iPad (10th generation) not charging, icon flickers after iPadOS update

Question

iPad (10th generation) not charging, icon flickers after iPadOS update

Title: iPad 10th Generation not charging — charging icon keeps flickering after iPadOS update

Hi everyone,

I’m experiencing a charging problem with my iPad (10th generation) that started immediately after the recent iPadOS update.

Before the update, the iPad was charging normally. After updating, the lightning/charging icon started continuously flickering, and the battery does not increase even when the charger is connected.

Here is what I have tried so far:

Updated the iPad to iPadOS 26.7
Restarted the iPad multiple times.
Tried different power adapters.
Tried charging from a MacBook charger, but the iPad did not accept it.
Tried the original iPad charger, which the iPad does recognize.
However, even with the original charger, the lightning icon keeps flickering and the iPad is not actually charging.
While connected to the original charger, the battery has now dropped from 15% to 14% instead of increasing.

The most concerning part is that the problem appeared immediately after the iPadOS update.

I have not opened, repaired, or modified the iPad, and it was working normally before this issue occurred.

Could this potentially be an iPadOS/software or charging-controller issue, or does this behavior indicate a hardware problem with the USB-C port, battery, or charging circuitry?

I would really appreciate advice from anyone who has experienced the same issue after an iPadOS update.

Device: iPad (10th generation)

iPadOS: 26.7

Issue: Charging icon flickers continuously and battery percentage decreases while connected to charger.

I have also recorded a video showing the flickering charging icon and can provide it if needed.

Thank you.

iPad, iPadOS 26

Posted on Sep 15, 2026 12:12 AM

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Answer 1

LotusPilot

Level 10

326,032 points

Sep 15, 2026 2:46 AM in response to Ketanchokkara

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. Many recent models of iPad are supplied with an Apple USB-C 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 reliably charge the iPad; proprietary charging standards, such as QC (Quick Charge), are not supported. As USB PD is in part influenced by system software, the installed version of iPadOS may have some impact upon charging performance.

If you continue to experience difficulties when using an appropriate Apple Power Adapter of 12W or greater, 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 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

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