Why does iPad2 take so long to charge?

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Level 1

32 points

Why does iPad2 take so long to charge?

I just purchased a refergished iPad 2 which I initially charged vis USB computer connection. After receiving and installing the Smart Cover several days later. I noticed yesterday that the charge level was indicating 50%. At the time I was also attempting to initialize an Airport Extreme 1 for use as a mobile unit between my iMac and iPad so did not have an open USB port at the moment and connected the AC charger block with USB connection to the iPad. This morning when I checked the iPad is showing only 64% charge. With the cover in place, the iPad seems to operate in Sleep mode rather than physically being turned off. I guess the question is whether the Smart Cover properly shuts down the iPad or if there is some setup preference that I have not checked?

The only instructions with the Smart Cover was a pictoral attachment sheet on card stock which only showed the actual attachment process. There is, however, one part I did not understand and that was the loose leaf plastic feel that seems to indicate it just slipped into place with attachment only on the tab but not where else.

Sparkgapper

iPad 2 Wi-Fi, iOS 5.1.1, Not absolutely sure of the iOS.

Posted on Jun 8, 2012 7:00 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 8, 2012 9:19 AM in response to Sparkgapper

The quickest way (and really the only way) to charge your iPad is with the included 10W USB Power Adapter. iPad will also charge, although more slowly, when attached to a computer with a high-power USB port (many recent Mac computers) or with an iPhone Power Adapter (5W). When attached to a computer via a standard USB port (most PCs or older Mac computers) iPad will charge very slowly (but iPad indicates not charging). Make sure your computer is on while charging iPad via USB. If iPad is connected to a computer that’s turned off or is in sleep or standby mode, the iPad battery will continue to drain.

Apple recommends that once a month you let the iPad fully discharge & then recharge to 100%.

How to Calibrate Your Mac, iPhone, or iPad Battery

http://www.macblend.com/how-to-calibrate-your-mac-iphone-or-ipad-battery/

At this link http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/galaxy-tab-android-tablet,3014-11.html , tests show that the iPad 2 battery (25 watt-hours) will charge to 90% in 3 hours 1 minute. It will charge to 100% in 4 hours 2 minutes. The new iPad has a larger capacity battery (42 watt-hours), so using the 10W charger will obviously take longer. If you are using your iPad while charging, it will take even longer. It's best to turn your new iPad OFF and charge over night. Also look at The iPad's charging challenge explained http://www.macworld.com/article/1150356/ipadcharging.html

Also, if you have a 3rd generation iPad, look at

Apple: iPad Battery Nothing to Get Charged Up About

http://allthingsd.com/20120327/apple-ipad-battery-nothing-to-get-charged-up-abou t/

Apple Explains New iPad's Continued Charging Beyond 100% Battery Level

http://www.macrumors.com/2012/03/27/apple-explains-new-ipads-continued-charging- beyond-100-battery-level/

New iPad Takes Much Longer to Charge Than iPad 2

http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/03/new-ipad-takes-much-longer-to-charge-than-ipa d-2.html

Apple Batteries - iPadhttp://www.apple.com/batteries/ipad.html

Extend iPad Battery Life (Look at pjl123 comment)

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3921324?tstart=30

New iPad Slow to Recharge, Barely Charges During Use

http://www.pcworld.com/article/252326/new_ipad_slow_to_recharge_barely_charges_d uring_use.html

Tips About Charging for New iPad 3

http://goodscool-electronics.blogspot.com/2012/04/tips-about-charging-for-new-ip ad-3.html

Prolong battery lifespan for iPad / iPad 2 / iPad 3: charging tips

http://thehowto.wikidot.com/prolong-battery-lifespan-for-ipad

In rare instances when using the Camera Connection Kit, you may notice that iPad does not charge after using the Camera Connection Kit. Disconnecting and reconnecting the iPad from the charger will resolve this issue.

 Cheers, Tom 😉

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Answer 2

Sparkgapper Author

Level 1

32 points

Jun 8, 2012 9:50 AM in response to Texas Mac Man

I was referring to the "Power Pack" usage which is what has been trying to charge the unit for well over 16 hours but still has not brought it up to 100% in all that time. I have just done some work on the iPad and now the power level is down to 57% which seems to indicate to me that the Charger Power Pack may not be working properly.

Incidentally, I am a retired RadioMan/Telecommunications Specialist so am quite familiar with proper battery usage and charge cycles as that was standard procedure with many Emergency Radio units we were require to keep charged and ready for use.

Sparkgapper=An ANCIENT Radioman

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Answer 3

Dah•veed

Level 9

64,729 points

Jun 8, 2012 9:59 AM in response to Sparkgapper

Most of that boilerplate comment above is out-of-date and doesn't apply to the new lithium-ion polymer batteries that Apple uses in iOS devices today.

This is what Apple says about its batteries;

http://www.apple.com/batteries/

Some folks report that to get the battery on the iPad back to correctly functioning, go to Settings/General/Reset and choose Erase All Content & Settings. Recharge the iPad with the AC wall unit and then reconfigure the iPad as a new device.

YMMV

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Answer 4

Sparkgapper Author

Level 1

32 points

Jun 8, 2012 12:22 PM in response to Dah•veed

Disregard this as I found the problem. One of the outlets of my extension Power cord went way south on me. iPad seems to be charging properly now. BTW: I had just use this same cord last week and it seemed fine then get a new way to plug the brick into after the unit fully charged.

Sparkgapper

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