How to Fix iPhone Not Charging?
iPhone not charging can be a real headache and anxiety. Sometimes your iPhone won't turn on, or it stops charging at 80%. Although this situation is annoying, you don't need to worry too much because there are some effective ways to help you fix iPhone charging problems at home.
1. Check the charging cable and adapter
Like most smartphones today, the iPhone does not come with a power adapter in the box. Therefore, you need to buy it separately. You can choose the 20W power adapter sold by Apple or buy an MFi-certified adapter made by a trusted third-party manufacturer.
Don't buy cheap or incompatible chargers. They are one of the most common reasons why the iPhone 16 will not charge when plugged in. Stay away from super old or damaged chargers as they can cause slow or no charging issues and even damage the battery in the long run.
The same rule applies to Lightning cables. Check the charging cable for obvious signs of damage, such as exposed wires, broken or severely bent wires.Also, take a close look around the connector. If it looks disjointed or frayed, replace the Lightning cable. If the adapter or charging cable seems to be the problem, try using a different adapter/charging cable to troubleshoot the problem.
2. Check the power source
If you are using a wall outlet, check it for breakage or damage. Any loose/exposed wires or broken circuits can cause your iPhone to not charge. If the problem occurs, change the power outlet.
If you are using the USB port of your laptop/desktop computer, make sure the device is fully awake and not in sleep mode. Otherwise, your iPhone will not charge even if it is plugged in. You can also switch to a different USB port if available. A better way is to try using a wall outlet. Using the USB-A port of a laptop to charge the iPhone will be very slow.
3. Clean the charging port
If your iPhone will not charge when plugged in, the next step is to check the charging port. In daily use, we put our iPhones (first into the port) in pockets, backpacks and handbags. Over time, dirt, dust, lint and debris can accumulate inside the Lightning port, causing the charging pins and connector to not connect firmly. This situation is common among people working on construction sites, garages or textile industries. When the charging port is clogged, your iPhone will not charge at all, or it will randomly stop charging until you plug the charger back in.
It is easy for the iPhone's charging port to accumulate dust and debris, causing it to not connect properly. Use a toothpick or soft brush to gently remove lint, dust, or debris from the charging port. Avoid using any metal or sharp objects that could damage the internal components of the port.
4. Force restart your iPhone
Sometimes, a force restart can fix minor software glitches that can prevent your iPhone from charging. Here's how to force restart different iPhone models:
iPhone 8 or later (iPhone 13, 14, 15,16): Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button at the same time until the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the Home button and the Side button (or Top button) at the same time until the Apple logo appears.
5. Make sure your iPhone isn't too hot or too cold
If your iPhone is too hot or too cold, it may not charge. iPhone works well in an ambient temperature range of 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (about 0.7 to 35 degrees Celsius). If you use your iPhone for a long time, or leave it in a car on a sunny day, it may generate a lot of heat. When the iPhone is overheated, iOS may pause charging until the phone returns to normal temperature. This is done to reduce damage to the battery or phone.
In this case, unplug the charger, turn off the iPhone, remove the protective case (if any), and let the phone cool down. So, if your iPhone is not charging to 100%, you should check whether the battery is too hot or too cold. If it is too hot or too cold, wait a while and try again.
6. Update your iOS
Software bugs may 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.
7. Check if you are using a compatible case
While there are many cases available, some cases have imprecise charging ports and buttons. As a result, it can be difficult to insert a charger or press buttons. If your iPhone 16 won't charge when plugged in and you frequently have to adjust the cable or force the port into the charging port, you can remove the case. Then, try charging your iPhone without the case to see how it works.
If you are using a magnetic or Qi charger and your iPhone is not charging wirelessly, make sure you have a MagSafe/wireless charger compatible case installed. Heavy cases or cases with magnetic attachments may interfere with wireless charging. So, be sure to remove the case to fix the iPhone not charging issue.
8. Check battery health
If your iPhone battery is severely aged, it may not charge properly. You can check battery health at: Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If the maximum capacity is less than 80%, you may need to replace the battery.
9. Stop using your iPhone while charging
To be honest, many users have the habit of playing with their phones while charging. Some people can't even put their phones down for a few minutes, while some people don't even want to accept the fact that charging can cause problems. If you are one of them, my friend, you need to change this habit as soon as possible. We clearly point this out because it is normal for smartphones to generate some heat while charging.
However, when you play some power-intensive games or watch online videos while charging, your iPhone may overheat and cause charging-related problems. This will harm the battery health of your iPhone in the long run.So, if your iPhone is not charging to 100% or stops charging after a certain value, make sure you are not using your phone. Let it charge uninterruptedly and see if this solves the problem.
10. Try wireless charging
If your iPhone 8 or later supports wireless charging, try using a Qi-certified wireless charger to see if the problem is with the Lightning port. If your iPhone supports wireless charging, the problem may be with the charging port or the charging cable.
11. Disable Optimized Battery Charging
If your iPhone stops charging at 80%, it's due to the Optimized Battery Charging feature first introduced in iOS 13. Your iPhone tracks your daily usage and charging habits and automatically delays charging above 80% in certain situations. Specifically, the Optimized Battery Charging feature is enabled by default and only activates when your iPhone predicts that it will be connected to the charger for a long time. On-device machine learning is used to learn your charging habits and general charging style.
Well, it's a thoughtful feature that can prevent your battery from overcharging and slow down battery aging. That being said, if you want to take full control of your iPhone's charging, you can choose to disable the Optimized Battery Charging feature. To do so: Open Settings->Battery->Battery Health & Charging, and turn off Optimized Battery Charging. Then, tap Turn Off to confirm the turn-off.
12. Watch out for liquid damage
Another possible reason why your iPhone won't charge is liquid damage. You may not know that liquid damage can cause the connector of the charging port to short-circuit, making it impossible to charge. In addition, if the charging cable is wet, your iPhone will not charge even if it is plugged in. The Lightning/typeC port must be completely dry for charging and connecting accessories. This protects your iPhone and charging accessories from any serious damage. Therefore, if you have recently dropped your iOS device into a swimming pool or exposed it to heavy rain, you should dry it completely before plugging it into the charger.
If your iPhone has suffered liquid damage, please note the following:
The best way is to gently tap the top of the iPhone to remove excess water from the port. Then, place the phone in a cool place and let it air dry. This process may take up to 24 hours. Don't plug in the charger until the device is completely dry. Some people may suggest that you put your iPhone in a rice jar or use a dryer to speed up the process. We strongly recommend that you avoid such practices as they may cause further damage. Alternatively, you can use Siri shortcuts to drain water from your iPhone.
13. Reset your iPhone
Well, this is the last resort to fix the iPhone not charging problem before you book an appointment at the Apple Store for repair. In some cases, a complex bug or malfunction may cause your iPhone to have charging problems. If you are struggling to overcome this dilemma, a factory reset will play a huge role. Therefore, if your iPhone still won't charge after being plugged into a power source, you should perform a factory reset. We have listed all the ways to reset your iPhone in a dedicated guide, so be sure to read it. Since a factory reset will delete all the data on your iOS device and return all settings to default, you must back up your iPhone beforehand.
14. Send your iPhone for repair
If all the above troubleshooting steps fail to fix the iPhone not charging problem, then there must be something wrong with the phone itself. In this case, you should contact Apple. In addition, if your iPhone won't charge after suffering from liquid or physical damage, it is best to go directly to the Apple Store for professional help. Don't trust any cheap or unauthorized third-party products as they may void your warranty or even make your iOS device unrepairable.
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 depending on phone repair tools. However, if the problem persists, it may be time to seek professional support to get your iPhone back to full functionality.
If your iPhone will not charge when plugged in, the next step is to check the charging port. In daily use, we put our iPhones (first into the port) in pockets, backpacks and handbags. Over time, dirt, dust, lint and debris can accumulate inside the Lightning port, causing the charging pins and connector to not connect firmly. This situation is common among people working on construction sites, garages or textile industries. When the charging port is clogged, your iPhone will not charge at all, or it will randomly stop charging until you plug the charger back in.
It is easy for the iPhone's charging port to accumulate dust and debris, causing it to not connect properly. Use a toothpick or soft brush to gently remove lint, dust, or debris from the charging port. Avoid using any metal or sharp objects that could damage the internal components of the port.
4. Force restart your iPhone
Sometimes, a force restart can fix minor software glitches that can prevent your iPhone from charging. Here's how to force restart different iPhone models:
iPhone 8 or later (iPhone 13, 14, 15,16): Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button at the same time until the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the Home button and the Side button (or Top button) at the same time until the Apple logo appears.
5. Make sure your iPhone isn't too hot or too cold
If your iPhone is too hot or too cold, it may not charge. iPhone works well in an ambient temperature range of 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (about 0.7 to 35 degrees Celsius). If you use your iPhone for a long time, or leave it in a car on a sunny day, it may generate a lot of heat. When the iPhone is overheated, iOS may pause charging until the phone returns to normal temperature. This is done to reduce damage to the battery or phone.
In this case, unplug the charger, turn off the iPhone, remove the protective case (if any), and let the phone cool down. So, if your iPhone is not charging to 100%, you should check whether the battery is too hot or too cold. If it is too hot or too cold, wait a while and try again.
6. Update your iOS
Software bugs may 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.
While there are many cases available, some cases have imprecise charging ports and buttons. As a result, it can be difficult to insert a charger or press buttons. If your iPhone 16 won't charge when plugged in and you frequently have to adjust the cable or force the port into the charging port, you can remove the case. Then, try charging your iPhone without the case to see how it works.
If you are using a magnetic or Qi charger and your iPhone is not charging wirelessly, make sure you have a MagSafe/wireless charger compatible case installed. Heavy cases or cases with magnetic attachments may interfere with wireless charging. So, be sure to remove the case to fix the iPhone not charging issue.
8. Check battery health
If your iPhone battery is severely aged, it may not charge properly. You can check battery health at: Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If the maximum capacity is less than 80%, you may need to replace the battery.
9. Stop using your iPhone while charging
To be honest, many users have the habit of playing with their phones while charging. Some people can't even put their phones down for a few minutes, while some people don't even want to accept the fact that charging can cause problems. If you are one of them, my friend, you need to change this habit as soon as possible. We clearly point this out because it is normal for smartphones to generate some heat while charging.
However, when you play some power-intensive games or watch online videos while charging, your iPhone may overheat and cause charging-related problems. This will harm the battery health of your iPhone in the long run.So, if your iPhone is not charging to 100% or stops charging after a certain value, make sure you are not using your phone. Let it charge uninterruptedly and see if this solves the problem.
If your iPhone 8 or later supports wireless charging, try using a Qi-certified wireless charger to see if the problem is with the Lightning port. If your iPhone supports wireless charging, the problem may be with the charging port or the charging cable.
11. Disable Optimized Battery Charging
If your iPhone stops charging at 80%, it's due to the Optimized Battery Charging feature first introduced in iOS 13. Your iPhone tracks your daily usage and charging habits and automatically delays charging above 80% in certain situations. Specifically, the Optimized Battery Charging feature is enabled by default and only activates when your iPhone predicts that it will be connected to the charger for a long time. On-device machine learning is used to learn your charging habits and general charging style.
Well, it's a thoughtful feature that can prevent your battery from overcharging and slow down battery aging. That being said, if you want to take full control of your iPhone's charging, you can choose to disable the Optimized Battery Charging feature. To do so: Open Settings->Battery->Battery Health & Charging, and turn off Optimized Battery Charging. Then, tap Turn Off to confirm the turn-off.
12. Watch out for liquid damage
Another possible reason why your iPhone won't charge is liquid damage. You may not know that liquid damage can cause the connector of the charging port to short-circuit, making it impossible to charge. In addition, if the charging cable is wet, your iPhone will not charge even if it is plugged in. The Lightning/typeC port must be completely dry for charging and connecting accessories. This protects your iPhone and charging accessories from any serious damage. Therefore, if you have recently dropped your iOS device into a swimming pool or exposed it to heavy rain, you should dry it completely before plugging it into the charger.
If your iPhone has suffered liquid damage, please note the following:
The best way is to gently tap the top of the iPhone to remove excess water from the port. Then, place the phone in a cool place and let it air dry. This process may take up to 24 hours. Don't plug in the charger until the device is completely dry. Some people may suggest that you put your iPhone in a rice jar or use a dryer to speed up the process. We strongly recommend that you avoid such practices as they may cause further damage. Alternatively, you can use Siri shortcuts to drain water from your iPhone.
13. Reset your iPhone
Well, this is the last resort to fix the iPhone not charging problem before you book an appointment at the Apple Store for repair. In some cases, a complex bug or malfunction may cause your iPhone to have charging problems. If you are struggling to overcome this dilemma, a factory reset will play a huge role. Therefore, if your iPhone still won't charge after being plugged into a power source, you should perform a factory reset. We have listed all the ways to reset your iPhone in a dedicated guide, so be sure to read it. Since a factory reset will delete all the data on your iOS device and return all settings to default, you must back up your iPhone beforehand.
14. Send your iPhone for repair
If all the above troubleshooting steps fail to fix the iPhone not charging problem, then there must be something wrong with the phone itself. In this case, you should contact Apple. In addition, if your iPhone won't charge after suffering from liquid or physical damage, it is best to go directly to the Apple Store for professional help. Don't trust any cheap or unauthorized third-party products as they may void your warranty or even make your iOS device unrepairable.
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 depending on phone repair tools. However, if the problem persists, it may be time to seek professional support to get your iPhone back to full functionality.
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