My iPad Air has been charging but the screen says its dead

Connect your iPad to its Power Adapter and allow the iPad to charge, undisturbed, for at least an hour. While still connected to external power, try a forced-restart:

• On an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
• On other iPad models: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the top button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.

Note:  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.

After your iPad successfully restarts, check the indicated state of battery charge. Ideally allow the battery to fully recharge nefore disconnecting the Power Adapter. When you disconnect, monitor the battery status; if the battery indication rapidly declines, or the iPad immediately switches-off, then your battery is failing and will require replacement.

If your iPad fails to restart, or you continue to experience difficulties, you will need to seek assistance directly from from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Get Support link at top-right 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. If battery service is required, you’ll be in the best possible place to explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

For much newer design iPad models, without a Home button, try the new simple hard reset procedure for the new 2018/2020/2021 iPad Pros, 2020 iPad Air 4 and 2021 iPad Mini 6 models.

1. Press and release the volume up button.

2. Then immediately press and release the volume down button.

3. Then, press and hold the single sleep/wake/power button You will see the Slide to Power off button, but keep on holding down the power button until you see the Apple logo, then let it go.

Once you have performed all the steps, wait for a few seconds and your 2018 iPad Pro will boot up completely to the iPad Pro’s Lock screen.

If no success,

Try other known good, compatible power/charging cables and/or other known good 18 or 20W power/charging adapter blocks to test for current cable and/or power/charging block failures.

Power/charge cables and/or power/charge adapter blocks can AND DO fail at any time for any reason.

If no spare power/charging cables or power/charging adapter blocks or NO joy on getting this iPad charging, then you will need to use the “Get Support” link, at the top far upper right hand corner of every Apple Support Community Webpage, and make an appointment for your nearest, local Apple Store and bring your iPad and charging cable and adapter block, to the appointment, for Apple employees to test/diagnose and options presented to you.

Best of Luck to You!

Sounds like the battery may be toast. That or there is something wrong with the cable or power source you’re using.