What Charger Do I Need For My iPad?

Lost your charger, broken it, or picked up an iPad second-hand without one? Every iPad uses one of three connector types and a handful of wattages — find your exact model in the tables below and you will know precisely which charger to buy.

Section 01The three generations of iPad charger

An incompatible charger from the wrong generation simply will not connect — the plug is a different shape. So the first job is to know which of the three connector families your iPad belongs to.

Since the original iPad in 2010, Apple has moved through three connectors: the wide 30-pin dock connector, the smaller reversible Lightning connector, and the current USB-C. The switch to USB-C began with the iPad Pro in 2018 and reached every line by 2025, which is why a modern USB-C adapter is now the most flexible charger you can own.

Section 02How to identify your iPad

Before buying a replacement, confirm exactly which iPad you have. There are two reliable ways to do it — one if the tablet still switches on, one if it does not.

If your iPad turns on: Settings

Open Settings, tap General, then About. This screen shows the model name, the Model Number (the "A" number, such as A2696) and the serial number. Tapping the model number field switches between the marketing name and the exact part number.

If your iPad will not switch on: the serial number

If the tablet is dead, you can still identify it from the 11-character serial number printed on the back. Enter it into Apple's Check Coverage tool and it will name your exact model.

Once you know your model, find it in the matching table below.

Section 03Which iPad charger do I need?

The standard iPad moved from the old USB-A cube to a 20W USB-C adapter with the 8th generation, and switched its cable end from Lightning to USB-C with the 10th generation. Find your model below.

Section 04Which iPad mini charger do I need?

The iPad mini started on the small 5W adapter, moved to 10W through the Lightning years, and switched to a 20W USB-C adapter with the 6th generation. Find your model below.

Section 05Which iPad Air charger do I need?

Every iPad Air from the 4th generation (2020) onward charges over USB-C from a 20W adapter. The M4 model, added in March 2026, is the current Air. Find your model below.

Section 06Which iPad Pro charger do I need?

The iPad Pro was the first iPad to adopt USB-C, back in 2018. Every model since uses a 20W USB-C adapter as standard, and the latest M5 models support faster charging from a higher-wattage adapter. Find your model below.

Section 07Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy an official Apple charger?

An official Apple adapter is the safest way to guarantee the right voltage and wattage for your iPad. Third-party chargers are fine if you buy from a reputable brand — Anker, for example, makes iPad-compatible USB-C adapters that are often cheaper than Apple's. Avoid unbranded chargers, which can deliver inconsistent power.

What is Lightning?

Lightning is the small, reversible connector Apple introduced in 2012 alongside the iPhone 5, replacing the old 30-pin dock connector. It was smaller, could be inserted either way up, and carried faster data. On the iPad it has now been fully replaced by USB-C.

Why did Apple move the iPad to USB-C?

USB-C arrived on the iPad Pro in 2018 and reached the rest of the line by 2025. Apple adopted it for its versatility — a single reversible port that handles power, data transfer and video output at once, and matches the port on the Mac and current iPhone.

Can I use a higher-wattage charger with my iPad?

Yes. Your iPad only draws the power it needs, so a higher-wattage USB-C adapter is safe and simply charges up to the limit the iPad accepts. A lower-rated adapter still works, but charges slowly and may struggle to keep up while you are using the tablet.

Does the iPad support fast charging?

The latest M5 iPad Pro models charge faster from a higher-wattage adapter — Apple quotes around 50% in roughly half an hour with a 60W or larger USB-C charger. Most other iPads charge at their standard rate regardless of how large the adapter is.

I've replaced the charger and my iPad still won't switch on — what now?

A few things could be at play: the charger may be the wrong one for your model, the cable may be faulty, or there may be an underlying hardware issue. Check the tables above to confirm compatibility first, and try a different cable. If the iPad still will not charge, contact an Apple-authorised repair centre — you can find your nearest one using Apple's repair locator.