iPad Doesn't Charge on Computer

Question

iPad Doesn't Charge on Computer

Does anyone have any clues as to why this could be happening? I plug my USB cable into my computer and it Syncs and transfers things just fine but it's telling me it's not charging. Now the thing is I'm running a Dell laptop with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports on it. Now I plug my iPod into one of the USB 3.0 ports and it does everything an iDevice is supposed to do Sync, transfer, and charge. However, as I said about my iPad it does everything but the charging. Is it because I'm using the USB 3.0 port? Should I try it in the USB 2.0 port and see if it charges that way? Also, does USB 3.0 have more juice to it or is it simply just a faster transfer system?

It charges just fine via the keyboard dock and the AC adaptor so I can charge it that way just not on the computer if it truly can't be charged via the computer.

I'm running a Windows 7 environment with an iPad that does need to be upgraded to the iOS 4.3 system. I'm using 4.2.1 until I do so.

iPod touch, iOS 4.2

Posted on Jun 29, 2011 5:47 PM

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Answer 1

Demo

Level 10

166,494 points

Jun 29, 2011 5:51 PM in response to christinefromjoliet

There is nothing wrong. The ports may not supply enough power to charge the iPad. You are supposed to use the power adapter and plug into the wall socket. Read this for more information.

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

Copied from the article.

Note: Some USB 2.0 ports and accessories do not provide enough power to charge iPad. When this occurs the message "Not Charging" appears in the status bar next to the battery icon.

Message was edited by: Demo

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Answer 2

PogoPossum

Level 4

2,508 points

Jun 29, 2011 5:52 PM in response to christinefromjoliet

The iPad requires a stronger charge than the iPod or iPhone - and many USB slots can not power it. Some other users have reported that their iPad is in fact slowly charging, but that the display doesn't indicate it.

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Answer 3

Jun 29, 2011 5:53 PM in response to Demo

Kind of thought so when I was editing my topic. So then is USB 3.0 just faster in file transfer speed and not packed with more juice?

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Answer 4

Demo

Level 10

166,494 points

Jun 29, 2011 5:55 PM in response to christinefromjoliet

Correct - just faster transfer speed.

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Answer 5

Jun 29, 2011 5:58 PM in response to PogoPossum

Figured there was that possibility when I went back to edit in a question about USB 3.0. I'm still getting used to this computer and Windows 7 and how it reacts to my iDevices. It was more puzzling than anything. So I guess I'll have to remember to charge first and then connect to my computer for updating and upgrading.

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Answer 6

Demo

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Jun 29, 2011 6:05 PM in response to christinefromjoliet

If you read the article you will find that the iPad may in fact be charging but very very slowly.

I have a MacBook and the iPad charges fairly well from this - while the computer is on and awake. However, I still plug into the wall charger every night.

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Answer 7

Jun 29, 2011 6:12 PM in response to Demo

If my iPhone is connected to my MacBook Pro when my iPad 2 is connected, the iPhone continues to charge but the iPad does not charge, or it doesn't show as charging if it is. If my iPhone is not connected when my iPad is connected, the iPad charges and reveals as being charged. I mostly use the power connector to charge my iPad.

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Answer 8

GZukes

Level 4

1,584 points

Jun 29, 2011 6:38 PM in response to christinefromjoliet

Read the posts from Electricfx for a possible solution at the following link:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2789455?start=0&tstart=0

Also read the subsequent posts for words of caution. I can personally confirm this solution works on a Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop.

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Answer 9

PogoPossum

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2,508 points

Jun 29, 2011 7:23 PM in response to Allan Sampson

I agree - the power connector is a very fast and efficient way to charge.

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Answer 10

tonefox

Level 6

9,362 points

Jun 30, 2011 1:52 AM in response to christinefromjoliet

Sorry Demo. USB 3 should provide 900mA as opposed to USB 2'2 500mA. Still well short of the mains adapter's 2 amps though.

http://www.everythingusb.com/superspeed-usb.html#1

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Answer 11

Demo

Level 10

166,494 points

Jun 30, 2011 3:09 AM in response to tonefox

@tonefox - I stand corrected - obviously I was not aware of that.

@Allan and Pogo - I DO use the power adapter to charge my iPad. I merely shared the fact that when my iPad is connected to my MacBook - it does a pretty decent job of charging. I can see the charging indicator and the percentage continues to rise as well.

My iPad is only connected to my MacBook when I am getting ready to sync or when I'm "experimenting" to help users as I peruse this ASC.

I stated to the OP that the best way to charge is by using the power adapter and that is the way I routinely charge my iPad.

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