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Fix a phone that will not charge

We'll rule out cable, adapter, and port, then isolate the cause—cable fault, port debris, or moisture—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home electronics
5–15 min
What you'll need
  • Known-good charging cable and power adapter (Lightning or USB-C, depending on phone)
  • Dry toothpick or soft brush (for port cleaning)
Step 1 of 5

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Steps

Goal: Rule out cable and port, then isolate the cause.

  • Confirm the cable is firmly connected at the phone and wall adapter. Check the outlet works.
  • Good: Cable and outlet confirmed. Proceed to Check cable and port.
  • Bad: Try a different outlet, cable, and adapter.

Check cable and port

Goal: Rule out cable fault and port issues.

  • Reseat the cable. Inspect the charging port for lint, dust, or debris. Clean gently with a dry toothpick—do not use metal. Try a known-good cable and adapter.
  • If a different cable works, replace the original. If a different adapter works, replace the adapter. If neither helps, the port may have failed.
  • Good: Cable and port confirmed. Proceed to Force restart.
  • Bad: Port damaged or loose—call a technician.

Force restart

Goal: Reset the charging circuit.

  • iPhone: Press and release Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • Android: Hold Power and Volume Down for 10–15 seconds until the phone restarts.
  • Plug in after restart. Check for the charging icon.
  • Good: Phone charges. If not, try wireless charging if supported.
  • Bad: Cable and adapter are good, port is clean, and it still does not charge—call a technician.

Wireless charging

Goal: Confirm whether the port or cable is faulty.

  • If the phone supports Qi wireless charging, place it on a wireless charger. If it charges wirelessly but not with a cable, the port or cable is likely faulty.
  • Good: Wireless works—replace the cable or have the port checked.
  • Bad: Neither cable nor wireless charges—battery or charging circuit may have failed; call a technician.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • The charging port is damaged, loose, or sparking.
  • The battery is swollen—do not use; fire hazard.
  • A known-good cable and adapter do not charge the phone.

Verification

  • The battery icon shows charging (lightning bolt) when plugged in.
  • Battery percentage increases over time.
  • No damage to the port, no swelling of the battery.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Cable and port Reseat connections; clean port; try different cable and adapter.
  2. Force restart Force restart the phone to reset the charging circuit.
  3. Moisture and wireless Check for liquid detection; try wireless charging if supported.
  4. Call a pro Port damaged, battery swollen, or cable and adapter confirmed good but no charge.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Phone model and cable type (Lightning or USB-C)
  • Whether a different cable or adapter works
  • Port condition (loose, damaged, debris)
  • Steps already tried

Is the cable firmly connected and the outlet working?

Loose connection and bad outlet are common causes.

Reseat the cable at phone and wall adapter. Try a different outlet. Check for the charging icon on screen. Good: cable connected, outlet works—check port. Bad: cable or outlet faulty—try different cable and adapter.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Is the charging port clean and undamaged?

Lint and debris in the port prevent charging. Damage requires a pro.

Inspect port for lint, dust, debris. Clean gently with a dry toothpick. Clean and secure: force restart the phone. Damaged or loose: call a technician.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Try a known-good cable and adapter

Use a different cable and power adapter (same connector type). If it charges, replace the original. If not, clean the port and force restart, or call a technician.

Done

Force restart the phone

iPhone: Volume Up, Volume Down, hold Side button until Apple logo. Android: hold Power and Volume Down 10–15 seconds. Plug in after restart. If still does not charge, try wireless charging (if supported) or call a technician.

Done

Call a technician

Port damaged, battery swollen, or cable and adapter confirmed good but no charge. Port or battery replacement may be needed. Do not use a swollen battery—it can be a fire hazard.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a phone not charge?
Loose or faulty cable, bad outlet or adapter, debris or lint in the charging port, moisture detection, or a failed port. Check cable and port first.
Can I fix a phone that will not charge myself?
Yes. Reseat the cable, try a different cable and adapter, clean the port gently, and force restart. If the port is damaged or the phone shows liquid detected and will not charge after drying, a technician may be needed.
When should I call a technician for phone charging?
If a known-good cable and adapter do not charge the phone, the port is loose or damaged, or the battery is swollen. Port replacement or battery replacement may require a professional.

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