iPad Mini 5 w iOS 18.6.2 was fine/ stopped recharging the battery

I’ve kept my iPad Mini 5 iOS updated, in a case, and it looks like it’s new.


Last night, it was plugged in, as usual. This morning I was notified that it had 10% battery life remaining. I checked the lighting cable; it was plugged in.


I moved to another cable and charger brick; nothing. After several cable, and running a toothpick in the lighting port looking for dirt, the battery died.


It’s been connected to various cables all day. The only sign of life is with it unplugged, sometimes it shows a drained battery needing a cable to be connected.


When I plug the cable in, sometimes I get the drained battery display; sometimes I get a white screen with the Apple logo, until it goes black.


HLEP!

iPad mini 5, iPadOS 18

Posted on Aug 23, 2025 05:16 PM

Reply
2 replies

Aug 24, 2025 10:18 AM in response to PapaneedsHELP

As described, your iPad may have a fault, or its battery has potentially reached the end of its usable life. If the battery has failed or is failing, the iPad may unexpectedly turn-off - or may not successfully boot to a running state even when connected to its Power Adapter.


Are you able to use the iPad while remaining connected to your Power Adapter? If yes, while monitoring the indicated battery state, disconnect the Power Adapter; if the indicated battery state suddenly falls, or the iPad shuts-off, this test demonstrates the iPad battery having reached the end of its usable life:

iPad Repair & Service - Apple Support


If your iPad is unresponsive, connect your iPad to its Power Adapter and allow the iPad to charge undisturbed for at least 24hrs. Then, while still connected to external power, try a forced-restart:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




If iPad still doesn’t turn on, or if it gets stuck during start up, see the Apple Support article If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won’t turn on or is frozen. Or if your iPad isn’t working correctly after you restart it, see the iPad Support website.


If you continue to experience difficulties, you will need to seek assistance directly from from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

iPad Mini 5 w iOS 18.6.2 was fine/ stopped recharging the battery

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