Can You Charge an iPad With iPhone Charger? [Know the Difference]

Yes, you can charge your iPad using an iPhone charger. Both these chargers are practically the same, with similar output as well. Additionally, the iPad and iPhone have the same type of port, type-C. This means you can charge your iPad using your iPhone charger with ease and without having to worry about amperage.

However, there are some factors you should consider first. For instance, older iPad models do not support iPhone chargers. And there may be some inconveniences if there’s a major wattage difference between the charger and your iPad.

Keep reading to find out more on this topic. You will also learn more about the advantages and pitfalls of using one charger for another device.

Can You Charge an iPad With an iPhone Charger? 

You can charge your iPad using an iPhone charger, and it should not cause any damage or difference in either of your devices.

A few years ago, Apple Inc. revealed that their charging devices are now universal. Now you can easily interchange all the Apple chargers until the models are outdated.

Apple devices like iPad, iPhones and AirPod chargers are made similarly. This was done to facilitate their customers and allow them to use the iOS chargers interchangeably.

However, if you’re using an old iPad (for example, 3rd generation model), you will not be able to use your iPhone charger to charge it. Previous generation iPad models like the 3rd generation and others used 30-pin chargers instead of the typical lightning cable. It is worth noting that this is not an issue for those using new devices.

Although the 12W, 10W, and 5W charger adapters can charge the iPhone, what happens when you attempt to charge your iPad with these chargers? Read through to learn about the requirements for charging your iPad with the iPhone charger.

iPad vs. iPhone Chargers: The Differences

In general terms, the iPad and iPhone chargers appear very similar. This is why most people don’t think much about their possible differences. However, there are a lot of differences between them. Not only are the charging cables different, but their charging bricks or power adapters are pretty different too.

Specifically, these chargers differ in the amperage and wattage levels. Significant distinctions are given below:

iPad Chargers:

iPad charger adapters have a minimum of 10W (10 watts) or more for all of their models and generations. The older generation iPad and iPad mini used the same amperage rating. This amperage rating is much lower compared to the recently launched iPad models.

The iPads of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations use 20W charger adapters. 

The minimum iPad adapter capabilities are 10W, 5V, and 2A. Though the physical appearance is the same as the iPhone charges, the chargers for each device vary quite a bit.

iPhone Charger:

iPhones, in general, are launched with 5W charger adapters, which is much lower on the watt scale when compared to iPad charger adapters.

An iPhone charger, in particular, features 5W, 5V, and 1A adapters. This charger is used to charge iPhones and iPods in general. All of which are relatively small in size and have somewhat smaller battery capacities compared to iPads. 

Why Are These Different Charger Adapters? 

The iPad has a significantly larger screen and body compared to the iPhone. Consequently, it also needs much more power to charge than the iPhone.

You can charge your iPad with the 5W iPhone charger. However, it will take more time to charge the iPad entirely. So if you are in a rush to charge your iPad, it is best to use the original adapter and charger.

Tips: When you are on a trip, it is best to opt for a larger adapter and cable instead of carrying multiple adapters and cables. This trick will allow you to charge all of your devices quickly. Adapters with larger capacities deliver more power than low-capacity chargers. Hence, the devices charge faster and save time. 

Does An Over-amperage Or Less-amperage Charger Adapter Harm Your iPhone or iPad?

Well, no worries, you can relax regarding these issues. Because Apple device batteries are pretty different and complex in their design and manufacturing process.

All Apple devices are equipped with protective circuits that protect them from overcharging when connected to high amperes. Besides, Apple recently introduced a feature called “Optimized Battery Charging” which safeguards the battery from overcharging. This is why neither over nor lower amperage affect your Apple devices.

Different Apple Chargers Through The Years 

The Apple chargers look similar except for the Apple MacBook adapters and chargers. This goes to show that all Apple chargers can be used alternatively. However, this may not always be the case.

Before generating the lightning cable connectors, Apple manufactured a minimum of three or more cables for their devices, such as :

Six-Pin Firewire Connector:

This cable was used for the 3rd generation iPods. It was used until the dock connectors were released. Eventually, it was replaced by the upgraded USB cable connection later on.

Thirty Pin Charger:

After the 6-pin firewire connector, Apple introduced the 30-pin charger. This 30-pin charger was white and had a long narrow shape to it. Back then, it was a popular charging cable to have.

The 3rd generation Apple devices or any device older than the 3rd generation used these chargers for their devices.

The Lighting Cable Or Lightning Connector:

This type of cable was inaugurated after the 30-pin connectors. It was first introduced around 2012.

Initially, this invention was looked down upon by a vast number of Apple users. Because headphone jacks commenced vanishing on iPhones during these charging cables and adapters were launched. As a result, users had to opt for wireless headphones, which were not as widespread as they are now.

This means one could not charge the iPhone and use headphones simultaneously with these cables. Some users considered it a grievance for them as well.

Later, Apple released a lighting adapter to connect iPhones with speakers and other devices. The present Apple charging devices were launched in this way for better accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apple inc. is a manufacturer which takes everything seriously and yet, there is plenty of confusion regarding the iPad and iPhone. Some of these common questions are –

Can you charge an iPad with any charger?

Yes, you can charge an iPad using any charger if the ports are the same. Any cable with the same port should work fine and cause no problem to the device. You can use an android adapter or any other adapter with your iPad as long as it is manufactured after 2007.

How can I charge my iPad without the iPad adapter?

Apple device manufacturers have come up with excellent functionality for their devices. You can use multiple charging systems to charge your Apple devices. You can use a car adapter, USB connections, and portable battery packs when you don’t have your actual iPad charging block.

Would  I damage my iPhone battery if I charge it with my iPad charger? 

No. You can charge your iPhone with the iPad charger without any harm and it will charge faster than your phone charger.

Is charging an iPad with an iPhone charger bad?

No, you are not going to cause any damage to your iPad when using an iPhone adapter. You can rest assured knowing it will surely not damage your device. The only issue you might need to remember is that it will take longer for your iPad to be charged when using an iPhone’s adapter than it would when using an original charger.

What charger comes with the iPad?

The charger that comes with the iPad entirely depends on the iPad’s generation and model. The latest iPad model is the 8th generation with a 20-watt charger. But, the third and fourth-generation iPad uses an 18-watt charger.

How long does it take to charge an iPad with an iPhone charger?

The charging time on an iPad varies depending on the type of adapter you are using. Since an iPhone adapter has a lower capacity than an iPad, using one adapter can take longer. It may take up to 5 hours for an iPad to fully charge using an iPhone’s adapter.

Final Words

In conclusion, it should be noted that Apple always recommends its users use original chargers for their Apple devices. This is why it is best and not recommended to interchange the adapters or cables.  

However, theoretically, there is no problem charging your devices by interchanging the adapter. We hope we have provided all that you need to know on your questions about whether you can charge an iPad with an iPhone charger.

Finally, it is worth remembering that we ensure you can use your iPhone charger to charge your iPad. But, it will take much longer to charge your iPad than you need to charge with the iPad chargers.

The longer duration is because iPhone adapters deliver fewer ampers than iPad chargers. Typically, iPad chargers had 10W 10W written on the iPad chargers, unlike the iPhones that came with none.