iPhone Not Charging? Find Out Why and Fix It Quickly
You jab the Lightning cable in, wait for the familiar chime… and nothing. If your iPhone not charging has derailed your day, don’t worry, you’re in good company. A flaky cable, a dusty port, or a rogue software glitch can all kill the current. In the sections below, we’ll unpack the usual suspects and show you the quickest fixes so you can get back to scrolling, streaming, and staying connected.
Why Is My iPhone Not Charging
Why is your iPhone not charging when plugged in? The problem is most likely due to one of the following issues:
- Frayed Lightning/USB-C cable or non-compliant third-party charger.
- Dust, lint, or debris in the charging port blocks the connection.
- Power source issues: inactive or underpowered wall socket or USB hub.
- iOS stops charging if the phone is too hot or too cold.
- Software crash, buggy update, or corrupted accessory firmware interrupts charging.
- Aged battery, damaged charging circuitry, or liquid damage prevents charging.
Basic Checks & Quick Fixes
If your iPhone isn’t charging, there are a few basic steps you can take to quickly troubleshoot the issue. These are simple fixes that often solve common charging problems.
Inspect Your Cable & Adapter
If your iPhone isn’t charging even though it says it is, the most likely cause is a faulty charging cable or adapter. Check for any visible damage to your charger or cable. If it looks worn out, try using a different one. It's important to use an official Apple charger or a trusted third-party brand like Anker for the best charging performance.
Try a Different Power Source
Ensure that the power source you’re using (e.g., a wall outlet, USB port, or power strip) is functional. Plug the charger into a different outlet to rule out issues with the socket.
Clean the Charging Port
If your iPhone isn't charging properly, the charging port may be clogged with lint, dust, or other debris. To clean it, follow these steps:
- Power off your iPhone to avoid damage.
- Use compressed air to blow out loose dust and debris.
- Gently clean the port with a soft brush or cotton swab.
- For stubborn lint, use a toothpick with a rounded end or double-sided tape to lift it out carefully.
- For stubborn stains, lightly wipe the port with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (avoid the metal contacts).
Remember to handle the port and the tools with care, as harsh pressure or using metal objects can damage the internal components.
Force Restart Your iPhone
If your iPhone is not charging and you're seeing a black screen, this could be a sign of a software glitch that can be fixed with a force restart. Here's how to do it:
- iPhone 8 and newer models(iPhone 8/X/11/12/13/14/15/16/17series)
Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Then, press and hold the Power button (Side button) until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus
Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Power button until the Apple logo appears.
This can help reset any software glitches that might be interfering with the charging process.
Advanced Troubleshooting & Solutions
If your iPhone still isn't charging or turning on, it's time to look deeper into the problem.
Try Wireless Charging
If you have a wireless charging pad available, use it as an alternative to check if the issue is with your iPhone’s Lightning or USB-C port. If your phone charges wirelessly, the issue may be related to the charging port.
Update iOS
Outdated software can cause various issues, including charging problems. Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Head to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install any available updates. While it's extremely rare, if your iPhone isn’t charging after the update, a force restart should resolve the issue.
Check Battery Health
If your iPhone’s battery is degraded, it might struggle to hold a charge. To check battery health, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If your battery health is under 80%, you might need a battery replacement.
Disable Low Power Mode/Optimized Charging
Low Power Mode can sometimes interfere with charging, especially if it’s triggered while your phone is plugged in. Go to Settings > Battery and ensure that Low Power Mode is turned off.
If your iPhone stops charging at around 80%, it could be due to Optimized Battery Charging. This feature pauses charging at 80% to help preserve battery health. You can disable it by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging if you prefer, though it’s recommended to keep it on for long-term battery care.
Monitor Device Temperature
Extreme temperatures can affect charging. If your iPhone is too hot or too cold, it may not charge properly. For optimal charging, aim for a moderate environment between 50°F (10°C) and 95°F (35°C). Avoid charging in direct sunlight or freezing conditions.
Reset All Settings
If none of the above works, try resetting all settings. This will return your settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) to their default state but keep your photos, apps, and other data intact. To do this, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
Prevent Future Charging Issues: Tips and Best Practices
Once your iPhone is charging again, there are a few steps you can take to avoid future charging problems:
- Use Apple-Certified Chargers: Avoid using cheap, unbranded chargers. Using chargers for iPhonesthat are Apple-certified or made by trusted brands like Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) ensures safe, fast charging while minimizing the risk of damage.
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With 30W high-speed charging, it can get your iPhone 12-17 models up to 50% in just 25 minutes. Plus, its foldable design makes it easy to carry, and its advanced protection features help safeguard against power surges and overheating, ensuring long-term reliability.
It's worth considering upgrading your daily charging method to wireless charging. For example, using the Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station not only reduces wear and tear from repeatedly plugging and unplugging the Lightning/USB-C port, but it also simplifies your nighttime charging routine.
Supporting Qi and Qi2 standards, it delivers up to 25W of stable power, making it a reliable and efficient charging solution for iPhone 12-17 models and other compatible devices.
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- Avoid Charging in Extreme Temperatures: Charging your iPhone in very hot or cold environments can damage the battery and charging components.
- Keep Your Charging Port Clean: Regularly inspect and clean your charging port to prevent lint and debris buildup.
- Avoid Overcharging: Although modern iPhones have mechanisms to prevent overcharging, it’s still a good practice not to leave your iPhone plugged in overnight every night.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your iPhone still refuses to charge after trying all of the above fixes, it may be time to seek professional help. Common reasons to visit a technician include:
Damaged Charging Port: If the charging port is physically damaged, you’ll need a technician to repair or replace it.
Battery Needs Replacement: If your battery health is poor and no longer holds a charge, consider having the battery replaced by a certified repair service.
Hardware Malfunctions: If there’s an underlying hardware issue, such as a malfunctioning motherboard or a damaged charging port (whether it's Lightning or USB-C), only an authorized repair center can address it.
Conclusion
Experiencing issues with your iPhone charging can be frustrating, but most charging problems have simple solutions. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can often fix the issue yourself and avoid costly repairs.
If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. By following our tips and using quality accessories like Anker chargers, you can avoid charging problems in the future and keep your iPhone in top working condition.
FAQs
How to repair an iPhone that won't charge?
If your iPhone won’t charge, start by checking your charging cable, cleaning the charging port, and restarting the device. If these steps don’t work, test your charger with another device, and consider software updates. Persistent issues may require a visit to an Apple service center.
Why is my phone not charging even though the charger works?
There could be a problem with the charging port, the iPhone’s battery, or a software issue. Try using a wireless charger, cleaning the charging port, or restarting your device to rule out simple fixes.
How to clean an iPhone charging port?
To clean your iPhone charging port, first power off your device to prevent any damage. Use compressed air to blow out any dust or debris. For stubborn lint or dirt, use a soft brush or a toothpick with a rounded end to gently remove it. Avoid using metal objects, as they could damage the port. Finally, wipe the area with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol, but avoid the metal contacts.
How to force restart an iPhone that won't charge?
To force restart your iPhone, press and release the Volume Up button, press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This can help fix software-related charging issues.