iPhone Not Charging? Find Out Why and Fix It Fast

You jab the Lightning cable in, wait for the familiar chime… and nothing. If your iPhone not charging has derailed your day, don’t worry, you’re in good company. A flaky cable, a dusty port, or a rogue software glitch can all kill the current. In the sections below, we’ll unpack the usual suspects and show you the quickest fixes so you can get back to scrolling, streaming, and staying connected.

Alt: Dirty iPhone charging port

Why Is My iPhone Not Charging?

If you’re asking, “why won’t my iPhone charge?”, it can trace back to anything from a frayed cable to a software crash. Below is a clear rundown of the most common culprits:

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Dodgy cable or adaptor: A frayed Lightning/USB-C cable, a third-party charger that isn’t fully compliant, or an ageing power brick can interrupt the flow of power.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]“Accessory Not Supported”: iOS will block uncertified or counterfeit accessories, showing a warning and halting the charge.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Loose or dirty port: Pocket lint, dust, or even a tiny sliver of foil can wedge itself inside the charging port, preventing a proper connection.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Power source problem: The wall socket, extension lead, aeroplane seat port, or USB hub you’re plugged into may be inactive, under-powered, or intermittently cutting out.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Optimised Battery Charging or temperature safeguards: iOS can pause charging at 80% to protect battery health, and it will also stop entirely if the phone is too hot or too cold.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Software crash or firmware glitch: A frozen process, a buggy iOS update, or corrupted accessory firmware can all interfere with charging detection.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Wireless misalignment: For models that support inductive charging, even a slight shift away from the coil—or a thick metal case—can break the connection.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Battery wear or hardware failure: A chemically aged battery, damaged charging circuitry, or liquid ingress can leave the handset incapable of accepting a charge.

Alt: iPhone not charging

How to Troubleshoot iPhone Charging Issues?

Below is a straightforward, step-by-step routine to track down and usually solve the “why isn’t my phone charging” headache. Work through the checks in order; most problems clear up long before you reach the last one.

Test another power source

Yes, let’s first make sure the issue is not the outlet itself. Move from the wall to a laptop USB-C port (or vice-versa) and avoid passive hubs. A stable, mains outlet is the gold standard for troubleshooting.

Swap the cable and adaptor

Plug into a different, MFi-certified Lightning or USB-C cable and a known-good power brick. If the phone starts charging, you’ve pinpointed a faulty accessory.

If you need a solid stand-in, go with USB-C chargers for iPhones that support USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) and offers at least 20W of power—enough to charge your iPhone to 50% in about 30 minutes.

A great compact choice is the Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W). It delivers fast 30W charging using efficient GaN technology and is markedly smaller than Apple’s old 20W adapter.

Its fold-down pins keep pockets snag-free, and Anker’s ActiveShield 3.0 system monitors temperature millions of times a day to keep your devices safe from overheating and power surges.

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Alt: Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W)

Inspect—and gently clean—the charging port

Shine a torch inside. If you spot lint or grit, power off the phone and tease the debris out with a wooden toothpick or soft brush. Never prod with metal.

Thinking about using compressed air? Apple actually doesn’t recommend it, since it could harm internal parts. Still, lots of people use it without problems. If you decide to try it, stick to short, gentle bursts and avoid blasting the full can into the port.

Look for moisture or temperature warnings

If you see “Liquid Detected” or the phone feels excessively warm, unplug it. Let the handset dry out or cool down naturally before trying again.

Force Restart iOS

A quick reboot flushes minor software crashes that stop the charging handshake. Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears (for Face ID models).

Check for an iOS update

Head to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple often patches charging-related bugs in minor releases. Installing the latest build can restore normal behaviour.

Toggle Optimised Battery Charging

In Settings > Battery > Charging, switch Optimised Charging off temporarily. If the battery leaps past 80%, the feature was simply holding the charge for battery longevity.

Troubleshoot Wireless Charging Issues

Wireless charging can be sensitive to alignment and interference. Thick or metallic cases, as well as certain accessories, might disrupt the connection between your iPhone and the charger. To rule that out, remove any case or extras and place your bare phone directly in the centre of the charging pad to test again.

If you’d rather guarantee perfect placement every time, certified MagSafe or Qi2 chargers make a big difference. They use built-in magnets to snap your iPhone into perfect alignment, giving you a stable, efficient charge with no guesswork.

One standout is the Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe. It’s Apple-certified for 15W fast wireless charging, so your iPhone powers up quickly and consistently.

The Cube also features a certified pop-out Apple Watch charger that tops off your watch in about an hour, plus a third spot for your AirPods. Its foldable, compact design slips easily into a bag or pocket, and the adjustable hinge lets you tilt your phone up to 60°, perfect for FaceTime or StandBy mode while it charges.

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Alt: Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe

Reset all settings (non-destructive)

Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. Your data stays intact, but networking and accessory settings refresh—often clearing odd charging glitches.

Run Apple’s battery diagnostics

Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health, check Maximum Capacity. Anything under roughly 80% on an older handset may point to a worn battery that struggles to accept charge and needs replacement.

Book a professional repair

If none of the above sticks—especially if your iPhone was recently dropped, exposed to water, or shows visible damage—the problem is probably a failing battery, a damaged charging port, or even a fault with the logic board.

At that stage, Apple or an authorised service provider is your best bet.

Conclusion

An iPhone not charging issue rarely means the phone is doomed. Nine times out of ten, a fresh cable, a clean port, or a simple restart sorts it. Work through the checks, keep your charging kit in good nick, and you’ll spend more time powered up. If you’ve ticked every box and the battery still won’t budge, it’s probably time for Apple Support—or a new battery. Either way, you’ll head in knowing you’ve tried the smart stuff first.

FAQs

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

If your iPhone is plugged in but not charging, start by checking the charging cable and power adapter for any signs of damage. Try using a different cable or plug to rule out faulty accessories. Inspect the charging port on your iPhone for any debris or dirt that might be blocking the connection. Restart your device and, if possible, try charging from a different power source, such as another wall socket or a computer USB port. If it still doesn’t charge, your device may need servicing.

What should I do if my iPhone is charging slowly?

Slow charging is often down to your charger or cable: use a 20W or higher USB-C Power Delivery adapter with an MFi-certified USB-C to Lightning (or C-to-C) cable. Also inspect your cable for wear, clean the port of any fluff, and try restarting your iPhone. Keep it out of direct heat—if the phone gets too warm, charging may be intentionally slowed. Finally, ensure you’re on the latest iOS.

Can using third-party accessories cause charging problems?

Yes. Non-Apple or non-MFi-certified chargers and cables can deliver the wrong voltage or amperage, leading to erratic charging, damage to the battery or port, and may void your warranty. Always look for the “Made for iPhone” logo or buy reputable brands that meet Apple’s specs to avoid overheating, short-circuits or outright failure.

How to clean an iPhone charging port?

Turn off your iPhone, then use a dry, clean soft-bristle brush (e.g. a dry toothbrush) or a wooden toothpick to gently dislodge lint and debris—avoid metal tools. You can finish with a brief burst of compressed air held upright (optional). Inspect with a torch to ensure the port is clear, then power back on and test charging.