MY IPAD WON'T CHARGE.

I am having an issue with my ipad and magic keyboard for awhile now. it's getting annoying.

My iPad won't charge with its own charging port while docked on magic keyboard. It only charge through magic keyboard's charging port. Even when I disconnect my iPad from the keyboard it still won't charge. I even bought new charger. I was using 20W charger, now I use 45W still won't charge. This started few days after purchasing the keyboard. It was okay at first, eventually I noticed it's getting hard to charge until it won't charge completely. What could be the possible reason?

iPad Pro, iPadOS 26

Posted on Oct 29, 2026 9:00 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 29, 2026 9:37 AM

Which exact models are your iPad Pro & Magic Keyboard?


Since your iPad Pro charges through the Magic Keyboard's USB-C port but not through its own USB-C port, even when disconnected from the keyboard, this suggests a possible problem with the iPad's USB-C charging port or its associated circuitry.


The Magic Keyboard uses the Smart Connector to supply power to the iPad, effectively providing an alternative charging path. This could explain why charging through the keyboard continues to work.


I suggest trying the following troubleshooting steps:

  1. Inspect the iPad's USB-C port. Check for accumulated dust, lint, debris, or visible damage that might prevent the charging cable from making a proper connection. Avoid inserting metal objects or liquids into the port.
  2. Try another USB-C cable. Since you've already replaced the charger, it's worth testing with a different, known-working USB-C cable. A 20W charger should be sufficient; upgrading to 45W would not resolve a faulty charging port.
  3. Force restart your iPad. For an iPad Pro without a Home button, press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button, then the other volume button. Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.
  4. Test charging without the Magic Keyboard. Connect the charger directly to the iPad and check whether it recognizes the charging connection. If possible, also test whether the USB-C port recognizes an external USB-C accessory, such as a compatible storage device.


If the iPad continues charging normally through the Magic Keyboard but cannot charge or recognize accessories through its own USB-C port, I would suspect a hardware issue rather than a problem with the charger or Magic Keyboard.


At that point, I recommend having Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider inspect the iPad.


Ref:

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 29, 2026 9:37 AM in response to heymrll

Which exact models are your iPad Pro & Magic Keyboard?


Since your iPad Pro charges through the Magic Keyboard's USB-C port but not through its own USB-C port, even when disconnected from the keyboard, this suggests a possible problem with the iPad's USB-C charging port or its associated circuitry.


The Magic Keyboard uses the Smart Connector to supply power to the iPad, effectively providing an alternative charging path. This could explain why charging through the keyboard continues to work.


I suggest trying the following troubleshooting steps:

  1. Inspect the iPad's USB-C port. Check for accumulated dust, lint, debris, or visible damage that might prevent the charging cable from making a proper connection. Avoid inserting metal objects or liquids into the port.
  2. Try another USB-C cable. Since you've already replaced the charger, it's worth testing with a different, known-working USB-C cable. A 20W charger should be sufficient; upgrading to 45W would not resolve a faulty charging port.
  3. Force restart your iPad. For an iPad Pro without a Home button, press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button, then the other volume button. Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.
  4. Test charging without the Magic Keyboard. Connect the charger directly to the iPad and check whether it recognizes the charging connection. If possible, also test whether the USB-C port recognizes an external USB-C accessory, such as a compatible storage device.


If the iPad continues charging normally through the Magic Keyboard but cannot charge or recognize accessories through its own USB-C port, I would suspect a hardware issue rather than a problem with the charger or Magic Keyboard.


At that point, I recommend having Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider inspect the iPad.


Ref:

Oct 29, 2026 11:05 AM in response to heymrll

Thank you for providing the additional information.


Your 2018 12.9-inch iPad Pro is compatible with the Magic Keyboard, so the keyboard itself should not be causing this charging issue. The fact that your husband's charger occasionally works, particularly when you reverse the USB-C connector or make several attempts, provides another useful clue. This behavior suggests a possible problem with the USB-C port, cable connection, or charging circuitry.


USB-C connectors are reversible and should work equally well in either orientation. If charging works only in one orientation, or requires repeated attempts, it could indicate dirty, damaged, or worn contacts inside the iPad's USB-C port.


Before considering hardware service, I suggest two additional tests:

  1. Try your husband's charging cable with your own power adapter. If possible, also try your cable with his adapter. This should help determine whether the intermittent charging is related to a particular cable or adapter.
  2. Test both orientations of the USB-C connector. With the iPad disconnected from the Magic Keyboard, connect a known-working charging cable directly to the iPad. If charging fails, disconnect the cable, rotate the connector 180 degrees, and reconnect it. Note whether one orientation works more reliably than the other.


I would also recommend carefully inspecting the iPad's USB-C port for accumulated debris or damaged contacts. Avoid using metal tools or liquids to clean it.


Since your iPad charges through the Magic Keyboard's Smart Connector, we know that it can still receive charging power through that alternative connection. However, this does not necessarily mean that its own USB-C port or associated circuitry is functioning correctly.


If the problem persists with multiple known-working cables and adapters, particularly if charging depends on the connector's orientation, I would recommend having Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider inspect the iPad's USB-C port.

MY IPAD WON'T CHARGE.

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