iPad will only charge when plugged into Macbook

Question

Level 1

14 points

iPad will only charge when plugged into Macbook

I have a 3rd generation iPad that just recently stopped charging when plugged into a wall charger. I've tried numerous cables & adapters, and the ONLY thing that works, oddly enough, is when I plug it into the USB port on my Macbook Retina. I thought it was some type of software glitch, so I've even tried wiping it clean, and it still doesn't work. Is something broken with the 30-pin port?

I tried asking a "Genius" at the Apple store, and even went to one of those 3rd party iDevice repair places, and they'd never seen this issue. Nobody seems to have a clue what to do.

Posted on May 11, 2014 12:54 PM

Reply

Answer 1

poikkeus1

Level 4

2,454 points

May 11, 2014 1:55 PM in response to klgood1

Some wall chargers have unsufficient power to charge a device, even if plugged into a wall. Sometimes, the wall socket may have too many devices plugged in - but more often, the charger has insufficient charge for the device.

MagSafe comes in 60 and 85 watts. The latter is still perfectly safe - as your experience proves.

Reply

Answer 2

klgood1 Author

Level 1

14 points

May 19, 2014 8:42 AM in response to poikkeus1

I've tried a half dozen different iPad adapters & cables, plugged directly into a wall outlet, all of which worked prior to this issue cropping up. It will now only charge via my Macbook's USB port. It's not an issue with the chargers or electrical supply, but something with the iPad itself.

Reply

Answer 3

poikkeus1

Level 4

2,454 points

May 19, 2014 9:57 AM in response to klgood1

klgood1 wrote:

I've tried a half dozen different iPad adapters & cables, plugged directly into a wall outlet, all of which worked prior to this issue cropping up. It will now only charge via my Macbook's USB port. It's not an issue with the chargers or electrical supply, but something with the iPad itself.

Another user suggests here:

You should disconnect the power adapter, both from the computer and the wall. Wait 15 seconds. Using the 3-prong AC cable, plug the power adapter into a properly-grounded AC outlet. Plug the Magsafe connector into the computer.

Post with your results.

Reply

Answer 4

klgood1 Author

Level 1

14 points

May 19, 2014 1:40 PM in response to poikkeus1

It charges when it's plugged into my Macbook's USB port.

It does NOT charge when it's plugged into ANY iPad wall charger/30 pin cable combo. That is the problem.

All my outlets are properly grounded. I think you might be misunderstanding my problem. Thank you for the suggestions, though.

Reply

Answer 5

May 19, 2014 3:07 PM in response to klgood1

Try this - Reset the iPad by holding down on the Sleep and Home buttons at the same time for about 10-15 seconds until the Apple Logo appears - ignore the red slider - let go of the buttons. (This is equivalent to rebooting your computer.) No data/files will be erased. http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1430

 Cheers, Tom 😉

Reply

Answer 6

Jul 6, 2014 8:09 AM in response to klgood1

I'm having the same issue with my iPad 2. I have tried multiple charges, cables, etc. The only way it will charge is by plugging it into my mac. I've called Apple and the man I spoke to has never heard of the issue before. They even sent me a new charger and cable to try. It doesn't even display the "not charging" message as it will with low power sources. It is like the iPad doesn't even recognize that it is plugged in. Not a big deal when I'm home and can charge it but makes it hard to charge on the go! I have restarted and made sure my software it up to date and nothing makes a difference.

Reply