iPhone Not Charging How to Fix It

iPhone Not Charging: How to Fix It

An iPhone that won't charge is usually not a broken phone. Most of the time it's a damaged cable, a weak adapter, lint packed into the port, or a setting that deliberately stops charging at 80%. This guide follows Apple's own troubleshooting order: quick checks first, then settings, then service.

1. Try Another Power Source

1. Plug the charger into a different wall outlet (not a power strip with a switch that's off).
2. Try a different USB power adapter - a wall adapter usually charges faster and more reliably than a computer's USB port.
3. If you're charging from a computer, make sure the computer is on and awake, not asleep.

2. Check the Cable and Adapter

Look closely for:

• fraying, kinks or exposed wires near the ends,
• bent or discoloured connector pins,
• a loose fit in the phone or adapter.

Try a different cable that you know works with another device. Cheap uncertified cables and adapters often fail or charge very slowly; one that's certified for iPhone is the safest choice.

If you see "This accessory may not be supported", Apple suggests: unplug and plug in again firmly, clean the port, restart the iPhone, try another cable or adapter, and update iOS.

3. Restart the iPhone

A software glitch can stop charging. Restart normally first (turn it off and on). If the screen is black or frozen, force restart:

• iPhone 8 and later (including all Face ID models): press and quickly release volume up, press and quickly release volume down, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

Then plug it in and wait.

4. Clean the Charging Port - Gently

Pocket lint is one of the most common causes. The cable feels like it clicks in less firmly, or only charges at a certain angle.

1. Turn off the iPhone.
2. Shine a torch into the port.
3. Remove lint gently with something soft and non-metallic, such as a soft dry brush.

Don't push metal objects (pins, paper clips) into the port, and don't use liquids. If the port looks damaged or corroded, stop and get it serviced.

5. Give It Time

A fully drained iPhone may show nothing for a while. Apple's guidance: leave it charging for 30 minutes. If nothing happens, force restart it while it's still plugged in and wait another 30 minutes.

6. It Stops at 80% - Charge Limits and Optimized Charging

If your iPhone charges to 80% and stops, that's usually by design:

• Optimized Battery Charging learns your routine (for example, overnight charging) and waits at 80% until shortly before you usually unplug. On many iPhones it's in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging (older models) or Settings > Battery > Charging (newer models - names vary by iOS version).
• Charge limit: newer iPhones (iPhone 15 and later) let you set a fixed limit such as 80%. Raise it to 100% in the same Charging settings if you need a full charge.
• Heat: when the battery gets too warm, iOS may limit charging above 80% until the temperature drops. Take off a thick case, don't charge under a pillow or in the sun, and avoid heavy gaming while charging.

7. "Liquid Detected" Alert

On models that detect moisture in the connector, you may see an alert that liquid was detected and charging through the port is disabled. Apple's advice:

• Unplug the cable.
• Tap the phone gently against your hand with the port facing down to remove extra liquid.
• Leave it in a dry area with some airflow for at least 30 minutes, then try again. It can take up to a day to dry fully.
• Don't use a hair dryer or other heat source, don't blow compressed air into the port, don't insert cotton swabs, and don't put it in rice (small particles can get into the phone).

Wireless charging still works while the alert is showing, if your iPhone supports it.

8. Wireless Charging Not Working

• Remove the case if it's thick or has a metal plate, a card holder or a magnet ring (MagSafe cases are fine).
• Place the iPhone in the centre of the charger, screen up.
• Make sure the charger itself is plugged into a working adapter that's powerful enough for it.
• Try cable charging - if the cable works, the charging pad is the likely problem.

9. Update iOS

Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any update. Charging bugs are sometimes fixed in updates, and some accessory warnings go away afterwards.

10. Check Battery Health

Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health (or Battery Health & Charging). If it says the battery has significantly degraded or recommends service, a battery replacement may be the real fix - especially if the phone also drains fast. See 10 fixes for iPhone battery draining fast.

Still Not Charging?

• If the iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo when plugged in, see iPhone stuck on Apple logo.
• If it charges only from a computer but not the wall (or the other way round), the adapter or outlet is the likely culprit.
• Back up first before any repair visit - via iCloud or a computer - in case the phone is replaced.
• Contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider if it still won't charge with a known-good cable and adapter. Port damage and worn batteries need a repair.

Have an Android phone with the same problem? See phone charging slowly on Android.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Similar Posts : How to Forget a WiFi Network on Any Device, iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo How to Fix It, iPhone Not Charging How to Fix It, How to Block Spam Calls on Android and iPhone, iPhone Not Showing Up on Windows PC How to Fix It,

See Also:iphone charging battery