iPhone stuck on the charging screen? What to do
A battery icon that never goes away usually means the battery is empty or the iPhone is not getting enough power. A longer charge and a force restart fix many cases.
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
A charging or low battery screen is normal for a minute when an empty iPhone starts to charge. It is a problem when it stays there for an hour, or never gives way to the Apple logo. This guide is for that case. If your screen stays completely black with no sign of charging, see an iPhone that will not turn on.
The fix
Fix 1: Charge for an hour on a wall adapter
- 1
Plug into a wall adapter, not a computer or a weak power bank.
- 2
Leave it for at least an hour.
A deeply drained battery may show only the charging screen for a long time before it has enough power to start.
- 3
Try to turn it on again.
Fix 2: Try a different cable and adapter
A damaged cable or a weak adapter can supply just enough power to show the charging screen and not enough to start the iPhone. Use a cable you know works with another device and a wall adapter from a reputable maker. Check the cable ends for bent pins or fraying.
Fix 3: Check the charging port
Lint in the port stops the plug from seating properly. Turn the iPhone off if you can, shine a light into the port, and gently lift out lint with a wooden toothpick. Do not use metal and do not push hard. See an iPhone that will not charge for more on the port.
The fix
Fix 4: Force restart
- 1
Press and release Volume Up quickly.
- 2
Press and release Volume Down quickly.
- 3
Hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Keep holding even if the screen goes dark first. This works on iPhone 8 and later and does not erase anything.
On an iPhone 7, hold the side button and Volume Down together. On an iPhone 6s or older, hold the Home button and the top or side button together.
Fix 5: Charge it again while it is off
After a force restart that does not work, plug in the iPhone again and wait another 30 minutes. If you see the Apple logo and then a red battery or the charging screen again, the battery is not holding charge.
Fix 6: Recovery mode if the Apple logo appears and stops
If the iPhone moves past the charging screen but then sticks on the Apple logo, that is a different problem. See our guide to an iPhone stuck on the Apple logo.
When it is the battery or the iPhone
- The same charging screen returns after an hour on a different charger: the battery may be worn out, or the iPhone may have a charging fault.
- The iPhone was dropped or got wet before the problem began: other parts may be damaged.
- The iPhone is old and the battery health was already low.
At that point, take it to Apple or an authorized repair provider. A battery replacement is often the fix, and our guide to whether a battery replacement is worth it helps you decide before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my iPhone stuck on the charging screen?
The battery is usually empty or the charger is not giving enough power. A damaged cable, a dirty port or a worn battery can also keep the iPhone on the charging screen.
How long should I charge before I try again?
Leave it on a wall charger for at least an hour. A deeply drained battery can take a while to show anything.
Will force restarting delete my data?
No. A force restart does not erase anything.
Is it the battery or the charger?
Try another cable and wall adapter first. If a different charger shows the same screen after an hour, the battery or the iPhone needs service.
What to try next
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