5 Easy Ways to Charge Your iPad Without the Charging Block

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

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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]
X
Research source} Any Lightning or USB-C cable will work—including ones meant for an iPhone or even an Android phone!
Your iPad should show that it's charging once you plug it in.

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3
Wait for the battery to charge. 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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Car Charger

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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.
Your iPad should show that it's charging once you plug it in.
It's best to charge devices while your car is running to avoid draining your car battery.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Power Bank

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Portable battery packs—also called power banks—allow you to charge your devices on the go and without plugging into a wall.
Depending on your iPad's model, you may need a Lightning cable or a USB-C cable.
3
Wait for it to charge. 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.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Public Charging Station

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1
Find a public charging station. 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]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Federal Communications Commission
  Independent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating radio, television, and satellite, and phone communications
  
  Go to source} 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

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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.
Make sure to follow the instructions on your charger specifically, but you will need to charge it in sunlight.
Note that it may take longer for a solar charger to charge up your iPad.

Community Q&A

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Tips

Unlike iPhones, iPads do not have wireless charging capabilities. You must have at least a power cable to charge your iPad.

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If your charger breaks often, you might consider purchasing a more durable power cable.

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It's a good idea to have a backup charging cable on hand.

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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.

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