iPad 3 charges slowly

Over the last few weeks, I've noticed that my iPad 3 has been charging somewhat slowly. I never really thought much of it because an over night charge on the night stand always got it to 100% and then the battery would last as long as it always has--2 to 3 days, depending on my usage.


This morning, however, it was only charged up to 78% after being plugged into the wall with the wall charger for 8 hours.


I suppose this means I need to take it into the "geniuses?"


Also, just so you know, I usually use my iPad down below 20% (usually close to 10%) before I recharge it. I don't like putting it on the charger to "top it of" if it's only a little low.

Posted on Aug 12, 2012 7:23 AM

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5 replies

Aug 12, 2012 7:29 AM in response to Andrew Mcvinnie

Well, over time, charging will get slower and the battery will drain faster. But since you have an iPad 3, it must be relatively new. This shouldn't be happening so early on. Unless you a) constantly use it heavily with cpu heavy activity (3D gaming, surfing heavy web pages, etc) or b) keep the wifi and/or LTE running with the GPS and other battery draining software overnight. Try turning it to airplane mode overnight.

If it still doesn't top off, yes, go to a genius bar because this really isn't normal.

Aug 12, 2012 7:39 AM in response to phillies9513

Well, about the most I do with it is surf the web. About once a week, I might use it for video use on Netflix or Hulu. I also use it to play music from the iPod side of it.


The odd part about this is that the battery life seems to be just fine. I have not noticed it running low too fast. It still lasts as long as it ever has. I do, however, keep the 4G turned on. I have the LTE turned off because my area doesn't have it and nothing works when it's on. But I would think having the Cellular Data on 24/7 would be normal. But I don't know...


On a side note, I had an iPad 1 for what, 3 years? until the iPad 3 came out. I used it in exactly the same way and never had a single issue with it. 3G cellular and all...


I did contact Apple Support after making this post and they are sending me a box so I can send it in. The guy said it sounded pretty odd for an iPad 3 to already be having this issue. I will report back to this thread when Apple tells me the final solution...

Aug 12, 2012 1:27 PM in response to Andrew Mcvinnie

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 - iPad http://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


iPhone, iPod, Using the iPad Charger

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4327


Install and use Battery Doctor HD

http://itunes.apple.com/tw/app/battery-doctor-hd/id459702901?mt=8


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 😉

Jan 7, 2013 12:27 AM in response to Andrew Mcvinnie

Hi Andrew,


I recently faced the same problem. Earlier, my IPad 3 used to take around 5-6 hrs to charge but recently it did not charge 100% even putting for overnight and then another couple of hrs in the morning.


I took my machine to the apple store. They asked me that they would have to erase all the data and apps (basically clean-up the whole system). I took a back up in the i-cloud as well as stored all my pics and apps in my Mac-book.


After clean-up of the system, iPad is functioning correctly and slow charging problem is gone. I have got back all my pics and apps by re-storing from Mac-book.


Pls note that in case if the problem persists due to hardware e.g. there is a problem with your charging socket in the Ipad, you can claim a free exchange within 1year of purchase. Hope this helps....!!


Pls do give me your feedback 🙂


Cheers!

Simrat (Bangkok, Thailand)

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iPad 3 charges slowly

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