my iPad Air 4th Generation and iPad Air 5th Generation to both of the latest iOS updates, if I leave my iPad plugged in and charging for a while after reaching 100%, the charging block is somehow damaged and is no longer usable. Anyone else have this issue? It works fine as long as I don’t charge it to 100% or if I unplug it as soon as it reaches 100%. All products are official Apple brand - charging block and charging cable.

iPad Air, iPadOS 17

Posted on Nov 12, 2023 7:16 PM

Reply
6 replies

Nov 13, 2023 5:27 AM in response to panda_luver

If you suspect that your Power Adapter is damaged or defective, it should replaced. The Power Adapter is relatively cheap to replace - unlike the iPad which, if damaged by a detective Power Adapter, is very expensive to replace.


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


Nov 13, 2023 5:40 AM in response to panda_luver

I certainly understand the issue as described - and have offered potential explanation and troubleshooting steps.


If you have already replaced the Power Adapter with an appropriate/compatible alternative - and you have also had your iPad and Power Adapter(s) tested by Apple technicians, there is very little that contributors here will be able to offer in the way of additional advice.



Perhaps your iPad has a software issue. Begin with a forced-restart of your iPad - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, 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



Nov 13, 2023 4:31 AM in response to Vancouver22

The adapter doesn’t work if it is left plugged in for a while after charging to 100%. I don’t know how it damages it. It just doesn’t work anymore. The actual act of updatiing isn’t what damages it. I’m thinking maybe the adapter overheats and the transformer in the adapter gets damaged. Something in the software is not telling it to stop using the adapter, maybe. I’m not willing to test that theory and damage more adapters though.

Nov 13, 2023 5:54 AM in response to panda_luver

Thank you. I already have done all of that. I have talked to Apple Support on the phone where we did all of the forced restart, etc. They sent me to the Genius Bar where all of that was done again. They also tested both of the iPads (4th Generation and 5th Generation). All tested fine. The adapter(s) were bad, were replaced and I was sent on my way. No one really wants to deal with the problem. So, ok, you say there’s nothing more to be done so I will simply return the iPad because I’ve had it less than two weeks. Funny to me that I’ve had iPads for years and never had any problem like this until the update to 17.1. Have a great day.

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iPadOS 17.1 and 17.1.1 Charging block damage

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