How to Fix an iPhone That's Not Charging Properly
Is your iPhone not charging, charging slowly, or showing the "accessory not supported" message? This guide provides clear, step-by-step solutions to fix common charging problems on any iPhone model.
When an iPhone fails to charge, the problem usually falls into one of three categories: the charging accessories, the phone's charging port, or a software glitch. Hardware failure is less common but can also be a cause.
Common Causes:
- Faulty Cable or Adapter: Lightning cables are prone to fraying, and power adapters can fail.
- Dirty Charging Port: Lint, dust, and debris can accumulate in the Lightning port, preventing a solid connection.
- Software Glitch: A temporary bug in iOS can sometimes interfere with the charging process.
- Using Non-Certified Accessories: Non-MFi (Made for iPhone) certified chargers can be unreliable and even damage your device.
- Hardware Damage: Damage to the charging port or internal battery can prevent charging.
1. Check Your Charging Cable and Adapter
Rule out the most common and easiest-to-fix culprits first.
- Inspect for Damage: Check your Lightning cable for any signs of fraying, kinks, or bent pins.
- Try a Different Cable/Adapter: Use a different, known-working Apple-certified cable and power adapter to see if the issue is with your accessories.
- Try a Different Power Source: If you're using a wall outlet, try a different one. If you're using a USB port on a computer, switch to a wall adapter.
2. Clean the Lightning Port
This is a surprisingly common fix. Pocket lint is the #1 enemy of your charging port.
- Power Off Your iPhone: First, turn your iPhone completely off.
- Use a Toothpick: Gently insert a wooden or plastic toothpick into the port and carefully scrape the sides and bottom to dislodge debris. Do NOT use metal objects like paperclips, as they can cause a short circuit.
- Use Compressed Air: If you have it, a short blast of compressed air can help clear out any remaining dust.
3. Perform a Hard Reset
A hard reset (or force restart) can clear up software glitches that may be preventing charging.
- For iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
- For iPhone 7: Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake button at the same time until the Apple logo appears.
- After the phone restarts, try charging it again for at least 30 minutes.
4. Check for Software Updates
Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, download and install it.
Do not use metal objects like paperclips, safety pins, or SIM ejector tools to clean your charging port. You risk shorting out the pins and causing permanent damage. Also, avoid cheap, non-certified chargers from unknown brands, as they can damage your iPhone's battery over time.