USB-C to Lightning Cable to charge iPad Air (1st Gen)

Question

USB-C to Lightning Cable to charge iPad Air (1st Gen)

Hello all,

I recently bought a cable (USB-C to Lightning) to charge my old iPad Air (1st Gen) to change my damaged cables (USB-A to Lightning).

My first thought was to use iPhone's 15 adapter (20W) to connect this new cable to it and charge my iPad. However, the iPad doesn't recognize the cable at all and it doesn't charge. Basically, I'm moving from iPad's adapter (12W) to iPhone's adapter (20W).

I read that even though the adapter delivers more power, the iPad will adjust the input and just take the power needed without any issue.

Note: My old damaged cables (USB-A to Lightning) still charge my iPad when using iPad's 12W adapter.

Could somebody explain if there is any compatibility issues in my set up or how can I make it work?

Thanks,

David.

iPad Air

Posted on Aug 27, 2024 9:03 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Aug 28, 2024 8:58 AM in response to Phil0124

Is the USB-C to Lightning cable third party or Apple branded manufacture? What length?

Apple branded. 2m. It is brand new and was tested right out of the box.

Try turning over the Lightning plug

I tried turning over the plug and also the cable (both ends), but nothing worked.

Here it is a set of photos of the tests to be clearer:

+ + = Works fine

iPad's 12W adapter Old USB-A to Lighting iPad's Lightning port

+ + = Does not charge

iPhone's 20W adapter New USB-C to Lightning iPad's Lightning port

+ + = Works fine

iPhone's 20W adapter New USB-C to Lightning iPod nano's Lightning port

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Answer 2

Aug 29, 2024 12:25 PM in response to Jeff Donald

Is the Apple 20 watt charger working on any device?

It seems. It worked with:

iPod nano 6th Gen (through an USB-A to Dock Connector cable)
iPod nano 7th Gen (through an USB-A to Lightning cable)
And also with my 'Redmi Watch 3 Active' [3rd party device] (through its USB-A to magnetic connector cable).

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Answer 3

Aug 30, 2024 8:22 AM in response to LD150

LD150 wrote:

Not worth the cost really.

In summary:

Desired charging configuration (20W adapter + USB-C to Lighting + iPad Air [1st Gen]) should work?
But, my iPad Air's (1st Gen) Lightning port is a little worn out and the cost of changing it is not worth it?

I believe it is better just to buy an Apple's USB-A to Lightning cable and use iPad's adapter of 12W.

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Answer 4

Aug 27, 2024 9:22 AM in response to David_Torres_G

There should be no issue using the 20 watt charger.

There should be nothing you need to do to make it work.

What happens when you plug in the lightning side of the cable into the iPad?

Does it not ding? Does it show a "Not Charging" message at the top left corner?

Is the 20 watt power adapter connected to a stable wall socket? Is it the same socket as when you connect the iPhone to charge?

Does the cable work with any other devices?

Is it an Apple original cable?

Its entirely possible the cable may be defective.

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Answer 5

Aug 27, 2024 10:09 AM in response to Phil0124

What happens when you plug in the lightning side of the cable into the iPad?

Nothing, literally.

Does it not ding?

No.

Does it show a "Not Charging" message at the top left corner?

No. iPad's screen states the same without any message about charging.

Is the 20 watt power adapter connected to a stable wall socket? Is it the same socket as when you connect the iPhone to charge?

Yes.

Does the cable work with any other devices?

Yes. It works with iPod nano (7th Gen) with desired set up (20W adapter + USB-C to Lighting cable).

Is it an Apple original cable?

Yes.

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Answer 6

Branta_uk

Level 7

32,666 points

Aug 27, 2024 4:06 PM in response to David_Torres_G

Is the USB-C to Lightning cable third party or Apple branded manufacture? What length?

This might sound crazy, but try turning over the Lightning plug (the other way up) in the socket particularly if you have a third party or unbranded cable. Logic: The Lightning connector is double sided, but I remember occasional reports that a plug sometimes only works one way up but only on some recipient sockets. I have no idea if that was due to damage or a poor quality cable, but it is too easy not to try it.

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Answer 7

Aug 29, 2024 9:59 AM in response to Jeff Donald

Comparing cables proves nothing

I'm not comparing cables. I just want to use my USB-C to Lightning cable to charge my iPad Air (1st Gen). The cable doesn't work with my iPad, but it works with an iPod nano (7th Gen).

What happens if you remove the device from the case?

Nothing.

All this forum was made around just "charging". However, I just tried to use the USB-C to Lightning cable to connect with a PC. Worked with iPod nano (7th Gen), didn't worked with iPad Air (1st Gen).

Also I tired 2 USB-A to Lightning cables (both can charge my iPad) to connect with a PC. Both worked with iPod nano, but none of them worked with iPad.

Any suggestions?

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