Your iPhone isn’t charging, and that can quickly turn into a real inconvenience, especially when you rely on it for work, communication, and daily life. Whether the screen stays black or the battery percentage won’t move, there’s usually a reason behind it.
If you’re dealing with charging issues, don’t worry. Most iPhone repair cases like this can be resolved quickly. Here’s a complete, easy-to-follow guide to help you figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it.
Step 1: Start with Simple Checks
Before diving deeper, rule out the basics. These quick checks can save you time and stress.
Wait a Few Minutes
If your iPhone battery is completely drained, it may take a few minutes to respond. Plug it in and wait at least 5–10 minutes to see if the charging icon appears.
Common Reasons Your iPhone Won’t Charge
1. Dirty or Blocked Charging Port
Dust or lint can build up inside your iPhone’s charging port and prevent a proper connection.
What to do:
- Turn off your iPhone.
- Use a wooden toothpick or a soft brush to gently clean the port.
- Avoid metal tools or anything wet.
- Try using short bursts of compressed air to remove hidden debris.
2. Faulty Cable or Adapter
Charging cables wear down over time, and internal damage might not always be visible.
Try this:
- Swap in a different Lightning cable (preferably Apple-certified).
- Use a different wall adapter or charging brick.
- Plug your iPhone into a computer’s USB port to check for a response.
3. Restart Your iPhone
Software glitches can prevent proper charging. A quick restart often helps reset the system.
How to restart:
- iPhone 8 or newer: Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 7: Hold Volume Down and the Home button together.
- iPhone 6s or older: Hold the Home and Top/Side button together until the screen shows the Apple logo.
4. Outdated ios Software
Old ios versions can cause compatibility issues that impact charging.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Keeping your system up to date can help prevent minor performance bugs.
Battery and Charging Behaviour
1. Low Battery Health
All lithium-ion batteries degrade with time. A weakened battery may charge slowly, or not at all.
To check:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
- If the Maximum Capacity is under 80%, you might need a battery replacement.
2. Wireless Charging Test
If you’re using an iPhone 8 or newer, test wireless charging to rule out Lightning port damage.
Here’s how:
- Use a Qi-certified wireless charger.
- Place your phone face up and centre it on the charging pad.
- If it charges wirelessly but not with a cable, the port could be the issue.
3. Charging Stops at 80%?
Apple’s Optimised Battery Charging feature slows charging above 80% to preserve battery life.
To disable temporarily:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
- Turn off Optimised Battery Charging if you need a full charge quickly.
Physical or Environmental Factors
Overheating or Water Exposure
Extreme heat, cold, or moisture can interrupt charging to protect your phone’s internal components.
What to do:
- Let the phone cool down or air dry naturally.
- Avoid using rice—it can leave residue inside the pot.
- Once your phone is dry and at room temperature, try charging again.
When to Visit a Repair Shop
If you’ve tried all of the above and your phone still won’t charge, it could be a hardware issue.
Signs it’s time for expert help:
- The phone only charges when held at an angle.
- The port feels loose or looks damaged.
- The battery drains too quickly or won’t hold a charge.
- No charging response at all, even after testing different cables and chargers.
Get Back to Full Power—Fast
Charging issues can be frustrating, but most have simple solutions. Whether it’s a blocked port, a worn-out cable, or a minor software glitch, there’s usually a fix you can handle at home.
But if you’ve tried everything and your iPhone still won’t charge, it may be time to bring in the experts. At Pro Phone Repairs of Albuquerque, we’re proud to be a top-rated phone repair in Downtown Albuquerque, trusted for fast diagnostics, expert repairs, and same-day service you can count on.
