- Before We Start: Reasons Why My iPhone Won't Charge:
- Step 1: Check Your Charging Cable and Adapter
- Step 2: Try a Different Power Source
- Step 3: Clean Your iPhone’s Charging Port
- Step 4: Check for Liquid Damage
- Step 5: Force Restart Your iPhone
- Step 6: Address Software Issues by Updating iOS
- Step 7: Understand the "80% Limit" Mystery
- Step 8: When All Else Fails, Contact Apple Support
- The Best Way to Avoid Future Power Panics
- Warning: What NOT to Do When Your iPhone Won't Charge
- Fix Your iPhone Charging Problem Today and Stay Powered Anywhere
Why Won't My iPhone Charge? 8 Steps to Fix It Fast
- Before We Start: Reasons Why My iPhone Won't Charge:
- Step 1: Check Your Charging Cable and Adapter
- Step 2: Try a Different Power Source
- Step 3: Clean Your iPhone’s Charging Port
- Step 4: Check for Liquid Damage
- Step 5: Force Restart Your iPhone
- Step 6: Address Software Issues by Updating iOS
- Step 7: Understand the "80% Limit" Mystery
- Step 8: When All Else Fails, Contact Apple Support
- The Best Way to Avoid Future Power Panics
- Warning: What NOT to Do When Your iPhone Won't Charge
- Fix Your iPhone Charging Problem Today and Stay Powered Anywhere
Your phone suddenly won't charge. No matter how many times you plug the cable in, try different angles, or even tap the phone to try to "wake it up," it's simply unresponsive. Why won't my iPhone charge?
Think back for a moment: what has your phone just been through? Did it get wet, take a fall, or was it just used in a high-temperature environment? Feeling very anxious now, you might be want to just grab another cable or try other methods to recharge you iphone. But the wrong moves? Can damage your phone's battery even more.
Let's look at this practical and safe 8-step guide to get it fixed instead!
Before We Start: Reasons Why My iPhone Won't Charge:
- Your charging cable or wall plug is broken.
- The charging port on your phone is clogged with dust or lint.
- The wall outlet you're using isn't working.
- There is a small glitch in your iPhone's software.
- Your phone has gotten too hot or too cold.
- A built-in battery protection feature is on (this often stops charging at 80%).
- The charging port is wet.
- The battery is old and has worn out.
Step 1: Check Your Charging Cable and Adapter
Your Lightning or USB-C cable goes through a lot—it gets bent, twisted, and pulled daily. Inspect it closely for any visible signs of wear and tear, such as:
Fraying: Look for breaks in the outer rubber casing, especially near the connectors.
Bent Pins: Check the metal connector that plugs into your iPhone. Are any of the gold pins bent or missing?
Discoloration: Dark marks or burn spots on the connector can indicate a short circuit.
Do the same for your power adapter. Look for bent prongs or any signs of physical damage. Using a damaged cable or adapter is not only ineffective but can also be a safety hazard. If you see any damage, stop using it immediately.
Step 2: Try a Different Power Source
Sometimes, the problem isn't your iPhone or your charger, but the power source itself. A faulty wall outlet or a weak USB port on a computer can prevent your iPhone from charging correctly.
Try these:
- Switch Wall Outlets: Plug your charger into a different electrical outlet in your home.
- Try a Computer: If you were using a wall adapter, try plugging your iPhone into a USB port on a laptop or desktop computer. Make sure the computer is on but not in sleep mode.
- Use a Different Adapter: If you have another power adapter, try using it with your charging cable.
If your iPhone starts charging with a different power source, you’ve found your problem.
Step 3: Clean Your iPhone’s Charging Port
Your phone's charging port can easily collect dust, lint, and other small bits from your pockets or bags. Over time, this stuff gets packed in and can stop your charging cable from connecting properly.
Here's how to clean the port safely:
Find a good light. Use a flashlight to peek inside the port. You might be surprised by how much dirt you see.
Use a toothpick. Carefully push a wooden or plastic toothpick into the port. Gently scrape along the inside walls to loosen any gunk. Never use anything metal, like a paper clip or pin. Metal can scratch the delicate parts inside and ruin your phone.
Use compressed air (if you have it). A quick puff of air can blow out the loosened dust. Make sure to hold the can upright and spray from a safe distance so you don't damage anything with the cold air.
After you clean it, try plugging your cable in again. It should fit in smoothly and click into place.
Step 4: Check for Liquid Damage
Modern iPhones have good water resistance, but they are not quite waterproof. If your iPhone has recently been exposed to water or other liquids, it may refuse to charge as a safety precaution.
If you plug in a cable when the port is wet, you might see a "Liquid Detected" alert. Apple’s advice is clear:
- Unplug the charging cable immediately.
- Tap your iPhone gently against your hand with the port facing down to remove excess liquid.
- Leave your iPhone in a dry, well-ventilated area for at least 30 minutes.
- After it has had time to dry, try charging it again.
If you still see the alert, it may need more time. Do not use external heat sources like a hairdryer or insert foreign objects like cotton swabs into the port, as this can cause further damage.
Step 5: Force Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes, the issue isn't with the hardware but with the software. A minor glitch in iOS can prevent your iPhone from recognizing that it’s plugged in. A force restart can clear these temporary errors without affecting your data. This is different from a simple restart and is effective when your screen is unresponsive.
For all modern iPhones (iPhone 8 and newer):
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Finally, press and hold the Side button until the screen turns off and the Apple logo appears.
Once your iPhone reboots, try charging it again. This simple trick resolves a surprising number of charging problems.
Step 6: Address Software Issues by Updating iOS
Outdated software can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with charging accessories or cause battery management problems. Keeping your iOS updated is crucial for both security and performance.
To check for an update, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, download and install it. Make sure you have enough battery or are connected to power during the update process.
Step 7: Understand the "80% Limit" Mystery
"Why won't my iPhone charge past 80%?" This is one of the most common questions from iPhone users, but it's often not a problem at all—it's a feature.
To preserve the long-term health of your battery, Apple introduced Optimized Battery Charging (found in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging).
To protect your battery, this feature adjusts how your phone charges. It quickly charges to 80%, then waits.
It learns your schedule, so it can finish charging to 100% just in time for you. For example, if you charge overnight, your phone will be 100% ready right when you wake up.
Additionally, your iPhone might temporarily stop charging at 80% if the battery gets too warm, which is a normal safety mechanism. Once it cools down, charging will resume.
Note: If you're asking "why won't my iPhone hold a charge" throughout the day, this could indicate battery degradation, which is separate from charging issues but equally important to address.
Step 8: When All Else Fails, Contact Apple Support
If you have tried all the steps above and your iPhone still won’t charge, it might be time to seek professional help. The issue could be a more serious hardware problem, such as a faulty battery or a damaged logic board.
You can schedule an appointment at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. They have the diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact problem and offer repair options.
The Best Way to Avoid Future Power Panics
You’ve just gone through the steps to fix your iPhone. Hopefully, it's now charging perfectly. But the feeling of seeing that battery icon in the red, with no reliable power source nearby, is a stressful one. The real solution isn't just fixing the problem today, but preventing it from happening tomorrow, especially when you’re on the move.
That's what the EcoFlow RAPID Mag Power Bank is for. It’s made for iPhone users who want to stay charged without any hassle.
You can forget you’re even carrying it. It’s so slim and light, it fits easily in any pocket or small purse, ready for whenever you need a boost.
You can charge your phone without stopping what you’re doing. The magnetic back sticks right to your phone, letting you text, call, or use maps while it powers up.
You can trust it to be safe for your phone. It has special tech to stop it from getting too hot, which helps keep your iPhone's battery healthy for longer.
You can set your phone up anywhere. The 10,000mAh model has a built-in stand, which is perfect for watching movies on a train or propping it up on your desk.
A portable power bank is the simplest way to make sure you always have power, no matter where your day takes you.
Warning: What NOT to Do When Your iPhone Won't Charge
Trying to fix a charging problem the wrong way can cause big problems. Here are 7 things you should never do.
1. Never Clean the Port with Metal
Do not use a paperclip, pin, or anything metal to clean the charging port. Metal can scratch the small, easy-to-break parts inside or cause a short, which can stop your phone from charging for good.
2. Never Use a Hairdryer on a Wet Phone
If your phone is wet, using a hairdryer might seem quick, but the heat can badly damage the battery and other parts inside the phone.
3. Never Put Your Phone in Rice
This is a popular myth, but it’s a bad idea. Tiny bits of rice and dust can get stuck in the port and make the problem even worse. It's much safer to just let your phone dry in the open air.
4. Avoid Bad Cables and Cheap Chargers
A cable with exposed wires can be a fire risk. Also, very cheap chargers that aren't approved for iPhones can send the wrong amount of power and slowly wreck your battery.
5. Never Force the Cable into the Port
If the cable can't go in smoothly, it might be that something is blocking it. Forcing it will just break the small, easy-to-break part inside the phone, which costs a lot of money to fix.
6. Don't Ignore a "Liquid Detected" Alert
If you see this warning, your phone is protecting itself. Unplug the cable and let the port dry all the way. Trying to charge it while it's still wet can break it for good.
7. Never Hit or Shake Your Phone
Hitting your phone or shaking it hard won't fix anything. It can easily break the small parts inside or, if the phone is wet, spread the water around and cause more problems.
Fix Your iPhone Charging Problem Today and Stay Powered Anywhere
An iPhone that won't charge can be incredibly frustrating. While many problems have simple solutions, some issues can be more serious. By carefully checking your cables, cleaning the port, and restarting your phone, you can safely fix most charging issues. For a reliable way to avoid future power problems, the EcoFlow RAPID Mag Power Bank makes sure you always have a charge when you need it. Stay charged and avoid the stress of a dead battery.