iPhone Not Charging? Here’s How to Troubleshoot and Fix It

Your iPhone not charging? Yeah, that’s a headache nobody wants, especially when you’re down to 5% and need it working now. Charging issues can pop up for all sorts of reasons, and they’re more common than you might think.

Before you panic or rush to book a Genius Bar appointment, there are a few simple things you can check. In this guide, we’ll break down the most likely reasons your iPhone is not charging, and walk you through what you can do to fix it, step by step.

Alt: iPhone not charging

Why Is My iPhone Not Charging?

When you’re wondering, why isn’t my phone charging, the issue can trace back to anything from a frayed cable to a temporary software glitch. Here’s a quick rundown of the common culprits:

Here are the most common reasons your iPhone might not be charging:

• Faulty charging cable or adapter: If your Lightning or USB-C cable is frayed, bent, or the adapter is damaged, your iPhone can’t draw power. Even if it looks fine, internal damage or cheap knockoffs can stop the charge.
• “Accessory Not Supported” warning: If your iPhone doesn’t trust the cable or adapter—because it’s damaged, fake, or not drawing power safely—it might show a pop-up and refuse to charge.
• Dirt or debris in the charging port: Pocket lint, dust, or other gunk can easily build up in your iPhone’s port. Even a small amount can prevent a proper connection between the cable and your device.
• Water or moisture in the port: If your iPhone detects liquid in the charging port, it’ll block charging to prevent damage. You’ll usually see a warning like “Liquid Detected” or “Charging Not Available.”
• Temperature too hot or too cold: iPhones are designed to stop charging when they get too hot or too cold. You might see a message saying “Charging On Hold Due to Temperature” if it’s outside the safe range.
• Software glitches or bugs: Sometimes a recent iOS update or random software glitch can interfere with charging. In some cases, your phone might not recognize it’s plugged in at all.
• Wireless alignment issues: With wireless charging, your phone has to be aligned just right. If it’s off-centre or your case is too thick (especially if it’s metal), it may not charge at all.
• Physical damage to the port or internal hardware: If the charging port is loose, damaged, or has bent pins, or if there’s an issue with the phone’s internal charging circuitry, your iPhone may not charge even if everything else seems fine.

Troubleshooting iPhone Not Charging Issues

Now that you know the possible answers to your question, “Why won’t my iPhone charge?”, it’s time to troubleshoot. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you figure out what’s going on. Start with the basics and work your way down.

Restart your iPhone

Sometimes, a quick reboot is all it takes. Charging glitches can be caused by a software hiccup in the background. Restarting your iPhone resets those systems and can clear up the issue instantly.

Check your cable and adapter

Take a good look at your charging gear. If you see frayed cables, bent or corroded pins, scorch marks on the prongs, or you’re using cheap, no-name accessories, those are all warning signs. Try swapping in different MFi-certified cables and chargers for iPhones to pinpoint the issue; iOS won’t draw power from damaged or uncertified gear.

If it turns out your charger is the culprit—which is often the case—a great “one-and-done” replacement option is the 3-port Anker Prime Charger 100W. It supports USB-C Power Delivery, intelligently adjusts to the 20-watt profile your iPhone needs, and still has plenty of headroom to fast-charge a MacBook or iPad on the other ports.

Thanks to its GaN (gallium nitride) design, this brick stays impressively compact, and Anker’s built-in safety features help ensure your device stays protected from overheating, high voltage, or overcurrent.

Alt: Anker Prime Charger 100W 3 port

Inspect and clean the charging port

Shine a light into your iPhone’s charging port. Dust, lint, or other debris can build up and block the connection. If you see anything in there, power off your phone and gently clean it out using a wooden toothpick or soft brush. Avoid using anything metal like pins or paperclips.

Compressed air? Apple actually advises against using it, as it could damage internal components. That said, many people use it successfully with no issues. If you do go that route, use short bursts and don’t blast the entire can into the port.

Make sure the port is dry

If your iPhone detects moisture in the port, it will stop charging as a safety measure. You’ll usually see a message like “Liquid Detected” or “Charging Not Available.” In that case, unplug it and let it dry naturally for at least 30 minutes. Don’t use heat or compressed air.

Troubleshooting wireless charging issues

If your iPhone isn’t charging wirelessly, the issue often comes down to alignment or interference. With standard Qi chargers, your phone needs to sit just right over the charging coil, and even slight misalignment can prevent it from charging. Thick cases, especially those with metal components, can also block or weaken the connection, making wireless charging unreliable or totally unresponsive.

That’s where certified MagSafe or Qi2 chargers really change the game. They use built-in magnets to snap your iPhone precisely into place, ensuring a strong, consistent charge every time. A great example is the Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe. It’s officially Apple-certified for 15W fast wireless charging, so your iPhone 16 charges quickly and reliably.

The Cube also pops out a certified Apple Watch puck that fills the watch to 100% in about an hour and still leaves a spot for your AirPods. The fold-up design slips easily into a pocket, and the hinged hinge lets you tilt the phone up to 60° for FaceTime while it charges.

Alt: Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe

Let it cool down (or warm up)

iPhones are built to pause charging if they get too hot or too cold. If you see a message about temperature, move your phone to a more moderate environment and give it some time to return to a safe range.

Update iOS and your apps

Occasionally, charging issues can be caused by bugs in iOS or even third-party apps. Make sure you’re running the latest software by checking Settings > General > Software Update. Updates often include fixes for power and charging problems.

Reset all settings (as a last resort)

If you’ve ruled out hardware and your phone still won’t charge, you can try resetting all settings. This won’t delete your data, but it will restore things like network settings and preferences. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.

Contact Apple Support or visit a repair center

If none of the above works, there may be a deeper hardware issue, like a damaged charging port, logic board failure, or a battery that needs replacement. At this point, your best move is to book an appointment with Apple or an authorized repair provider.

Conclusion

Running into an iPhone not charging issue is frustrating, but it’s usually something you can troubleshoot on your own. Whether it’s a dirty port, a worn-out cable, or a software glitch, the fix is often easier than expected.

If nothing seems to work after trying the steps we covered, it might be time to bring in a pro. But at least you’ll know you’ve ruled out the common stuff first. Either way, you’re now better equipped to handle it next time your iPhone refuses to juice up.

FAQs

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

If your iPhone is plugged in but not charging, first check that your charging cable and power adapter are properly connected and not damaged. Try using a different cable or adapter to see if that solves the issue. Also, inspect the charging port for debris or lint that might be blocking the connection. Restart your iPhone and make sure it’s running the latest version of iOS. If the problem persists, consider resetting your device settings or contacting Apple Support.

How to clean an iPhone charging port?

First, power off your iPhone. Shine a flashlight into the charging port to check for dust or lint. Gently insert a wooden toothpick or use a soft brush (like a clean, dry toothbrush) to dislodge debris. Never use metal tools. Apple recommends avoiding compressed air, but many users report success using it cautiously. If you choose to use compressed air, spray in short, controlled bursts and hold the can upright.

Why is my phone not charging even when plugged?

If your phone isn’t charging even though it’s plugged in, several issues could be at play. The charging cable or adapter may be damaged or incompatible, the charging port may be dirty or faulty, or the software might be frozen or unresponsive. Try restarting your phone, using a different charger, and cleaning the port gently. If it still doesn’t charge, it may be a hardware issue like a damaged battery or logic board. In that case, seek professional help.

How do I force my iPhone to charge fully?

If your iPhone stops at around 80%, you may have Optimized Battery Charging or an 80% limit enabled. To override, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and turn off Optimized Battery Charging and any 80% Limit setting. Additionally, ensure your phone isn’t overheating—move it to a cooler spot if it feels warm—and try charging while powered off or in Airplane Mode to eliminate background drain.