Quick answer
If your iPhone won't charge, the most common culprits are the cable, charger, dust in the Lightning/USB-C port or a software glitch. First try another cable and charger, clean the port and restart the phone. If it still won't charge, the problem is likely the battery or port and a service is needed.
How to recognize the problem
- The phone doesn't show the charging icon when connected
- Charging starts then stops, the icon flickers
- iPhone only charges when the cable is held in a certain position
- The battery doesn't increase even though the phone is plugged in
- The phone gets hot or doesn't respond when plugged in
Most common causes
Faulty cable or charger
The cable may be damaged or incompatible, and the charger may not provide enough power. Try another cable and charger that are known to work.
Dust or damage in the port
Dust, lint or debris can build up in the Lightning or USB-C port and prevent contact. Sometimes the port is mechanically damaged.
Software glitch
iOS sometimes fails to recognize the charger due to a temporary software issue. A restart or update can fix it.
Battery problems
A worn or damaged battery may refuse to charge or charge very slowly. Check battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
Wireless charging
If you use a wireless charger, poor contact or an incompatible adapter can prevent charging. Check that the phone is placed correctly.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Check the cable and charger
Replace the cable with one that is known to work and plug it into another charger or a USB port on a computer. If the phone now charges, the problem is the old cable or charger. Use original or certified (MFi) cables.
- 2
Clean the charging port
Turn off the phone and carefully inspect the port. Remove dust with a dry soft brush, without metal objects, liquids or compressed air. Don't blow into the port because moisture can cause damage.
- 3
Restart the iPhone
For iPhone with Face ID: press and hold the side button and one volume button, then slide to power off. For iPhone with Home button: hold the side or top button, then slide to power off. Turn the phone on and reconnect the charger.
- 4
Check if the phone charges wirelessly
If you have a wireless charger, place the phone exactly in the center of the charger without a case. If it charges that way, the problem is the port or cable. Wireless charging may be slower, but it confirms the battery works.
- 5
Update iOS
Go to
Settings > General > Software Updateand install any available update. Apple occasionally fixes charging bugs. Back up your data before updating. - 6
Check battery health
Open
Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If it says service is recommended or the capacity is significantly reduced, the battery is likely the cause. In that case, contact a service center. - 7
Reset settings if needed
If you suspect a software problem, go to
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. ChooseReset All Settings(this doesn't delete data but does erase Wi-Fi passwords and similar). Back up your data first. Do this only if the previous steps didn't help.
If nothing helps
If you've tried another cable and charger, cleaned the port and restarted the phone, and the iPhone still won't charge, the problem is likely hardware-related. It could be a damaged port, battery or logic board. Don't try to disassemble the phone yourself because you risk further damage and losing the warranty. Contact an authorized service center or IT support. Before going to the service center, back up your data if the phone is still on, because the service may erase data. If the phone is under warranty, don't open it yourself.
How to prevent it
- Use original or MFi-certified cables and chargers
- Regularly clean the charging port of dust
- Avoid charging at extreme temperatures
- Update iOS regularly
When to call a professional
If the phone doesn't respond to any charger, if the port feels loose or if the phone has been exposed to water, it's better to contact a professional service center or IT support than to attempt a repair yourself. Don't try to charge the phone while it's wet.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Why won't my iPhone charge even though it's plugged in?
The most common reason is a faulty cable or charger, dust in the port or a software glitch. Try another cable and charger, clean the port and restart the phone.
Is it safe to use a non-original charger?
Some non-original chargers can be unsafe and may not charge the phone properly. It's recommended to use original or MFi-certified chargers and cables.
How do I know if the battery is the problem?
Open `Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging`. If it says service is recommended or the capacity is significantly reduced, the battery is likely the cause.