If your iPhone refuses to charge, it can be due to anything from a dirty Lightning port to software glitches or hardware failure. Before rushing in for repairs, work through these 12 practical solutions—each with numbered steps—to diagnose and restore charging functionality on your device.
Check Your Charging Cable and Adapter
Why This Helps
Frayed cables or faulty adapters are the most common causes of charging failures.
Steps
- Inspect the cable for kinks, exposed wires, or breaks near the ends.
- Try a different Lightning cable—ideally an Apple-certified (MFi) cable.
- Check your USB power adapter for bent prongs or burn marks; swap in another Apple adapter or a high-quality third-party one.
- Plug into a known-good power outlet—test a lamp or phone to confirm the outlet works.
Outcome: Confirms whether the problem lies with accessories, not your iPhone.
Clean the Lightning Port
Why This Helps
Lint, dust, and debris can accumulate, blocking the connection between cable and port.
Steps
- Power off your iPhone to avoid short circuits.
- Use a dry, anti-static brush, toothpick, or compressed air to gently dislodge debris.
- Do not insert metal objects that could damage contacts.
- After cleaning, power on and reconnect the cable.
Tip: Clean the port monthly to prevent buildup.
Ensure a Firm Connection
Why This Helps
A loose or partially inserted cable won’t make full contact, preventing charging.
Steps
- Insert the Lightning connector fully until you feel it click.
- Wiggle gently to see if the charging symbol appears on screen.
- Hold the cable at different angles—if charging intermittently appears, the port or cable may be worn.
Insight: Intermittent charging usually signals a failing port or cable.
Restart or Force Restart Your iPhone
Why This Helps
Software glitches can disable the charging circuit until a reboot clears them.
Steps
- iPhone 8 or later:
- Quickly press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold Side until the Apple logo.
- iPhone 7 / 7 Plus:
- Hold Side + Volume Down until you see the Apple logo.
- iPhone 6s and earlier:
- Hold Home + Side/Top until the Apple logo appears.
Outcome: Resets the operating system and may restore charging.
Test a Wireless Charger
Why This Helps
Ruling out Lightning problems by confirming that wireless charging works can isolate hardware issues.
Steps
- Place your iPhone (iPhone 8 or later) on an Apple-certified Qi wireless pad.
- Ensure the iPhone is centered on the pad.
- Look for the charge icon on the lock screen.
- If wireless charging succeeds but Lightning fails, the port or cable is at fault.
Note: Remove any thick or metal-backed case that might block wireless charging.
Update iOS to the Latest Version
Why This Helps
Apple occasionally releases firmware fixes that address charging bugs.
Steps
- Settings → General → Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
- After installation and reboot, retry charging with your cable.
Tip: Enable Automatic Updates to stay current and avoid future glitches.
Check Battery Health and Settings
Why This Helps
A degraded battery or misconfigured settings may prevent charging beyond certain thresholds.
Steps
- Open Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging.
- Check Maximum Capacity—if below 80%, battery replacement is recommended.
- Toggle Optimized Battery Charging On to reduce aging, but test toggling it off if charging stalls at 80%.
Outcome: Determines whether battery wear or settings impede full charging.
Reset All Settings
Why This Helps
Restores electrical and charging-related configuration without erasing personal data.
Steps
- Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings, enter your passcode, and confirm.
- After reboot, reconnect your charger and test.
Note: You’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords, but no apps or media are deleted.
Restore in Recovery or DFU Mode
Why This Helps
A software restore clears deep system corruption that can disable the charging routine.
Steps for Recovery Mode
- Connect to a computer with iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave) or Finder (macOS Catalina+).
- Enter Recovery Mode (soft-reset sequence but hold until recovery screen).
- Choose Update to reinstall iOS without data loss; if that fails, choose Restore.
Steps for DFU Mode
- Follow model-specific DFU entry steps (detailed on Apple’s support site).
- In iTunes/Finder, click Restore iPhone.
- After complete restore, test charging before restoring a backup.
Caution: DFU is advanced; use only if Recovery Mode fails.
Inspect for Liquid or Physical Damage
Why This Helps
Corrosion or impact can disable internal charging circuitry.
Steps
- Remove your case and inspect the Lightning port and back panel for moisture or corrosion.
- Eject the SIM tray and check the Liquid Contact Indicator (red).
- If you see damage, back up your data immediately.
- Contact Apple Support for diagnostic service.
Insight: Water damage often requires professional board-level repair.
Visit an Authorized Repair Provider
Why This Helps
When DIY fixes fail, genuine parts and trained technicians can replace faulty ports or batteries.
Steps
- Back up your iPhone via iCloud or a computer.
- Use the Apple Support app or website to locate an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider.
- Book an appointment, describe your troubleshooting steps, and bring your device in.
- After repair, test charging on the spot before leaving.
Note: Repairs under warranty or AppleCare+ may be free or discounted.
Prevent Future Charging Issues
Why This Helps
Good charging practices prolong port life and battery health.
Tips
- Use Apple-certified cables and adapters to avoid voltage irregularities.
- Keep your port clean—avoid lint and debris by storing your iPhone in a pocket separate from pocket lint sources.
- Avoid charging in extreme temperatures—operate between 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F).
- Unplug gently—pull the plug, not the cable, to reduce wear on the Lightning connector.
- Check regularly for iOS updates to benefit from charging-related firmware improvements.
Outcome: Extends the life of your charging port and battery, reducing future issues.
Conclusion
An iPhone that won’t charge can usually be brought back to life with methodical troubleshooting—starting with simple cable and port checks, cleaning, and software resets, and progressing through Recovery/DFU restores and, if needed, professional repair. These 12 steps cover every angle: accessory inspection, software fixes, hardware diagnostics, and preventive practices. Follow them in order to restore reliable charging and keep your iPhone powered up for years to come.
