iPhone Not Charging: 10 Fixes That Actually Work

If your iPhone is not charging, the cause is usually a dirty charging port, a faulty cable, or a software glitch—and most of these issues can be fixed at home in a few minutes. Below are ten practical troubleshooting steps, ordered from the simplest to the more involved, that address the majority of charging failures.

Why Your iPhone Won’t Charge: Common Causes

Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand what typically goes wrong. The most frequent culprits are:

Debris in the Lightning or USB-C port—lint, pocket dust, or crumbs can block the connector from making full contact.
Damaged or non-certified cables and adapters—worn wires, frayed ends, or cheap third-party accessories without MFi (Made for iPhone) certification often fail to deliver power reliably.
Software glitches—a crashed background process or a stuck charging state can prevent the phone from recognizing the power source.
Battery health degradation—after hundreds of charge cycles, the battery may no longer accept a charge, especially in cold conditions.
Hardware failure—a damaged charging IC (integrated circuit) or a bent pin in the port requires professional repair.

Identifying which category your issue falls into will help you choose the right fix below.

10 Fixes to Try When Your iPhone Won’t Charge

Clean the charging port gently. Use a soft, dry toothbrush or a wooden toothpick to carefully remove lint from the bottom of the port. Do not use metal tools or blow compressed air—both can damage the pins. This single step resolves a surprising number of cases.
Try a different cable and adapter. Borrow a friend’s Apple-certified cable or use a different wall adapter. If the phone charges, your original cable or adapter is the problem. Inspect the cable for kinks, cuts, or exposed wires.
Force restart your iPhone. A quick reboot clears many software glitches. Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears (for iPhone 8 or later). For iPhone 7, hold the Side and Volume Down buttons together; for iPhone 6s and earlier, hold Home and the Top/Side button.
Check for a “Accessory Not Supported” alert. If you see this message, the accessory is not compatible or the port is dirty. Unplug, clean the port, and try another cable.
Use a different power source. Plug the adapter into a different wall outlet, or try a USB port on a computer. Avoid charging through a hub or an older low-power port that may not deliver enough wattage.
Let the phone warm up. If the iPhone is extremely cold, the battery may temporarily refuse to charge. Move it to a warmer room (above 32°F / 0°C) and wait 15–30 minutes.
Update iOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple periodically fixes charging-related bugs in new iOS versions. If you can’t update because the battery is dead, connect to a computer and use Finder (or iTunes on older macOS/Windows) to update.
Reset all settings. This does not erase your data, but it resets Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other preferences. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. You’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords afterward.
Try wireless charging (if supported). For iPhone 8 and later, place the phone on a Qi-certified wireless charger. If it charges wirelessly, the Lightning port or cable is likely at fault.
Restore via a computer. As a last software step, connect to a computer and put the iPhone in recovery mode (using the same button combos as a force restart, but holding until the recovery screen appears). Then choose “Restore” in Finder/iTunes. This wipes the phone, so back up first if possible.

If none of these work, the issue is likely hardware-related, and you should contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider.

How to Tell if It’s the Cable, Adapter, or Port

To isolate the faulty component:

Test with another cable—if it charges, the original cable is bad.
Test with another adapter—if it charges, the original adapter is bad.
Test with a different iPhone—if another iPhone charges with your cable and adapter, your iPhone’s port or battery is the issue.

Also, check the charging cable’s connector for dark or burnt spots—that indicates an electrical short. A bent or broken pin in the port is visible with a bright light and a magnifying glass.

Preventing Future Charging Problems

Once your iPhone charges again, adopt these habits to avoid recurrence:

Keep the port clean by avoiding pockets full of lint; use a case with a port cover if you’re often in dusty environments.
Use MFi-certified cables and adapters—they’re designed to meet Apple’s performance and safety standards.
Don’t wrap cables tightly or bend them sharply at the connector; this is where most breaks occur.
Avoid charging in extreme temperatures (below 32°F or above 95°F) for extended periods.
If you notice the cable getting warm during charging, unplug it and replace it—overheating can damage the battery.

When to Seek Professional Repair

If you’ve tried all ten fixes and the iPhone still won’t charge, the problem may be a damaged charging port, a faulty battery, or a logic board issue. These require specialized tools and expertise. Signs you should stop DIY attempts:

The port is visibly bent, corroded, or has broken pins.
The phone gets unusually hot when plugged in.
The battery expands (screen lifts or back bulges)—this is a safety hazard.
You see a “Liquid Detected” alert, indicating moisture in the port.

Apple offers battery service and repair options; third-party repair shops may be cheaper but ensure they use quality parts. Never attempt to pry open the phone yourself—you risk injury and further damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my iPhone say “Charging on Hold”?

This message appears when the iPhone is too hot or too cold, or when the battery is in a state that prevents charging to preserve health. Move the phone to a normal temperature (around 70°F / 21°C) and it should resume charging automatically.

Can I charge my iPhone with a non-Apple cable?

Yes, but only if the cable is MFi-certified. Non-certified cables may not work, can charge slowly, or can damage the battery or port. Look for the “Made for iPhone” logo on the packaging.

How long does an iPhone battery last?

Apple estimates that a typical battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity after 500 complete charge cycles. You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If it’s below 80%, consider a replacement.

Why does my iPhone only charge when turned off?

This often indicates a software issue or a weak power source. When off, the phone draws less power, so a low-wattage adapter can still charge it. Try a higher-wattage adapter (like the 20W one that comes with newer models) or update iOS.

Is it safe to use a wireless charger overnight?

Yes, most modern iPhones have optimized battery charging that limits the charge to 80% until you need it. However, ensure the wireless charger is Qi-certified and placed on a flat, ventilated surface to prevent overheating.

What should I do if I see a “Liquid Detected” alert?

Unplug the cable and do not try to charge until the port is completely dry. Gently tap the phone to remove excess liquid, then leave it in a dry, well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours. Do not use rice—it can leave dust in the port. If the alert persists, contact Apple Support.

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

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