iPhone Charger Not Working? Common Reasons & Easy Fixes Explained

You plug in your iPhone like you always do, but nothing happens. No buzz, no charging icon, just a blank screen. Few things are more frustrating than your iPhone charger not working, especially when you need it most.

The good news? Most charging problems are easy to fix at home. In this guide, you'll find out what's actually causing the issue and how to get your phone charging again.

Common Reasons Your iPhone Isn't Charging

If your iPhone isn't charging, it's usually due to one of these common issues:

• Dirty or blocked charging port: Dust, lint, or debris in the port can stop your charger from connecting properly.
• Damaged or non-certified charging cable: Frayed, bent, or non-certified cables—even ones that look fine—can stop working without warning.
• Faulty charging adapter: The wall adapter itself might be the problem, especially if it's a cheap or off-brand product that doesn't meet Apple's standards.
• iOS or software glitches: A bug or frozen process can stop your iPhone from detecting the charger
• Software glitch: Sometimes your iPhone just needs a quick restart or update to fix a charging issue.
• Overheating: If your iPhone gets too hot, it may temporarily stop charging to protect itself.
• Battery health problems: If your battery is old or degraded, it might not hold a charge or respond properly when plugged in.
• Wireless charging issues: Misaligned placement on the charging pad, incompatible chargers, or thick phone cases can stop wireless charging from working properly.

How to Fix iPhone Not Charging

Now that you've got a good idea of what the culprit might be, try these iPhone charging troubleshooting steps to fix the issue:

1. Check the Power Source and Cable

Start by checking the power source: Try plugging your phone into a different wall adapter that you know works, or connect it to a laptop's USB port. Look for the charging icon—if it appears, the original power adapter may be the problem.

Still no luck? Inspect the cable end-to-end. If you notice bent pins, frayed wires, or signs of wear, try using another one—ideally an MFi (Made for iPhone)-certified cable. Damaged accessories are a common cause of charging problems.

If your power adapter is the culprit, it's worth upgrading to one of those compact or multi-port GaN chargers for iPhone. These chargers are not only great at managing heat but also charge your iPhone faster and more efficiently.

A pocket-ready fix is the Anker Nano Charger (30W). GaN components let this cube—just over an inch on a side—deliver a full 30W of USB-C Power Delivery (PD) while staying cool. That output can bring your iPhone from 0% to 50% in about half an hour.

Fold-away prongs slip neatly into a pocket or power strip, and built-in ActiveShield 2.0 continuously checks temperature to guard your battery during every fast-charge session.

2. Restart or Force Restart Your iPhone

Simple as it sounds, restarting your phone can resolve many charging glitches.

• Press and hold the side + volume button (iPhones with Face ID), or the power button (older models).
• Slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
• Try charging again.

If your phone is unresponsive, perform a force restart instead. Instructions vary slightly by model but usually involve pressing volume buttons in sequence and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears.

3. Inspect and Clean the Charging Port

Still not charging? It might be time to check whether your iPhone charging port not working is the issue.

Look into the charging port using a flashlight. If you see lint, dust, or debris, power off your iPhone and gently clean the port using a soft, dry, lint-free tool (like a wooden or plastic toothpick).

Avoid using sharp metal objects or liquids. Damaging the pins inside could stop charging completely.

4. Check for iOS Updates

Outdated software can cause compatibility issues between your phone and charger. Make sure you're running the latest iOS.

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
• If an update is available, download and install it.
• Restart your phone and plug in your charger again.

5. Inspect Battery Health and Optimized Charging Settings

Is your iPhone stuck at 80% charge? It might be intentional.

• Navigate to Settings > Battery > Charging.
• Turn off Optimized Battery Charging temporarily.
• Let the phone charge to 100% and monitor for improvements.

This Apple feature is designed to preserve battery health—but it can be confusing if you're not expecting it.

6. Cool Down Your iPhone

iPhones may slow or stop charging if they get too warm. Move your device to a cooler spot, take off any thick case, and wait until it cools down before trying again. Charging will usually resume once the temperature is back to normal.

7. Fix Wireless Charging Problems

Wireless charging skips the connector entirely, so each night on a pad means one less plug-in cycle and less wear on the phone's port.

But if you're having issues with wireless charging, double-check that the pad's power cable is secure, the phone is centered, and your case isn't thicker than about 2-3 mm. Even a few millimeters off-center can stop the energy transfer.

For a hassle-free experience and a tidier setup, consider using a MagSafe or Qi2 charging station, which aligns your phone perfectly every time using magnets.

The Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station brings three chargers into one foldable stand. Its Qi2-certified magnetic pad snaps your iPhone into perfect alignment and supplies the full 15W wireless charging speed. A second surface tops up your AirPods, and an integrated puck fast-charges an Apple Watch, so one wall outlet now handles every daily device.

ActiveShield 2.0 monitors temperature millions of times a day for safe, sustained speeds, while the hinge lets you tilt the phone for Face ID or fold the unit flat for travel.

8. When to Seek Professional Help

If none of these steps work, the issue could be deeper—like a problem with the logic board or battery connector. Contact Apple Support or visit a certified repair center if:

• Your iPhone has suffered water or drop damage.
• The port is physically broken or bent.
• Your battery drains rapidly even after charging.
• You've tried multiple cables and power sources with no success.

Don't risk further damage by forcing a connection or using poor-quality accessories.

Conclusion

Your iphone charger not working can throw off the day, but chances are, the fix is easier than you think. Whether it's a dirty charging port, a faulty cable, or a quick software reset, now you know what to look for and how to handle it. If your iPhone's still not charging after trying these steps, it might be time to replace a part—but at least you'll know it's the last resort.

FAQs

What do I do if my iPhone charger is plugged in but not charging?

Start by checking the basics: make sure the cable is firmly plugged into both your iPhone and the power source. If it still doesn't charge, try using a different outlet, cable, or charging adapter.

Also, inspect your iPhone's charging port—it might have lint or dirt that's blocking the connection. A quick restart of your iPhone can sometimes fix the issue, too. If none of that works, it could be a hardware issue and worth getting checked out by Apple Support.

What causes Apple chargers to stop working?

Apple chargers can fail due to everyday wear and tear on the cable (fraying or bending), port damage, or a faulty adapter. Debris and corrosion or using non-MFi-certified accessories can also prevent proper charging. Internal faults, sometimes caused by power surges, moisture, or overheating, may damage the adapter.

Why does my iPhone stop charging at 80%?

Your iPhone may pause charging around 80% as part of its battery health features—like Optimized Battery Charging or Charge Limit—to preserve long-term battery lifespan. Additionally, if the phone senses it's in a warm environment, it may hold at 80% to avoid overheating. If you prefer to fully charge, you can disable these features in Settings > Battery > Charging.

How do I fix my iPhone charger?

First, check if the problem is with the cable, the adapter, or the charging port. Try swapping out the cable and adapter with ones you know work. Inspect the cable for damage and gently clean the iPhone's charging port using a soft, dry brush or compressed air. Restart your phone to rule out temporary software glitches. If the charger still doesn't work and it's visibly damaged, it's safest to replace it with a certified Apple or MFi (Made for iPhone) product.