← Back to Phone won’t charge

Likely fix

Fix: iPhone not charging

An iPhone that will not charge is usually caused by a bad cable, weak charger, dirty charging port, frozen software, or a damaged charging port.

Quick answer

Try a different cable, charger, and wall outlet first. Then restart the iPhone and gently check the charging port for lint or debris.

Important warning

Do not scrape the charging port with metal tools. You can damage the pins.

Try this

  1. 1 Try a different wall outlet.
  2. 2 Try a different charging cable.
  3. 3 Try a different wall charger or USB-C power adapter.
  4. 4 Restart the iPhone.
  5. 5 Look inside the charging port for lint or debris.
  6. 6 If the cable only works at an angle, stop forcing it and check the port.
  7. 7 If nothing works, test wireless charging if your iPhone supports it.

Common causes

Damaged or charge-only cable.

Weak or failing wall charger.

Lint packed inside the charging port.

Frozen iPhone software.

Damaged Lightning or USB-C port.

What to check next

  • Try a known-good cable and charger together.
  • Check whether the phone charges from a wall outlet instead of a laptop USB port.
  • Check for lint inside the port using a flashlight.
  • Check whether the phone gets warm but still does not charge.

This might need a cable or adapter

If this fix points to a cable issue, check the related cable guide before buying the wrong one.

Check the related cable →

FAQ

Why is my iPhone not charging even when plugged in?

The most common reasons are a bad cable, weak charger, dirty charging port, frozen software, or a damaged charging port.

Can lint stop an iPhone from charging?

Yes. Lint can pack into the charging port and stop the cable from fully seating.

Should I force the cable if it feels loose?

No. Forcing the cable can damage the port. Try a different cable and inspect the port gently.

Related fixes

Fix: Phone charges slowly

Slow phone charging is usually caused by a weak charger, old cable, dirty charging port, background apps, heat, or using a laptop USB port instead of a wall charger.

Fix: iPhone says accessory not supported

This message usually appears when the cable, charger, adapter, or port is dirty, damaged, unsupported, or not communicating correctly with the iPhone.

Fix: Android phone not charging

An Android phone that will not charge is usually caused by a bad USB-C cable, weak charger, dirty charging port, software freeze, moisture warning, or damaged port.

Fix: Wireless charging not working

Wireless charging usually fails because the phone is misaligned, the case is too thick, the charger is weak, the phone is too hot, or the charging pad is not powered properly.

Fix: Phone only charges at an angle

A phone that only charges when the cable is bent or held at an angle usually has a worn cable, lint-packed charging port, or damaged charging port.

Fix: Phone says moisture detected

A moisture detected warning means the phone thinks there is liquid or conductive debris in the charging port. Charging should be paused until the port is dry.