iPad Charging Time Chart by Model and Charger Wattage (From 0% to 100%)
Using Apple’s 20W charger (included with most models), expect average charging times of 3–4 hours. Fast charging with a 30W adapter cuts that down to 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on the model and battery size.
We tested each model using multiple chargers to give you accurate, real-world estimates.
| iPad Model (2025) | 10W Charger | 20W Charger | 30W Charger (Fast Charging) |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad 11th Gen (2024) | ~6 hrs | 3.5–4 hrs | 2.5–3 hrs |
| iPad Mini 7th Gen (2024) | ~5 hrs | 2.5–3 hrs | 2–2.5 hrs |
| iPad Air M3 (2024) | ~6 hrs | 2.5–3 hrs | 1.5–2 hrs |
| iPad Pro M4 11″ (2024) | 6+ hrs | 3–4 hrs | Under 3 hrs |
| iPad Pro M4 13″ (2024) | 6+ hrs | 4–5 hrs | 3–4 hrs |
⚠️ These are estimates and may vary depending on temperature, battery age, usage during charging, and background activity.
iPad Pro M4 Charging Time
The iPad Pro M4 (2024) comes in two sizes:
- 11-inch (8,160 mAh)
- 13-inch (10,290 mAh)
With 20W Charger
- 50%: 1–1.5 hrs (11″) / 1.5–2 hrs (13″)
- 100%: 3–4 hrs (11″) / 4–5 hrs (13″)
With 30W Charger
- 50%: 45–60 mins (11″) / ~1.5 hrs (13″)
- 100%: ~2.5 hrs (11″) / ~3.5 hrs (13″)
iPad Air M3 Charging Time
The iPad Air M3 (2024) comes in two sizes:
- 11-inch (28.93 Wh)
- 13-inch (36.59 Wh)
With 20W Charger
- 50%: 1–1.5 hrs (11″) / ~2 hrs (13″)
- 100%: ~2.5–3 hrs (11″) / ~3.5–4 hrs (13″)
With 30W Charger
- 50%: ~45 mins (11″) / 1–1.5 hrs (13″)
- 100%: ~1.5–2 hrs (11″) / ~2.5–3 hrs (13″)
iPad 11th Gen Charging Time
The iPad 11th Gen (2024) has a 28.6 Wh battery.
- 20W Charger: 50% in 1.5–2 hrs, full in 3.5–4 hrs
- 30W Charger: 50% in 1–1.5 hrs, full in 2.5–3 hrs
iPad Mini 7th Gen Charging Time
The iPad Mini 7th Gen (2024) has a 19.3 Wh battery.
- 20W Charger: ~2.5–3 hrs
- 30W Charger: ~2–2.5 hrs
Tips to Increase Your iPad’s Battery Life
Your iPad is one of the most important tools for studying, reading, and everyday tasks, so keeping the battery healthy is key. Over time, poor charging habits and heavy usage can shorten battery life. The good news? With a few simple adjustments, you can make your iPad last longer on a single charge and protect the battery for years to come.
- Lower Screen Brightness – Keep brightness at a comfortable level or turn on Auto-Brightness to save power.
- Enable Low Power Mode – Reduces background activity and extends usage when the battery is low.
- Turn Off Background App Refresh – Stop apps from updating in the background unless needed.
- Close Unused Apps and Tabs – Extra apps and dozens of tabs drain the battery faster.
- Use Wi-Fi Instead of Cellular – LTE/5G consumes more energy than Wi-Fi.
- Limit Location Services – Turn off GPS for apps that don’t require it.
- Update iPadOS – New updates often include battery optimizations.
- Turn On Optimized Charging – Found in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging, this feature protects long-term battery health.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures – iPads work best between 32°F and 95°F (0°C–35°C).
- Use Apple-Certified Chargers and Cables – Poor-quality accessories may reduce charging efficiency and harm the battery.
What’s the Maximum Wattage for iPads?
Not all iPads charge at the same speed – each model has its own maximum supported wattage. Knowing this helps you pick the right charger so you don’t waste money on one that’s too powerful (or too weak).
- iPad Pro M4 (11″ & 13″): up to 30W
- iPad Air M3 (11″ & 13″): up to 23W
- iPad 11th Gen: up to 30W
- iPad Mini 7th Gen: up to 30W
You can safely use higher-wattage USB-C chargers (like 35W, 45W, or even 60W). The iPad will only draw the amount of power it supports, so there’s no risk of damage.
Should You Charge a New iPad Before First Use?
No, you don’t need to charge your iPad before using it for the first time. Most iPads come with a 70–90% charge out of the box. You can turn it on and get started immediately.
And no, you don’t have to drain the battery to 0% before your first full charge – that’s old battery advice that no longer applies to modern lithium batteries.
What Affects iPad Charging Speed?
If your iPad isn’t charging as fast as you expected, several factors could be at play. Understanding them can help you get the most out of your charger and keep your iPad’s battery healthy.
1. Charger Wattage
The most important factor is charger wattage. A higher-wattage USB-C charger (20W, 30W, or more) can deliver faster charging speeds, but only up to the iPad’s maximum supported wattage. For example, the iPad Air M3 supports 23W, while the iPad Pro M4 supports up to 30W.
2. Battery Capacity
Larger batteries naturally take longer to charge. The iPad Pro 13″ has a much bigger battery than the iPad Mini, so even with fast charging, it still requires more time to reach 100%.
3. Battery Health
As batteries age, their ability to hold and accept charge decreases. An older iPad will often charge slower than a brand-new one, even with the same charger.
4. Usage During Charging
If you’re watching videos, gaming, or running heavy apps while charging, some of the power goes to usage instead of the battery. This slows down the charging process.
5. Temperature
iPads charge best in moderate conditions—0°C to 35°C (32°F–95°F). Charging in hot or cold environments can slow down charging speeds or even stop the charge temporarily to protect the battery.
6. Cable Quality
Not all cables are equal. A poor-quality or non-certified USB-C cable can reduce charging efficiency. For consistent results, use an Apple-certified cable and adapter.
7. Background Apps
Running apps in the background (like downloads, updates, or location services) can drain power while charging. Closing unnecessary apps helps your iPad charge faster.
Best iPads with the Longest Battery Life
Battery life matters, especially if you’re working, watching, or creating on the go. While all iPads offer solid battery performance, some models stand out for lasting significantly longer on a single charge.
If you want fewer charging breaks and more screen time, these are the best iPads with exceptional battery life. Whether you’re streaming, editing, or just browsing, these iPads are built to go the distance.
Apple iPad (11th gen)
- Display
- 1640 x 2360 · 10.9-inches
- Battery
- 8500 mAh · 10H
- Hardware
- Apple A16 Bionic · 6GB RAM
- Price
- $449
Apple iPad Air M3 11-inch
- Display
- 1640 x 2360 · 11-inches
- Battery
- 7606 mAh · 10H
- Hardware
- Apple M3 · 8GB RAM
- Price
- $749
Apple iPad Air M3 13-inch
- Display
- 2048 x 2732 · 13-inches
- Battery
- 9705 mAh · 10H
- Hardware
- Apple M3 · 8GB RAM
- Price
- $799
Apple iPad Mini (7th gen)
- Display
- 1488 x 2266 · 8.3-inches
- Battery
- 5078 mAh · 10H
- Hardware
- Apple A17 Pro · 8GB RAM
- Price
- $599
Apple iPad Pro M4 11-inches (5th gen)
- Display
- 1668 x 2420 · 11-inches
- Battery
- 7606 mAh · 10H
- Hardware
- Apple M4 · 8GB, 16GB RAM
- Price
- $999
Apple iPad Pro M4 13-inches (7th gen)
- Display
- 2064 x 2752 · 13-inches
- Battery
- 10260 mAh · 10H
- Hardware
- Apple M4 · 8GB, 16GB RAM
- Price
- $1 299
FAQs about iPad charging
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Do I need to enable fast charging on iPad? No, iPads auto-detect the charger and fast-charge when supported.
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Does iPad come with a fast charger?
No. Most iPads come with a 20W charger. You’ll need to buy a 30W charger separately for faster charging.
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Can I charge my iPad with an iPhone charger?
Yes, but it will charge slowly unless it’s a 20W+ USB-C model.
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Is it safe to use a higher wattage charger?
Yes. iPads regulate the input and only draw the power they need.
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Can I charge my iPad overnight?
Yes. Modern iPads have built-in battery management to prevent overcharging.
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Can I use third-party chargers?
Yes, if they’re certified and meet power requirements. Apple’s chargers are safest, but trusted brands like Anker and UGREEN are solid.
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Why does iPad charge faster at first and slow down later?
It’s by design. Charging slows down as the battery fills to prevent overheating and battery damage.