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YoungSC73 Author

Level 1

121 points

iPad shows low battery when fully charged

For the last few months (which correlates to updating to IOS 10.x) if I let my iPad Mini fully charge, it will usually result in it displaying the low battery screen.

I believe that the iPad is expecting the battery to be operating within an expected voltage range. If the detected voltage is outside this range (high or low), it will default to indicating a low battery.

To support this theory, and as a workaround, I will perform a hard reset to draw power from the battery when the low battery screen comes on. After multiple attempts, the voltage will come down to a level where the iPad will reset and I'm good to go.

This is annoying, especially as I use the iPad for my morning alarm. If I forget to unplug the charge cable, it will go to low battery and the alarm won't go off. I suppose that gives me an occasional sleep in.

Is this something Apple is aware of that could be remedied in a future patch? Is there a fix for this issue?

iPad Mini Wi-Fi, iOS 10.3, -

Posted on Apr 27, 2017 7:52 PM

Top-ranking reply

Binsbergen

Level 1

5 points

Posted on Apr 19, 2018 10:51 AM

This problem is now at least 1 year old - anyone knows if Apple fixed it ?

This unreliability and instability issue makes the iPadPro and other iPads totally useless as a tool for business where you have to rely on it working all the time. Think about clinics and hospital settings for example...

This is my 7th ipad and will be my last unless there is a proper fix.

A real disappointment. Apple wake up!

View in context

59 replies

Feb 27, 2018 9:19 PM in response to garbh

Still happening with my iPad mini, after my earlier post of 22 February.

The main ‘fixes’ that seem to work are:

1. Don’t allow your battery charge to get up to 100%. Keep it in the 90s. Admittedly difficult, if you leave it unattended to charge.

2. If the iPad is ‘cold’ temperature-wise, warm it up using the hairdryer trick in the middle of its back.

Obviously, neither of these things is acceptable for an expensive Apple product that is meant to “just work”! The logical next step for Apple is either to fix this problem (attributed by some as a ‘firmware problem’ or replace free-of-charge any afflicted machines with a new replacement via authorised resellers.

Mar 1, 2018 5:03 AM in response to four-eyes

The hair dryer trick worked but not always, this is total update bull. My phone does the same thing all after an update. I have a samsung company phone and a google pad neither have this issue. I’m soon to be a non apple fan and plan on posting my findings all over social media as Apple seems to be ignoring this issue.

Evox121

Level 1

4 points

Apr 6, 2018 6:44 AM in response to Mandmgriffin

I’m also having this same problem. It’s been happening for a while but would usually comeback on after a short period of ******* me off. Battery 100% then went to low battery screen and could not get it back on for two days now. Seems to be getting worse.

I seen the hairdryer option, so I decided to throw it on my dashboard for a few minutes and it turned on immediately. Not bad I guess for an expensive product. I had to put it on my dashboard a few times already throughout the day. As it cools it shows low battery again. I’m very frustrated reading all these posts and complaints with no response from Apple.

Customer service is important to me. If it’s not provided which I doubt there’s an easy fix for this I’ll take my business elsewhere. I’m not attached to apples hip by any means.

Best

Steve

Apr 7, 2018 7:21 AM in response to YoungSC73

After reading many of the posts here, I believe the problem is definitely temperature related. Flying my DJI drone this morning at 20F I get 1/2 mile away and the screen goes blank - after starting at 68% and flying for 7 minutes. Try to power on - several times it gets close, and dies. Meanwhile I have a drone flying a mission on its own. Thank goodness the drone has the capability to complete its mission to return and land on its own. After coming inside, hooking the worthless iPad Air2 to power for a minute or so I turn it back on. Shows 68%. So here's my conclusion - the iPad simply cannot take cold. And it is also the last Apple product I intend to ever own.

Jun 25, 2018 2:43 AM in response to YoungSC73

Hi,

having the same issue. Ipad was working amazing, Did the update then it kept shutting down even with full power saying it needed charging. Did the recommended fixes. Made it worse. It is harder to start back up now.

Ipad is in good nick and has had an easy life and in very good condition. Not heavily used.

Hope you guys have a fix for it.

JDM-

Level 1

4 points

Jul 6, 2018 5:50 AM in response to YoungSC73

My iPad Mini 2 has just started having this problem. I am still running iOS 9.3.4 so I don't believe it is due to OS updates. I think OP may be right and it is likely related to a hardware fault due to the age of the battery. Don't expect a fix from Apple any time soon....

Jul 7, 2018 8:59 PM in response to YoungSC73

I did the full restore once I got the ipad up and running again. Like you I had a few days of operation which looked promising. Then back to the needs charging screen when there was close to full charge on the ipad. :/

Jul 7, 2018 10:16 PM in response to dougall207

Telephoned Apple Support, did the test they suggested over the phone whilst the telephone but was the same test I conducted with no result. Basically they suggested taking it repair or send it in. A repair to Apple which they will supply a refurbished second hand was Aus $298.95 plus shipping. Or I can buy a new one same specs for Aus$579...

Lageee

Level 1

4 points

Jul 8, 2018 5:18 AM in response to Lageee

Upadate..... talk to Apple support again. NOTHING they said take it to the store. I connected it to my computer and left it there for about 15mins. It came on, I backed it back once again and it’s working for now. I’m super aggravated Because I bought a new ipad Pro.

Jul 8, 2018 6:43 AM in response to Lageee

yeah frustration Lageee, mine has gone past it. Will go to a store and get a quote and one from the mall. Or maybe do it myself. Watched a few you tube videos, seems straight forward enough to install a new battery. I am out of warranty and I cant trade it. So nothing to loose really.

Jul 13, 2018 1:33 PM in response to YoungSC73

I was having the same issue with my iPad Air. For example: Last night, my iPad was at 70%. I turned it off. This morning, I tried to turn it on and I got the black screen showing my battery as completely drained and I couldn’t turn my iPad on. I have been having problems for about 1 month. I read this thread and saw the response saying to use a hair dryer to heat your device up. I put my iPad on my stomach, put my hands on top of it and covered up with a blanket. After about 5 minutes, I tried to power up, and IT WORKED! I don’t understand the technical reason why this worked but, obviously, when the battery is cold it sends a message to the unit that your device is dead.

Ictslp

Level 1

13 points

Oct 7, 2017 12:09 PM in response to Frustration62

Has Apple solved this problem? My iPad Air won’t even reboot! Beyond frustrated

Nov 17, 2017 2:37 PM in response to jeremy_v

Same problem on my IPad Pro!

cairny

Level 1

14 points

Nov 19, 2017 4:52 AM in response to YoungSC73

I have been having the same problem for about a month now also, really frustrating. I seem to have luck with plugging the power back in and rebooting. Come on Apple, this is a real problem!

Nov 26, 2017 10:12 AM in response to YoungSC73

Hi, but how do I do that when my ipad won't even turn on?

iPad shows low battery when fully charged