iPhone Won’t Charge? Here’s Your Ultimate Guide to Fixing Charging Issues

January 9, 2025

Our iPhones are a big part of daily life—whether it’s staying connected with friends, checking work emails, or binge-watching shows. So when your iPhone refuses to charge, it can be really disruptive. Luckily, most charging problems can be fixed without too much trouble. This guide will walk you through how to troubleshoot and resolve common iPhone charging issues, so you can get your phone powered up and back to your day.

Why Isn’t My iPhone Charging?

There are several reasons your iPhone might not be charging. Some of the more common causes include:

Dirt or lint in the charging port
A faulty cable or adapter
A software issue or outdated iOS
Water or liquid damage
Battery protection features limiting charging
Wireless charging issues

Now let’s take a look at how you can troubleshoot these problems and get your iPhone charging again.

1. Inspect the Charging Port for Debris

One of the most common reasons an iPhone won’t charge is a dirty or blocked charging port. Tiny bits of lint, dust, or other debris can build up inside the port and prevent a good connection between the charger and the phone.

How to Clean the Charging Port:

Turn off your iPhone to avoid any electrical mishaps.
Shine a flashlight into the charging port to see if there’s anything visible inside.
Use a soft, dry brush or a wooden toothpick to gently remove any debris. Be careful not to damage the metal connectors inside the port.
Once cleaned, try charging your phone again and see if the issue is resolved.

This simple fix can often get your phone charging again. It’s a good idea to check and clean the port occasionally to avoid future issues.

2. Check Your Charging Cable and Adapter

Another likely cause of charging problems is a faulty cable or adapter. Chargers get worn out over time, and damaged accessories can prevent your phone from charging properly.

Here’s What to Check:

Cable Wear: Look for fraying or bent areas along the charging cable. Any exposed wires can cause the cable to malfunction.
Adapter Damage: Inspect the power adapter for cracks or signs of damage.
MFi Certification: Apple recommends using MFi (Made for iPhone) certified cables. Non-certified cables may not work well and could cause charging issues.

If you have another cable or adapter available, try using that to see if your iPhone charges. If switching cables works, it’s time to replace the old one.

3. Troubleshoot Wireless Charging

If you’re using a wireless charger and your iPhone isn’t charging, the problem could be related to the phone case or the charger itself. Not all cases are compatible with wireless charging, especially if they’re too thick or made of metal.

Steps to Fix Wireless Charging Problems:

Remove the Case: Take off your phone case and place your iPhone directly on the wireless charger.
Check Placement: Ensure that your phone is properly centered on the charging pad, as misalignment can affect charging.
Get a Compatible Case: If your case is the issue, look for a wireless charging-friendly option that’s designed to work with your charger.

If your phone starts charging without the case, you’ll know the case was blocking the wireless connection.

4. Optimized Battery Charging – What Is It?

If your iPhone seems to get stuck at 80% while charging, it’s probably because of the Optimized Battery Charging feature. This setting is designed to slow down charging after reaching 80% to preserve battery health over time. While it’s a great feature, it can be confusing if you don’t know why your phone isn’t charging fully.

How to Manage This Feature:

Open Settings.
Go to Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
You can turn off Optimized Battery Charging if you want your phone to charge past 80%.

It’s generally a good idea to leave this feature on to extend the overall lifespan of your battery, but you can disable it temporarily if needed.

5. Check for Liquid Damage

Water or any type of liquid exposure can cause serious issues with your iPhone’s charging components. If your phone got wet or was exposed to moisture, it’s important not to charge it right away, as this could cause permanent damage.

What to Do If Your iPhone Got Wet:

Don’t plug it in: Avoid charging a wet iPhone. Water and electricity don’t mix.
Let it dry out: Give the phone time to fully dry. You can use a dry, absorbent cloth to wipe down the outside, and leave the phone in a dry, well-ventilated area for 24-48 hours.
Look for liquid detection warnings: Some iPhones will display a message indicating that liquid was detected in the charging port. Wait until this warning disappears before trying to charge.

If your phone still won’t charge after drying out, it may need professional repair.

6. Perform a Hard Reset

Sometimes, your iPhone just needs a reboot. Performing a hard reset can help clear out temporary software glitches that might be preventing your phone from charging.

Hard Reset Instructions:

For iPhone 8 or later:

Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
Hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.
For iPhone 6s and earlier:
Press and hold both the Home button and the Power button until the Apple logo shows up.

Once your phone restarts, plug it in and see if the charging issue is resolved.

7. Update Your iOS Software

An outdated iOS can sometimes cause charging problems due to bugs or system errors. Keeping your iPhone software up to date ensures that you have the latest fixes and improvements.

How to Update iOS:

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

Regularly updating your iOS can help prevent charging and performance issues.

8. Restore Your iPhone

If you’ve tried everything else and your iPhone still won’t charge, restoring your phone might be the solution. This erases your data, so make sure to back up your phone first.

How to Restore Your iPhone:

Back up your data: You can use iCloud or a computer to back up your iPhone.
Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC: If you’re using macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. On older systems or Windows, open iTunes.
Restore your device: Select your iPhone and click Restore iPhone. Follow the prompts to complete the process.

After restoring your iPhone, check if the charging issue is resolved.

9. Seek Professional Help

If none of these solutions work, it’s time to contact a professional. The problem could be a hardware issue with the battery or charging port that requires expert attention.

Choosing the Right Repair Service:

Apple Authorized Repair: Opt for an Apple Store or an Apple-authorized repair provider to ensure your phone is handled properly and genuine parts are used.
Third-party services: Make sure you choose a trusted, reputable repair service if you go this route.

Professional technicians can help you resolve more complex hardware problems.

Can a dirty charging port cause my iPhone not to charge?

Yes, dirt or debris in the charging port can block the connection between the charger and the phone, preventing it from charging.

Should I use only MFi-certified chargers?

Yes, using MFi-certified chargers ensures compatibility and safety, reducing the chances of charging problems or damage to your iPhone.

Why does my iPhone stop charging at 80%?

This is due to the Optimized Battery Charging feature, which pauses charging at 80% to reduce battery wear. You can turn it off in the settings if needed.

Can a phone case interfere with wireless charging?

Yes, some thick or metal cases can block wireless charging. Removing the case or switching to a compatible one can fix the problem.