Experiencing your iPhone not charging can be incredibly frustrating. You plug it in, expecting that familiar charging icon, only to be met with… nothing. Before you panic, know that this is a common issue with several potential causes, many of which you can troubleshoot yourself. This guide will walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix your iPhone charging problems, ensuring you get back to full power quickly.
Common Reasons Why Your iPhone Isn’t Charging
There are various reasons why your iPhone might refuse to charge. Understanding these common culprits can help you pinpoint the problem faster:
Damaged Charging Cable or Adapter
The most frequent offender is often the simplest: your charging cable or power adapter. These accessories endure daily wear and tear, making them susceptible to damage. Bent pins, frayed cables, or internal wire damage can all disrupt the flow of power to your iPhone.
Image of a lightning to USB cable and a USB-C wall adapter
Image showing a damaged Lightning to USB-C cable and a USB-C power adapter, highlighting potential wear and tear on charging accessories.
Dirty or Damaged Charging Port
Pocket lint, dust, and debris can accumulate in your iPhone’s charging port, obstructing the connection between the cable and the charging pins. Similarly, the port itself can be physically damaged, preventing proper charging.
Software Issues and Restarts
Sometimes, the issue isn’t hardware but a temporary software glitch. Your iPhone’s operating system manages charging, and occasional hiccups can interfere with this process. A simple restart can often resolve these software-related charging problems.
Power Outlet Problems
Believe it or not, the issue might be with the power outlet itself. A faulty outlet or a loose connection can prevent your adapter from receiving power, meaning your iPhone won’t charge.
Battery Health and Temperature
iPhone batteries, like all batteries, degrade over time. If your battery is nearing the end of its lifespan, it might charge slower or less efficiently. Additionally, extreme temperatures can impact charging. If your iPhone gets too hot or too cold, it may temporarily stop charging to protect the battery.
Uncertified Accessories
Using non-Apple certified or low-quality third-party charging cables and adapters can also lead to charging problems. These accessories might not meet the power delivery standards required by your iPhone, or they could be defective and cause damage.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide: Fix Your iPhone Charging Issue
Now that you understand the potential reasons, let’s walk through troubleshooting steps to get your iPhone charging again. Try these steps one by one, checking for charging after each attempt:
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Check the Power Source and Connections:
- Wall Outlet: Ensure your power adapter is firmly plugged into a working wall outlet. Try a different outlet to rule out a faulty power source.
- Computer USB Port: If charging via a computer, make sure the computer is turned on and not in sleep mode. Use a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port directly on the computer, not on a keyboard or USB hub.
- Power Accessories: If using a USB hub, docking station, or car charger, ensure it’s properly powered and Apple-certified.
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Inspect the Charging Cable and Adapter for Damage:
Carefully examine your charging cable and USB adapter for any visible signs of damage. Look for:
- Fraying or breaks in the cable.
- Bent or broken connector pins.
- Damage to the adapter housing.
If you notice any damage, discontinue using the accessory and try a different, known-working cable and adapter.
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Clean the Charging Port:
Use a small, non-metallic tool like a dry toothpick or a SIM card ejector tool to gently remove any lint, dust, or debris from the charging port at the bottom of your iPhone. Be careful not to damage the pins inside the port. After cleaning, try plugging in your charging cable firmly.
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Restart Your iPhone:
A simple restart can resolve minor software glitches that might be preventing charging.
- For iPhones with Face ID: Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. To turn it back on, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
- For iPhones with a Home button: Press and hold the side (or top) button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. To turn it back on, press and hold the side (or top) button until you see the Apple logo.
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Try a Different Charger and Cable:
If possible, test charging your iPhone with a different Apple-certified charging cable and power adapter. This will help you determine if the problem lies with your original accessories.
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Force Restart Your iPhone:
For more stubborn software issues, a force restart might be necessary.
- iPhone 8 or later and iPhone SE (2nd generation and later): Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch (7th generation): Press and hold both the side (or top) button and the volume down button until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 6s or earlier, iPhone SE (1st generation), and iPod touch (6th generation) or earlier: Press and hold both the side (or top) button and the Home button until the Apple logo appears.
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Consider Optimized Battery Charging and Temperature:
If your iPhone stops charging around 80%, it might be due to Optimized Battery Charging, a feature in iOS 13 and later designed to prolong battery lifespan. This is normal behavior. Also, check if your iPhone feels excessively warm. If it is, move it to a cooler location and allow it to cool down before attempting to charge again.
Image of the battery charging icon on the iPhone lock screen, indicating normal charging status.
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Check for “Accessory Not Supported” Alerts:
If you see an “Accessory Not Supported” or “Accessory Not Certified” alert, it indicates a communication issue between your iPhone and the charging accessory. This could be due to a dirty charging port, a damaged or non-certified accessory, or a faulty USB charger. Follow steps 1-5 again, paying close attention to using certified accessories.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried all these troubleshooting steps and your iPhone still isn’t charging, there might be a more serious hardware problem, such as battery failure or internal charging circuitry issues. In this case, it’s best to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized Apple service provider for professional diagnosis and repair.
By systematically working through these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve most common iPhone charging problems and get your device powered up and ready to go.
