5 Easy Ways to Charge Your iPad Without the Charging Block

PDF download Download Article
Learn how to charge your iPad even if you don't have a plug
PDF download Download Article

If you cannot find a charging block, you may still be able to charge your iPad with a USB connection, a car charger, or a portable battery pack. This wikiHow guide covers them all.

Charging an iPad Without a Charging Block

First, find a Lightning or USB-C cable (whichever your iPad needs). Then, plug your charging cable into your iPad. Finally, plug the other end of the cable into the USB port on a computer or laptop. You might also find device chargers at your local library or a coffee shop.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Computer

PDF download Download Article
  1. While you don't need a charging block to charge your iPad, you do need a charging cable. Depending on your iPad's model, you may need a Lightning cable or a USB-C cable. [1] Any Lightning or USB-C cable will work—including ones meant for an iPhone or even an Android phone!
  2. Your iPad should show that it's charging once you plug it in.
    Advertisement
  3. iPads require a significant amount of power to charge, so fully charging your iPad can take a few hours using this method.
    • Avoid using your iPad while it's charging to increase charging speed.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Car Charger

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can either use a charger that plugs into your car's lighter port, or a USB cable if your car has USB ports. Depending on your iPad's model, you may need a Lightning cable or a USB-C cable.
  2. Your iPad should show that it's charging once you plug it in.
  3. It's best to charge devices while your car is running to avoid draining your car battery.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Power Bank

PDF download Download Article
  1. Portable battery packs —also called power banks—allow you to charge your devices on the go and without plugging into a wall.
  2. Depending on your iPad's model, you may need a Lightning cable or a USB-C cable.
  3. External battery packs have different power ratings, and the charging time for devices varies accordingly.
    • Use only Apple-certified accessories for your iPad to avoid any electrical damage.
    • Keep your iPad turned off while it's plugged in so it charges faster.
    4. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Public Charging Station

PDF download Download Article
  1. Most of the time, you'll find public charging stations at libraries or coffee shops. They may have a special charging station for devices, or they may simply offer USB slots on their tables or outlets that you can plug your USB charging cable directly into.
    • Airports also usually have device charging stations, but you can only use them if you're inside the secure area of the airport.
    • While public charging stations are handy, there is also a slight risk involved with using them, as it's possible for hackers to use malware to access your phone via charging stations. [2] To be completely safe, use a charging-only cable (not one that transmits data) and choose the option to "charge only" if asked to share data when you plug into a public charging station.
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Solar Charger

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you are out and about often—especially in nature—it may not be convenient to have to stop and find a place to charge your device or to charge up a power bank. A solar charger (also called a solar power bank) can resolve these issues.
  2. Make sure to follow the instructions on your charger specifically, but you will need to charge it in sunlight.
  3. Note that it may take longer for a solar charger to charge up your iPad.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I charge my iPad faster?
    Community Answer
    To charge your iPad faster, put it into airplane mode. That will help it charge faster. Also, you could use a fast charger block.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 31 Helpful 69
  • Question
    How do I charge my iPad faster
    Community Answer
    Using a wall charger is the fastest charging method. Make sure you are using the 12W charger that comes with the iPad for the best results. Avoid using your iPad while it's charging, and turn on Airplane Mode for faster charging.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 42 Helpful 55
  • Question
    Can I have Snapchat on my iPad?
    Community Answer
    Although there is no official Snapchat app for your iPad, the iPhone app works just fine, although there are black bars on the sides that make viewing pleasure slightly less comfortable.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 62 Helpful 31
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Apple has a strict certification process for power accessories. To avoid damage to your iPad, make sure all cables and charging accessories are in accordance with Apple standards. Click here to view Apple's certified chargers and cables.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Reset an iPad Without the Password
      2 Ways to Screen Mirror Your iPhone to iPad
      iPad Battery Draining Fast? 8 Quick Solutions
      How to
      Tell if Your iPad Is Too Old to Update
      A Quick Guide to Transfer Photos from an iPad to Your Computer
      How to
      Make a Heart Symbol on iPhone or iPad
      7 Ways to Transfer Files to iPad from PC or Mac
      How to
      Change the Home Screen Background on an iPad
      How to
      See if Someone Read Your Text on iPhone & iPad
      How to
      Take a Screenshot on an iPad: Pro, Mini, Air, & More
      How to
      Switch to the Japanese App Store and Download Japanese Apps
      How to
      Use Smart View on an iPhone to Control a Samsung TV
      How to
      Fix an iPad Stuck in Headphone Mode: 7 Easy Ways
      How to
      Turn Off AirPlay: The Complete Guide
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108894
      2. ↑ https://www.fcc.gov/juice-jacking-tips-to-avoid-it

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 213,145 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Lucy McKinnley

        Nov 3, 2016

        "I was helped massively by the car charger tip, as I was at a loss after attempting to charge my iPad in the car."
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement