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iPhone Not Charging? Troubleshooting Common Charging Issues and Solutions

Your iPhone is an essential part of your daily life, and nothing is more frustrating than plugging it in, only to realize that it’s not charging. Whether you’re using an iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, or an older model, charging problems can arise for a variety of reasons. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common charging issues, explain why they happen, and provide step-by-step solutions to help you get your iPhone charging again.

Index

Why is my iPhone not charging?

If your iPhone isn’t charging, it could be due to several factors, including problems with the charging cable, charging port, or even a software issue. Here are some of the most common reasons why an iPhone may not charge:

  • Damaged or faulty charging cable or adapter
  • Dirt or debris blocking the charging port
  • Software glitches that prevent charging
  • Battery health issues affecting charging performance
  • Liquid damage that has compromised the internal components
  • Faulty charging port or connector

By identifying the root cause, you can take appropriate steps to fix the issue.

iPhone not charging when plugged in

One of the most frequent complaints is that the iPhone isn’t charging when plugged in. Here’s what might be happening:

  • Charging port blockage: Dust, lint, or debris can accumulate in the charging port, preventing a proper connection between the cable and the port.
  • Cable issues: Damaged or frayed cables can result in an intermittent or non-existent charge.
  • Software bugs: Sometimes, an iOS glitch can prevent the phone from recognizing that it’s plugged in.
  • Adapter problems: The charging adapter might be defective or incompatible with your iPhone model.

We’ll go over solutions for these problems in more detail below.

iPhone not showing charging symbol when dead

If your iPhone doesn’t show the charging symbol when it’s completely dead, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

  • The battery is deeply discharged: If your battery is completely drained, it may take a few minutes for the charging symbol to appear on the screen.
  • Charging cable or port issues: A poor connection due to a faulty cable or blocked charging port can prevent your iPhone from registering the charge.
  • Software issue: The phone’s software may be preventing it from properly displaying the charging indicator when it’s low on battery.

It’s important to give the phone time—sometimes the charging symbol may appear after a few minutes of being plugged in.

Common causes of iPhone charging issues

Here are the most common causes of iPhone charging problems:

  1. Charging cable or adapter malfunction: Damaged or non-certified cables can cause charging failures.
  2. Dirty or blocked charging port: Debris in the port can obstruct the connection between the cable and your phone.
  3. Software bugs: Outdated or faulty iOS software can sometimes interfere with charging.
  4. Battery degradation: An aging battery might not hold a charge as well, or may take longer to charge.
  5. Water or liquid damage: Water exposure can damage internal components responsible for charging.
  6. Using non-Apple certified accessories: Third-party accessories that aren’t MFi-certified may not work properly with your iPhone.

How to troubleshoot and fix iPhone charging issues

If your iPhone isn’t charging, here are some steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

1. Check your charging cable and adapter

One of the most common reasons for charging issues is a faulty cable or adapter. Here’s what you can do:

  • Inspect the cable for any signs of fraying, bending, or exposed wires.
  • Try a different cable or adapter: Use an official Apple Lightning or USB-C cable and see if your iPhone charges with a different cable or adapter.
  • Test with another outlet: Sometimes, the problem could be with the power source. Try plugging into a different outlet or USB port.

2. Clean your charging port

Dirt and debris can easily accumulate in your iPhone’s charging port, preventing a proper connection. Here’s how to clean it:

  • Turn off your iPhone.
  • Use a toothpick or a soft brush to gently remove any lint, dust, or debris from the charging port.
  • Avoid using anything metal or sharp that could damage the port’s internal components.

3. Force restart your iPhone

Sometimes, a force restart can fix minor software glitches that might prevent your iPhone from charging. Here’s how to force restart different models:

  • iPhone 8 or later (iPhone 13, 14, 15):
    • Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button.
    • Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • iPhone 7 or 7 Plus:
    • Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • iPhone 6s and earlier:
    • Press and hold the Home button and the Side button (or Top button) simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.

4. Update your iOS

A software bug could prevent your iPhone from charging properly. Make sure you’re running the latest version of iOS:

  • Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

5. Check for battery health issues

If your iPhone’s battery is severely degraded, it might not charge properly. You can check your battery health by going to:

  • Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.

If the Maximum Capacity is below 80%, your battery may need replacement.

6. Try wireless charging

If your iPhone 8 or later supports wireless charging, try using a Qi-certified wireless charger to see if the issue lies with the Lightning port. If your iPhone charges wirelessly, the problem may be with the charging port or cable.

7. Check for liquid damage

If your iPhone was exposed to water or moisture, it might have suffered liquid damage. Check for signs of moisture around the charging port or use a flashlight to look inside. If you suspect water damage, you may need to contact Apple Support.

When to seek professional help

If your iPhone still isn’t charging after trying all the above steps, it’s time to consider professional help. Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider can diagnose and repair hardware issues such as a faulty charging port, battery problems, or internal component failure.

Seek help if:

  • You’ve tried multiple cables and adapters without success.
  • Your iPhone shows signs of water or physical damage.
  • The battery health is severely degraded and no longer holds a charge.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why your iPhone might not be charging, ranging from simple cable issues to more complex hardware problems. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can diagnose and often fix the issue yourself. However, if the problem persists, it may be time to seek professional support to get your iPhone back to full functionality.