iPad not charging - what's the logic?

Factual Questions
1

My iPad sometimes says “not charging” even when plugged in. I can sometimes guess why this might be - connected to a computer, etc. But in this case, it charges when on but once the cover is closed it won’t charge.

Why? What’s the system logic and what is being protected?

2

I don’t think it’s a feature. My iPad charges when the cover is closed.

I had an issue once where either my iPad or iPhone wouldn’t charge when plugged in. I turned it off and back on and that fixed the problem, so I’d try that.

3

Intermittent cable?

4

Are their smart USB C cables that communicate with the device? I understand that the cable would send a Request to Send signal, and a dumb device would not acknowledge.

5

I once had this when the ambient temperature was too cold. My heating was defect and although I thought the temperature was well within operating range, it wouldn’t charge. Moved it to the slightly warmer bedroom and then it went fine.

6

Intermittent connections have plagued electronics since the dawn of (modern) time.

7

Are you charging with a USB charger plugged directly into a wall outlet or via a computer, USB hub, etc? if the latter, the Wired Accessories security setting might be preventing charging while the cover is closed. You can set that to “Always Allow” in settings to fix that.

8

Is the charging port clogged with lint and dust? That happens over time. Swipe it out with a toothpick.

9

I don’t think there’s anything unusual about the charger, except that it’s not an Apple product. It’s one of those multi-dongle chargers that works with different types of devices. And neither the dongles nor the charging ports on my devices seem to be fouled with dirt or dust.

My newer iPad is the one that doesn’t seem to charge… sometimes. While it appears to usually work with my older model. Which means it’s the worst kind of problem - intermittent and inconsistent.

10

Not sure about the dongles, but I have had cables and one third-party Apple watch charger that would charge intermittently or - back in the day - my ipod (!) would tell me the cable was not compatible.