iPhone iPad iOS 10 Not Charging Fix Guide

If your iPhone or iPad running iOS 10 has stopped charging, this guide walks you through the most common causes and fixes, from simple cleaning to software resets. You’ll troubleshoot step by step, and by the end, you’ll likely have your device charging again without needing a repair shop.

What You’ll Need

A soft-bristled brush (clean, dry toothbrush works)
A wooden toothpick or plastic SIM ejector tool
A can of compressed air (optional)
A microfiber cloth
Your original Apple charging cable and power adapter
A computer with iTunes (for software troubleshooting)

Step-by-Step

Check the obvious first. Plug your device into a wall outlet, not a computer or USB hub. Try a different outlet. If it still won’t charge, move to the next step.
Inspect the charging cable and adapter. Look for fraying, bent pins, or blackened connectors. If you see damage, borrow a friend’s certified cable and adapter to test. If that works, replace yours.
Clean the charging port. This is the most common fix. Turn off your device. Use a wooden toothpick or SIM ejector tool to gently scrape the bottom of the Lightning port. Do not use metal. You’ll likely pull out lint and pocket debris. Follow with a soft brush and compressed air (short bursts). Wait a minute, then try charging.
Try a different cable orientation. Lightning cables work both ways, but if one side fails, flip it over. This can happen when one side’s pins are worn.
Force restart. Hold the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button together for 10–15 seconds until the Apple logo appears. This clears minor software glitches that can stop charging detection.
Check for iOS 10 software updates. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, install it. Apple released several iOS 10 updates specifically to fix charging issues.
Reset all settings. If updates don’t help, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This won’t delete your photos or apps, but it will reset Wi-Fi passwords and wallpaper. It can fix corrupted settings that block charging.
Restore via iTunes. Back up your device, then connect it to a computer with iTunes. Select your device, click “Restore,� and follow the prompts. This reinstalls iOS 10 cleanly. If your device is completely dead, put it in Recovery Mode first: connect to computer, hold Home + Sleep/Wake until the “Connect to iTunes� screen appears, then restore.
Check for water damage. Look inside the Lightning port for a red or pink indicator (on iPhone 6s and earlier, it’s a small dot; on later models, it’s inside the SIM tray). If you see it, your device has been exposed to moisture, and charging may be disabled for safety.
Test with a wireless charger (iPhone 8 and later only). If your iPhone supports wireless charging and it works, the problem is likely the Lightning port hardware, not the battery.
Consider battery health. If your device is several years old and drains quickly even when charged, the battery may be worn out. Apple’s battery service can replace it.

Common Mistakes

Using metal tools in the port. This can short-circuit the pins and cause permanent damage. Stick to wood or plastic.
Blowing into the port with your mouth. Moisture from your breath can corrode contacts. Use compressed air instead.
Ignoring the cable. Many people assume the device is broken when the cable is the culprit. Always test with a known-good cable first.
Charging from a computer. USB ports on older computers may not provide enough power. Use a wall adapter rated at 5W (iPhone) or 12W (iPad).
Using cheap third-party cables. Non-certified cables often fail to charge or trigger “This accessory may not be supported.� If you see that message, replace the cable.
Restoring without backup. If you restore via iTunes, you’ll lose data unless you backed up first. Always back up before restoring.

Tips

Keep the port clean. Make a habit of cleaning your Lightning port every few months, especially if you carry your phone in a pocket or purse.
Use the original adapter. iPad adapters (12W) charge iPhones faster and are more robust. They’re safe to use with any Lightning device.
Try “Low Power Mode� while charging. Go to Settings > Battery and enable it. This reduces power consumption and can help a nearly dead battery charge faster.
Check the charging cable’s certification. Look for “Made for iPhone� (MFi) logo on the packaging. Certified cables are less likely to cause issues.
Restart your device before assuming hardware failure. A simple restart fixes many charging detection issues.

Troubleshooting

If you’ve followed all steps and your device still won’t charge, here’s what to try next:

If it charges only when the cable is bent at a certain angle: The cable is broken internally. Replace it immediately—this can be a fire hazard.
If it charges only when the device is off: This points to a software issue. Restore via iTunes as described in Step 8.
If the “Accessory may not be supported� message appears: Clean the port and cable contacts, then try a different cable. If the message persists, the port may have debris or damage.
If the device gets hot while charging: Remove any thick case and charge in a cool place. Overheating can stop charging temporarily. If it happens repeatedly, the battery may need service.
If nothing works and the device is completely dead: Leave it plugged into a wall charger for at least 30 minutes. Sometimes a deeply discharged battery needs time to “wake up.� If it still shows no response, it’s likely a hardware issue.
If you’ve tried everything and it still fails: Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. They can run diagnostics and determine if the port, battery, or logic board needs repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my iPhone say “Not Charging� when plugged in?

This usually means the cable or adapter isn’t providing enough power, or the port is dirty. Clean the port, try a different cable and adapter, and make sure you’re using a wall outlet.

Can I fix a water-damaged charging port?

If the water damage indicator is red, the port may be corroded. Do not charge it—this can cause a short circuit. Take it to a professional for cleaning or repair. Rice is not a reliable fix.

Will restoring my iPhone erase all my data?

Yes, restoring via iTunes erases everything. Always back up first via iCloud or iTunes. You can restore from the backup after the process.

Why does my iPad charge slowly or not at all?

iPads require a 12W adapter. Using a 5W iPhone charger will charge very slowly or not at all, especially if the iPad is in use. Also, make sure the cable is certified for iPad.

How do I know if my battery is dead?

If your device turns on when plugged in but shuts off immediately when unplugged, the battery is likely dead. Apple’s battery health feature (Settings > Battery > Battery Health) shows maximum capacity, but it’s only available on iOS 11.3 and later. On iOS 10, you’ll need to visit Apple or use a third-party diagnostic.

Can a software update fix charging problems?

Yes. Apple has released iOS updates that address charging issues. Always keep your device up to date. If you’re already on the latest iOS 10 version, try a restore.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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