Can You Charge an iPad with a Wireless Charger? What Works Today

Can you charge an iPad with a wireless charger? Here’s something you might not know: even though wireless charging has been around for over a decade, not all Apple devices support it. Unlike iPhones, iPads don’t come with built-in wireless charging coils. But don’t worry—there are some clever alternatives, and we’re here to walk you through them.

Do iPads Support Wireless Charging?

Let’s start with a quick reality check. Do iPads support wireless charging? The short answer sets the stage for what follows.

The Straight Answer: Not Natively Possible

Can I charge an iPad with a wireless charger? Right now, iPads don’t come with built-in wireless charging. No matter which model you own, whether it’s the standard iPad, iPad mini, Air, or Pro, you still need a cable to charge it. Depending on the version, that’s either a Lightning cable or a USB-C one.

Why iPads Don’t Support Builtin Wireless Charging

There are a few solid reasons why Apple hasn’t put wireless charging inside iPads:

Heat management: iPads have bigger batteries and stronger processors, both of which already generate heat. Add wireless charging into the mix, and the device could get even hotter. Too much heat can harm internal parts or shorten battery life.

Back material: Many iPads use aluminum on their back shells. Metal interferes with the magnetic fields used in wireless charging, which makes it harder for charging coils to work properly. In contrast, materials like glass or plastic let those fields pass better.

No built-in charging coil: To charge wirelessly, a device needs a coil or receiver mechanism inside. iPads don’t have that built in, there’s not enough usable space without impacting other parts or making the body thicker.

Battery size: iPads often have much larger batteries than phones. A standard iPad comes with a 25Wh battery. Meanwhile, many iPhones have batteries in the range of 10-15Wh or even less depending on the model. To make wireless charging effective for a battery as large as an iPad’s, you’d need stronger coils and circuitry.

Can You Charge an iPad Wirelessly? Available Workarounds

iPads don’t come with built-in MagSafe charging coils, so you can’t simply place them on wireless chargers like you would with an iPhone. Still, if you’d rather avoid plugging and unplugging a cable all the time, there are a few clever solutions that get pretty close to a wireless experience.

Magnetic SmartConnector Chargers

Some charging accessories attach via the Smart Connector or magnetically stick to the iPad, providing wirelessstyle charging. Under the surface, the dock has spring-loaded pogo pins that align with the iPad’s Smart Connector pads. Power flows from the base through the pins, into the Smart Connector, and finally reaches the battery. But, not every iPad comes with a Smart Connector. If you’re looking to charge an iPad mini with a wireless charger, keep in mind that a wireless charger won’t work for charging them.

Charging Keyboard Cases

Another clever option: keyboard cases with builtin batteries that charge your iPad. You simply snap on the keyboard, and it powers the iPad via Smart Connector or USBC, depending on the model. It feels wireless once it’s on, but technically it’s still using connectors—the benefit is fewer cables and convenient device bundling.

Thirdparty Wireless Receivers and Charging Cases

You might find thirdparty “wireless receiver” pads or cases that claim you can lay your iPad on a Qi pad and charge it. They usually include a thin receiver panel you attach to the back of the iPad or slipon case, plus a cable into the iPad’s port. These can work, but results vary: they’re slower, generate heat, and may be a bit bulky. Still, they give you wirelessstyle topup charging if you’re willing to experiment.

How to Charge Your iPad Reliably: With or Without a Charger

While those workarounds exist, let’s also talk about reliable everyday options—because at the end of the day, you need a power solution you can count on.

Use a Quality USBC Power Adapter and Cable

If your iPad has a USBC port (like recent iPad Pro, iPad Air, or entrylevel iPad 10th Gen), use a goodquality USBC charger. Anker’s Chargers offer excellent choices with reliable speed and built-in protections for your devices. Models with 30W or 65W output are ideal for modern iPads and deliver fast, stable charging.

Keep a Power Bank for onthego Charging

On the move a lot? Power banks with USBC output are your friends. Choose one with 20,000 mAh and 20–30W output—it’ll give your iPad a healthy topup. The Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K, 165W) is a great choice. Its 25,000 mAh capacity can refill an iPad several times, it handles multiple devices at once without slowing down, and despite the power it’s still compact enough to slip into a backpack.

Use a Car Charger While Travelling

Car journeys are easier with a compact USBC car charger that provides enough power. Pick one with Power Delivery so your iPad charges quickly, not at a snail’s pace. These little plugs slip into 12V sockets and keep your iPad topped up even when on a long drive. If you’re looking for one that delivers reliable power on the road, Anker’s Car Chargers are worth checking out.

Plug Into Your Computer’s USB Port

If you’re near a laptop, a USBC port can charge your iPad, though more slowly than a wall adapter. It’s handy for work, but not the fastest. A USBC laptop’s 10–15W output is fine when you’re busy at a desk and don’t mind a slower trickle.

Final Thoughts

Can you charge an iPad with a wireless charger? The straightforward truth is: not without added accessories. No iPad currently has builtin wireless charging, but magnetic SmartConnector systems, keyboard cases, and wireless receiver panels offer wirelessstyle alternatives. Still, the most dependable, efficient way to charge is via highquality USBC power adapters, cables, or portable power solutions from trusted brands like Anker. And when you’re on the go, power banks, car chargers, or plugging into a computer keep you powered without hassle.

FAQs

How can I charge my iPad without a charger?

You can use wirelessstyle accessories—like wireless receiver packs or powersharing keyboard cases—but true wireless charging isn’t built into iPads. A power bank is a great alternative for when you’re away from a wall plug, delivering USBC charging wherever you are.

Do any iPads have MagSafe?

No iPad has native MagSafe—the magnetic wireless charging system Apple uses for iPhones. iPads don’t carry the MagSafe coil, so they won’t charge when placed on a MagSafe puck. Any magnetic charging accessory for iPads relies on SmartConnector or adapter connections instead.

Do wireless chargers work on tablets?

Most tablets, including iPads, don’t support Qi wireless charging natively. Some Android tablets do, but iPads don’t. To use a wireless pad with an iPad, you’d need a thirdparty receiver or adapter, which can be slower and generate extra heat.

Can I use my iPhone wireless charger on an iPad?

Only if your iPad has a wireless receiver accessory attached. A regular iPhone wireless charger won’t power an iPad because the tablet lacks the builtin charging coil. With a receiver pad fitted, though, some Qi pads can deliver power—just not as fast or efficient as wired charging.

Will Apple add wireless charging to iPads?

Apple hasn’t announced plans to add builtin wireless charging to iPads. Given their bigger batteries and heat concerns, it’s a tough design challenge. For now, Apple focuses on fast wired charging and SmartConnector features. But future models may surprise us.