My iPad fell face down onto the floor a few days ago. It has a protective case with a raised edge, and I can't see any physical damage. The battery appears normal, there are no software warnings or signs of swelling, and the charging icon eventually appears normally.
However, charging has become unreliable since the fall. I've left it plugged in for hours only to find the battery percentage lower than before. For example, it was at 40% while showing the green charging icon, and another time it dropped from 53% to 49% after about 20 minutes while connected. At other times it seems to charge normally. The charger is a 45W USB-C adapter purchased online, and I've used it for about a year. The iPad is out of warranty. What could be causing this, and what should I test before taking it for repair?
2 Answers
Don’t assume the 45W rating guarantees reliable charging—the adapter or cable could also have failed, especially if it’s an unknown brand. Test with a reputable USB-C cable and a charger you know works with another device. A short delay before the charging icon appears can be normal, but the battery percentage should not keep falling unless the iPad is drawing more power than the charger is providing or there’s a fault in the charging circuitry.
If the problem began immediately after the fall, internal damage is the most likely explanation. The impact may have loosened a connector or damaged the charging port even if the outside looks fine. Check whether the cable sits firmly, inspect the port for debris or bent contacts, and try a different known-good cable and power adapter. If it still loses charge while connected, it probably needs hardware inspection.
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