My iPad doesn't charge when plugged into computer but does when I plug it into outlet. What can I do to fix this.

Replace your computer.

Computer USB ports, especially those on Windoze computers, typically do not supply sufficient power to charge an iPad. Also, depending on your computer, different physical ports have different power capabilities with keyboard ports being the worst.

This document refers to Mac computers but it will give you an idea of what I mean.

I was kidding about replacing your computer.

The iPhone battery requires less charging power than does the iPad.

By the way, I edited my original post after you read it. Check out the link that I added.

If you have a desktop computer, you may be able to install a USB card with sufficient power. The iPad does take more power than an iPhone (I saying that from experience, not technical knowledge - so don't quote me 😝)

hotmumma wrote:

Thanks Philly. I read the article but to be honest it all sounds double dutch to me. It's just very frustrating that when you buy these new gadgets that nobody mentions the problems that you may have. It's not always easy to recharge (via outlet) your iPad or anything else for that matter when on the run. Thanks anyway.

Well, gee. I'm unaware of any product at all with advertising that emphasizes its limitations.

If you're unable to understand the link that I provided, perhaps you shouldn't be using an iPad.

Most desktops allow you to install PCI cards, and you can get cards to give you greater USB capabilities. So the key words to put into google are "USB PCI" - here is the amazon result: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pci +usb&x=0&y=0

It's been a long time since I worked on a PC, so check the compatibility with someone who knows about PC's. You'll need to make sure your power supply is sufficient to run the card, and of course check if the card is going to give the amount of power required. Other than supply additional ports, it should have no other repercussions (provided you have sufficient power supply).

The iPad is designed to charge most efficiently when using the power adapter plugged into a wall socket. Read this article from Apple.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4060

And like Philly already said - who advertises a product and emphasizes the products limitations. That would be a first. I'm not saying that some products aren't advertised with some disclaimers, but come on. I think your expectations are a bit unrealistic on that.

The best consumer is an educated consumer. I bought my iPad about six months after the release of the first version. I read about the device as much as I could and purposely waited until the anticipated release of iOS 4. I did not want to buy the iPad until I knew it had a few more features that I wanted so I waited and continued to read about it.

Now getting back to your original point, don't you have to plug your computer into a wall socket to draw the power needed to operate it? Even a laptop needs to be recharged. The iPad is no different - it is not a phone - it is not an iPod - the comparison holds no water for me.

Finally, the fix is - plug the iPad into the wall socket with the supplied power adapter.

The iPad draws more power for charging than your USB port can supply. The iPhone requires less power for charging. This has been an issue since the first iPad was released. Some PC manufacturers have released updates that allow the USB ports to supply the needed power, but not many and the machines have to be relatively new.

There's not much to be done about it other than to carry the wall-wart that came with the iPad with you or purchase a spare to keep with you when on the go.

I found this interesting adapter on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Charging-Charger-Adapter-Apple-iPAD/dp/B0042LF23I/ref=cm_c r_pr_product_top

Accordiong to the reviews, it will allow your PC's USB port charge an iPad when it is on, but you won't be able to sync your iPad while it is being used. You would have to remove it for iTunes to recognize your iPad.

I have not used this adapter, so I can't vouch for it.