iPhone not charging? How to find the cause and fix it
Most charging problems come down to the cable, the adapter or lint in the port. Start with the quickest checks and work down.
The fix
Step 1: rule out the cable and charger
- 1
Use a different cable.
Cables fail inside long before they look damaged. Use one you know works with another device.
- 2
Plug into a wall socket.
Laptop ports and car chargers often do not deliver enough power. Try a wall adapter and a different socket.
- 3
Try wireless charging.
If the phone charges on a MagSafe or Qi charger but not with a cable, the problem is almost certainly the port.
The fix
Step 2: clean the charging port
- 1
Turn the phone off.
- 2
Shine a flashlight into the port and look for lint or dust.
- 3
Remove it gently with a wooden toothpick or a soft, dry brush.
Never use metal objects such as pins or paper clips, and do not blow into the port. Moisture from your breath can cause corrosion.
The fix
Step 3: rule out software
- 1
Force restart the iPhone.
Press and release volume up, press and release volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. This works on iPhone 8 and later.
- 2
Leave it plugged in for an hour.
A completely drained battery can take a while before the charging screen appears.
- 3
Update iOS.
Once it has some charge, install any update in Settings › General › Software Update.
Charging but only to 80%?
- Optimized Battery Charging: holds at 80% overnight and finishes before you usually unplug. You can see and change it in Settings › Battery › Charging.
- Charging On Hold: if the phone is warm, iOS pauses charging until it cools down. Remove the case and move it out of the sun.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my iPhone stop charging at 80%?
That is usually deliberate. Optimized Battery Charging, or the 80% charge limit on iPhone 15 and later, holds the charge at 80% to reduce battery wear. The phone also pauses charging when it gets too warm.
Can I use rice to dry a wet iPhone?
No. Apple advises against putting a wet iPhone in rice, because small particles can get into the phone. Tap it gently with the port facing down and leave it to dry in a place with some airflow.
What to try next
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