iPad Charging Time

While iPads are renowned for their impressive battery life, lasting over 6 hours of screen time with ease, there’s another critical aspect to consider: how quickly can you recharge them? I set out to investigate this myself.

Using the standard 20W charger included with most iPads, it typically takes about 3 hours to fully charge the device. However, with the option of fast charging available on certain models, you can achieve a full charge in under 2 hours.

In this article, I delve into the details of iPad charging times, exploring the different chargers provided with each model out of the box and conducting tests to provide accurate insights

How Long It Takes To Charge iPad? (Classic iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro)

Let’s compare how long it takes for our iPads to go from 0 to 100 with each of these chargers. Since our iPad Pro supports fast charging, we utilized the added speed from the 30W USB-C adapter as well.

iPad Model	10W USB Power Adapter	18W USB-C Power Adapter	20W USB-C Power Adapter	30W USB-C Power Adapter (Fast Charging)
Classic iPad (2022)	~6 Hours	~4 to 5 Hours	~3.5 to 4.5 Hours	~ 2.5 to 3 Hours
iPad Mini (2021)	~5 Hours	~3 Hours	~ 2.5 to 3 Hours	~2.to 2.5 hours
iPad Air 11-inch (2024)	~6 Hours	~3 to 4 Hours	~2.5 to 3 hours	~ 1 to 2 Hours
iPad Air 13-inch (2024)	~6 Hours	~3.5 to 4.5 Hours	~3 to 4 Hours	~ 2.5 to 3 Hours
iPad Pro 11-inch (2024)	~6+ Hours	~4+ Hours	~3 to 4 Hours	Under 3 Hours
iPad Pro 13-inch (2024)	~6+ Hours	~4 to 5 Hours	~4 to 5 Hours	~3 to 4 Hours

If, by any chance, your iPad is charging a lot slower than usual, you might have some problems, but you can resolve them: check the most common reasons why your iPad charges slowly and how to fix it.

What’s iPad Pro Charging Speed?

Based on the battery capacities of the iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) with its 10,290 mAh battery and the iPad Pro 11-inch (2024) with an 8,160 mAh battery will charge at different rates depending on the charger wattage used.

Using a 20W charger, the iPad Pro 13-inch can reach approximately 50% charge in about 1.5 to 2 hours, and a full 100% charge in approximately 4 to 5 hours. Similarly, the iPad Pro 11-inch can achieve around 50% charge in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, and a full charge in about 3 to 4 hours.

For faster charging, using a 30W charger will reduce these times. Generally, the charging speed also depends on factors like battery health, ambient temperature, and usage during charging. It’s advisable to use chargers that match or exceed the recommended wattage for efficient and safe charging of your iPad Pro model.

What’s iPad Air Charging Speed?

When charging the iPad Air M2 models, the estimated times to reach certain battery percentages vary depending on the charger used. With a 20W charger, the iPad Air M2 11-inch, featuring a battery capacity of approximately 28.93 Wh, can achieve a 50% charge in about 1 to 1.5 hours and reach full charge in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Conversely, the iPad Air M2 13-inch, with a larger battery capacity of around 36.59 Wh, takes slightly longer: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach 50% charge and about 3 to 4 hours for a full charge.

Using a more powerful 30W charger significantly reduces these times. For the iPad Air M2 11-inch, charging from 0 to 50% takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, and reaching full charge can be achieved in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Similarly, the iPad Air M2 13-inch charges to 50% in around 1 to 1.5 hours and reaches 100% in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours with a 30W charger. These estimates consider factors such as battery health, ambient temperature, and usage during charging. Opting for a higher wattage charger ensures faster replenishment of battery power, enhancing the efficiency and convenience of charging your iPad Air M2.

What’s iPad 10th Gen Charging Speed?

The iPad 10th Gen (2022) model, equipped with a 28.6 Wh (7606 mAh) battery, offers efficient charging times with both 20W and 30W chargers. Using a standard 20W charger, this iPad model takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to charge from 0% to 50%, and about 3.5 to 4 hours to reach a full 100% charge. Opting for a more powerful 30W charger significantly reduces these times: charging from 0% to 50% takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, and charging to 100% can be achieved in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. These estimates consider various factors such as battery health, ambient temperature, and usage during charging. Choosing the appropriate charger wattage ensures efficient and timely charging for your iPad 10th Gen, enhancing convenience and usability.

What’s iPad Mini 6th gen Charging Speed?

Based on the battery capacity of the iPad Mini 6th Gen (2021), which is approximately 19.3 Wh, here are the estimated charging times using both a 20W and a 30W charger:

Using a 20W Charger:

• iPad Mini 6th Gen (0-100%): Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours

Using a 30W Charger:

• iPad Mini 6th Gen (0-100%): Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours

These estimates can vary based on factors such as battery condition, ambient temperature, and usage during charging. Using a higher wattage charger like the 30W model can slightly reduce charging times compared to the 20W charger, providing faster replenishment of battery power for your iPad Mini 6th Gen. Always ensure to use chargers that match or exceed the recommended wattage for optimal charging efficiency and device safety.

What’s The Max Charger Wattage For iPad?

The maximum charger wattage supported by various iPad models varies depending on the model and its capabilities. Here’s a general overview of the newest iPads.

1. iPad Pro (11-inch and 13-inch models M4):
   • Supports fast charging up to 30W with a compatible USB-C power adapter.
2. iPad Air (2024 models M2):
   • Supports fast charging up to 23W with a compatible USB-C power adapter.
3. iPad (10th generation, 2022) and iPad mini (6th generation, 2021):
   • Supports charging up to 30W with a compatible USB-C power adapter.
4. iPad mini (6th generation, 2021):
5. Supports charging up to 30W with a compatible USB-C power adapter.

It’s recommended to use a 30W charger for your model, but using higher wattage chargers is generally safe. However, for optimal performance and safety, it’s advisable to stick with Apple chargers. This ensures that the power delivery is regulated correctly and matches the device’s specifications.

How Long Should I Charge My New iPad?

A common question often asked is whether you need to charge your iPad before using it for the first time. The answer is no—you can simply turn it on and start using it right out of the box. Typically, new iPads come with a significant initial charge; for instance, my iPad Pro started at 96% battery when I turned it on.

Using a 20W USB-C Power Adapter, it takes approximately 3 hours on average to fully charge an iPad Pro from 0% to 100%.

There’s a misconception that you should fully deplete the battery before the first charge, but this is outdated advice and no longer necessary. Modern iPad batteries are designed to be charged as needed without any specific initial condition.

You don’t need to worry about overcharging your iPad either, as it includes built-in safeguards to protect the battery.

To maximize your iPad’s battery performance, Apple recommends:

• Keeping your software up to date
• Optimizing settings such as screen brightness, Bluetooth, and WiFi
• Using Low Power Mode when needed
• Monitoring battery usage to understand your device’s power consumption better.

By following these tips, you can ensure optimal battery life and performance for your iPad over time.

What Affects iPad Battery Charging Time?

Several factors can affect the charging time of an iPad:

1. Charger Wattage: The higher the wattage of the charger, the faster the iPad will charge. For example, using a 30W charger will generally charge the iPad faster than a 20W charger.
2. Battery Capacity: iPads with larger battery capacities will naturally take longer to charge compared to models with smaller batteries. Battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh) or milliampere-hours (mAh).
3. Battery Health: As batteries age, their ability to hold charge diminishes. This can result in longer charging times over time compared to when the device was new.
4. Usage During Charging: Using the iPad while it’s charging can slow down the charging process. The device consumes power for its operations, which competes with the incoming charge.
5. Ambient Temperature: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect battery performance and charging speed. Charging in moderate temperatures (ideally between 0°C to 35°C or 32°F to 95°F) is optimal for efficient charging.
6. Charging Accessories: The quality and condition of charging cables and adapters can impact charging speed. Using damaged or low-quality cables/adapters may result in slower charging.
7. Background Processes: Certain background processes or apps running on the iPad can consume power and affect charging speed. Closing unnecessary apps can help speed up the charging process.

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