Owning an iPhone is convenient, until the moment it refuses to charge when you need it most. You plug it in, expect the familiar lightning bolt to appear, and instead, nothing happens. At that point, the big question pops up: why is my iPhone not charging?
This issue can happen for many reasons, from something as simple as a dirty charging port to more complex problems like software glitches or a worn-out battery. The good news is, most of the time, you can fix it yourself without rushing to the Apple Store. This guide will walk you through step-by-step troubleshooting methods to help you identify the cause and find a fix.
Is Your Cable the Problem?
One of the most common answers to why is my iPhone not charging lies in the charging cable itself. Cables experience daily wear and tear: they’re bent, twisted, stuffed in bags, or left dangling from power points. Over time, this constant stress causes damage that may not be obvious at first glance.
Signs your cable might be faulty:
- Fraying or peeling coating: If the white outer sheath is cracked or peeling back, the internal wires may be exposed. Even if it still works intermittently, this is unsafe and can cause further damage to your iPhone.
- Loose connection: A healthy cable should fit snugly into the Lightning port. If the plug slips out easily, the pins may be worn down or bent.
- Charging at odd angles: If you find yourself having to hold the cable at a specific angle to keep the phone charging, it’s a strong sign of internal wire breakage.
- Inconsistent charging: If the phone vibrates on and off charge, or shows the charging icon only briefly, the cable may no longer be delivering a stable current.
Lightning cables, in particular, are prone to fraying at the connector end. In addition, cheap or non-MFi-certified cables (not authorised by Apple) often fail to deliver steady power, can cause overheating, and may even damage the phone’s internal circuitry.
What to do:
- Test with another cable: Borrow one from a friend or try a spare you know works. If your iPhone charges immediately, you’ve confirmed the issue.
- Buy quality replacements: Look for the MFi (Made for iPhone) logo to ensure the cable meets Apple’s standards. Third-party certified cables are safe and usually cheaper than Apple’s own.
- Inspect carefully: Check both ends of the cable for dirt, bent pins, or corrosion. Even slight discolouration can be a sign of damage.
- Retire damaged cables: If your cable sparks, overheats, or only charges intermittently, it’s time to replace it.
Could It Be the Power Adapter?
If your cable checks out, the next part to test is the power adapter (often called the charging brick). These small devices convert electricity from the outlet into safe, usable power for your iPhone. Over time, they can wear out, particularly if dropped, exposed to heat, or affected by power surges.
How to check your adapter:
- Swap adapters: Plug your iPhone into another power adapter you know works. If it starts charging, your original adapter is likely faulty.
- Test with different outlets: Sometimes the wall socket itself can be the issue, so always try another one.
- Try another power source: Connect your cable to a laptop USB port or a car charger. If charging works in one place but not another, the adapter is the problem.
- Look for visible damage: Check for cracks, scorch marks, a burning smell, or unusual heat. Overheating adapters should not be used.
Solution:
If your adapter is damaged or unreliable, replace it with an Apple adapter or a trusted third-party brand that is safety-certified. Avoid very cheap options, as they may lack proper voltage regulation and pose a fire risk.
Is the Charging Port Dirty or Blocked?
The iPhone’s charging port is small and easily collects lint, pocket fluff, dust, and tiny debris. Over time, this build-up prevents the Lightning connector from making proper contact with the charging pins.
Signs the charging port might be the issue:
- The charging cable feels wobbly or doesn’t click in firmly.
- You need to push or wiggle the cable to get a charge.
- Your iPhone doesn’t respond at all when plugged in, even with a known good cable.
How to clean the port safely:
- Turn off your iPhone first. This prevents short circuits.
- Use a wooden toothpick or soft brush. Gently scrape or brush out lint or fluff. Avoid pressing too hard as the pins are delicate.
- Compressed air works too. A few short bursts can remove dust lodged deep inside.
- Never use metal tools. Paperclips, pins, or needles can bend the pins or cause permanent damage.
After cleaning, reinsert the cable. Often, this small step restores charging immediately.
Have You Tried a Restart?
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your hardware at all but with a software glitch. iPhones can experience small bugs where the charging function doesn’t register correctly. Restarting the phone clears temporary memory and resets connections.
How to restart:
- iPhone X or later: Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the slider appears, then swipe to power off.
- iPhone SE (2nd gen) or iPhone 8 and earlier: Press and hold the side button until the slider appears.
After shutting down, wait 10–15 seconds, then power back on and reconnect your charger. If charging resumes, it was a temporary software hiccup.
Is Your iPhone Too Hot or Too Cold?
iPhones are designed to work within a temperature range of 0°C to 35°C. If your phone is outside this range, it may pause or block charging to protect the battery.
If your iPhone is overheating:
- Remove it from its case to allow heat to dissipate.
- Move it to a cool, shaded location.
- Avoid placing it on beds or under pillows while charging.
If your iPhone is too cold:
- Bring it indoors.
- Let it slowly warm to room temperature before charging.
- Avoid using artificial heat sources like hairdryers, which can damage internal components.
Charging outside safe temperatures accelerates battery wear, so always check your environment if your iPhone refuses to charge.
Could It Be a Software Issue?
Software can also explain why is my iPhone not charging. Even if the cable, adapter, and port are fine, system glitches or outdated software may block charging.
Things to try:
- Update iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest version. Updates often fix charging-related bugs.
- Force restart: Unlike a normal restart, a force restart clears deeper system issues. On most modern iPhones, quickly press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- Check charging optimisations: iPhones may pause charging at 80% to protect long-term battery health. This is not a fault. You can manage this in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
- Restore via iTunes/Finder: As a last resort, back up your data and perform a full restore. This eliminates any software conflicts.
Is It a Battery Health Problem?
If your iPhone is several years old, its lithium-ion battery may simply be wearing out. A degraded battery struggles to hold charge and may even fail to accept a charge altogether.
How to check battery health:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
- Look at the Maximum Capacity. A healthy battery should be close to 100% when new.
- If your battery is under 80% capacity, it’s considered worn out.
Solution:
If battery health is low, the best option is replacement. Apple offers official battery replacement services that restore performance and extend the life of your iPhone. Third-party repairs can be cheaper but may not use genuine parts.
What If Wireless Charging Doesn’t Work?
Wireless charging is convenient but comes with its own set of issues. If your iPhone charges fine with a cable but not wirelessly, the problem lies with the charging pad or alignment.
Try these fixes:
- Check placement: Your iPhone must be centred on the charging pad. Even a slight misalignment can break the connection.
- Remove cases: Thick or metal cases block wireless charging. Try charging without the case.
- Use certified pads: Stick to Qi-certified chargers for compatibility.
- Test another pad: If a different charger works, your original pad may be faulty.
Does Your iPhone Show Signs of Water Damage?
Even though recent iPhones are water-resistant, exposure to liquid can cause charging problems. If your phone detects moisture, you may see the warning: Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector.
What to do:
- Do not charge immediately. Plugging in while wet can short-circuit the phone.
- Air dry naturally. Place the phone in a cool, dry place for several hours.
- Avoid rice. Contrary to popular belief, rice particles can get stuck inside the port.
- If issues persist: You may need professional service for internal damage.
Quick Fixes You Can Try Straight Away
If you’re short on time, here’s a checklist of fast fixes:
- Swap cables and adapters.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Clean the charging port.
- Remove your case and try again.
- Switch to a different power outlet.
- Let your phone cool down or warm up if exposed to extreme temperatures.
These basic steps solve most charging problems without much effort.
When Should You See a Professional?
If you’ve tried all the steps above and your iPhone still refuses to charge, it may be time for professional help.
Consider visiting an Apple Store or authorised service provider if:
- The iPhone won’t charge at all, no matter what you try.
- You see physical damage to the port or logic board.
- Your battery health is very low.
- Water damage might be involved.
While DIY fixes can help with minor problems, serious issues require expert tools and diagnostics.
Preventing Charging Problems in the Future
Once you’ve solved the issue, you’ll want to avoid it happening again. Here are some preventative habits:
- Always use MFi-certified cables and trusted adapters.
- Keep your charging port clean and dust-free.
- Avoid charging in very hot or cold environments.
- Don’t overcharge—unplug once the battery is full.
- Update iOS regularly to ensure software stability.
- Replace cables before they fray or show damage.
Taking small steps can extend the life of both your iPhone and its battery.
Wrapping Up
If you’ve been wondering why is my iPhone not charging, the answer could range from a frayed cable to a deeper battery issue. The good news is that many problems are simple to fix at home, with no tools required.
By going through a step-by-step troubleshooting process—checking the cable, adapter, charging port, software, and battery—you’ll be able to narrow down the cause and apply the right solution. For stubborn cases, professional repair is the safest option.
Keeping your iPhone in good condition, using quality accessories, and paying attention to signs of wear can save you a lot of stress down the track.
