How to Charge an iPad From a Laptop
By Aaron Wein
The iPad battery delivers up to 10 hours of use before it needs a recharge. The fastest way to charge the iPad is to plug it into a wall outlet using the Lightning-to-USB connector cable and power adapter that came with the device. You can also charge the iPad by connecting it to a computer using the Lightning-to-USB cable. This method, while slower, is useful when you want to manage the iPad's contents with iTunes while charging. When you charge the iPad on the computer, connect your laptop to a power source so you don't deplete the computer's battery.
Step 1
Plug your laptop into a wall outlet using the laptop's provided power cable and turn on the laptop.
Step 2
Plug the smaller end of the iPad's charging cable into the iPad's Lightning port on the bottom of the device.
Step 3
Plug the other end of the iPad's charging cable into a USB port on your laptop to begin charging the iPad.
References
Tips
- If a "Not Charging" message appears next to your iPad's battery indicator icon, the USB port on your laptop does not have enough power to charge the iPad's battery.
- Put your iPad to sleep to decrease the time it takes to recharge.
Warnings
- Steps in this article apply to 4th-generation iPads and 1st-generation iPad Minis. Different models may require different steps.
Writer Bio
Aaron Wein is a copy editor for Skagit Valley Publishing. He has been a writer and editor since 2004, contributing to Washington-based publications and clients such as the "Bellingham Herald," "Western Athletics," "GNAC Sports" and Microsoft. Wein obtained a bachelor's degree in journalism from Western Washington University.