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How to troubleshoot a phone that’s not charging
Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
Charging IssuesSmartphoneTroubleshootingAndroidiPhoneDevice ManagementBatteryPerformanceMobile OSHardware
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It can be very frustrating to have trouble with your phone not charging. Whether your phone is charging slowly, not charging at all, or charging intermittently, there is often a solution. This guide will take you through different ways to troubleshoot your phone's charging problems step-by-step. Let's get started.
1. Check the charging cable
The first thing you should do is check your charging cable. Charging cables can wear out over time and may not work properly:
- Visual inspection: Check for any visible damage such as frayed wires, bent connectors, or exposed wires. These are signs that the cable may need to be replaced.
- Check with another device: Use the same cable to charge another device. If the other device charges, the cable is fine. If not, there may be a problem with the cable.
2. Check the charging adapter
Sometimes the charging adapter (the part that plugs into the wall) can be a problem:
- Try another adapter: Try a different adapter with the same cable to see if your phone charges. If it does, the problem is with your adapter.
- Check for damage: Check the adapter for any signs of damage. If it looks damaged, consider purchasing a new adapter.
3. Inspect the charging port
Dust, dirt, or lint can accumulate in the charging port, causing charging problems:
- Use a flashlight: Insert a flashlight into the charging port and check for any debris.
- Clean the port: Use a small, non-metallic object like a toothpick or soft brush to gently clean the port.
- Use compressed air: If you have a can of compressed air available, use it to blow out any debris from the port.
4. Restart your phone
Sometimes, restarting your phone can resolve software glitches that might be causing charging problems:
- Power Off: Turn your phone off completely and wait about 30 seconds before turning it on again.
- Restart: Alternatively, use the restart function if available on your device.
5. Try a different power source
The power source you are using may not be providing enough power to charge the phone:
- Different outlet: Plug your adapter into a different wall outlet.
- USB Port: Try charging your phone using the USB port of a computer or power bank and see if it makes a difference.
6. Check for software updates
Sometimes, a software update can fix charging problems:
- Update iOS/Android: Go to your phone's Settings, go to the Software Update section, and check if there are any updates available. Install any available updates.
7. Battery health
Battery health significantly affects charging. If your battery health is poor, you may experience charging problems:
- Check battery usage: On iPhone, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. On Android, use a third-party app like Ampere or AccuBattery to check battery health.
- Replace the battery: If the battery's condition has deteriorated significantly, consider replacing it.
8. Safe mode
Booting your phone in safe mode can help figure out if a third-party app is causing the charging problem:
- Android: Press and hold the Power button, then press and hold "Power Off" until the "Reboot to Safe Mode" prompt appears. Tap "OK."
- iPhone: iOS devices don’t have a safe mode, but you can try uninstalling recently installed apps to see if that resolves the issue.
9. Factory reset
If all else fails, restoring your phone to factory settings may be a last resort. This will erase all data on your phone, so be sure to back up important information first:
- Android: Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
- iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
10. Professional repair
If you've tried all of these solutions and your phone still won't charge, it's probably time to consult a professional. Take your phone to an authorized repair center for detailed diagnosis and repair.
Troubleshooting a phone that won't charge can be quite tricky, but following these steps methodically can help identify the problem. Start with simple solutions like checking the cable and adapter before moving on to more complex solutions like cleaning the port or doing a factory reset. If you're still having trouble, professional help may be needed to get your phone back to its optimal charging state.
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