iPhone not charging? How to find the cause and fix it

A phone that will not charge feels like a broken phone, but most of the time it is not. The cable, the adapter and pocket lint cause far more charging problems than a failed battery. Work through the fixes in order: each one takes a minute or two, and the first three solve most cases.

Why is my iPhone not charging when plugged in?

Charging needs four things to work: a power source, an adapter, a cable, and a clean connection into the phone. Then iOS decides whether it is safe to charge, based on temperature and battery settings. A fault in any one of these stops charging. That is why swapping parts one at a time is the fastest way to find the cause.

• Cable: the wires break inside near the ends long before anything looks damaged. This is the single most common cause.
• Adapter or power source: laptop ports, car chargers and old 5W cubes may give too little power to charge a phone that is in use.
• Port: lint packs into the bottom of the port every time you put the phone in a pocket, until the plug can no longer seat fully.
• Software: a frozen process can stop the phone from showing or accepting a charge until it restarts.
• Battery or hardware: a worn battery, liquid damage or a failed charging chip. These need a repair.

What do the charging messages mean?

Your iPhone often tells you why it is not charging. Here is what each message means and what to do.

• Slow Charger: shown on the Lock Screen and in Settings › Battery when a stronger adapter would charge faster. Nothing is wrong. Use a 20W or higher USB-C adapter if you want more speed.
• Charging On Hold: the phone is too hot or too cold, so iOS paused charging to protect the battery. Remove the case, move it out of the sun or a hot car, and it resumes on its own.
• This accessory may not be supported: the cable or adapter is damaged, dirty, uncertified, or not made for your model. Unplug and reconnect, clean the connectors, and try a different cable. If the alert appears with nothing plugged in, the port may need service.
• Liquid Detected in Lightning or USB-C Connector: moisture is in the port. Unplug, tap the phone gently with the port facing down, and let it dry for at least 30 minutes. Wireless charging is still safe in the meantime.

iPhone stuck at 80% while charging?

• Optimized Battery Charging: learns your routine and holds at 80% overnight, then finishes before you usually unplug. On the Lock Screen you may see a note saying when it will finish.
• Charge limit (iPhone 15 and later): in Settings › Battery › Charging you can set a limit between 80% and 100%. If it is set to 80%, the phone always stops there by design.
• Heat: a warm phone may stop at 80% until it cools down, even with both features off.

None of these is a fault. Holding at 80% slows battery aging, so leave them on unless you need a full charge for a long day. When Optimized Battery Charging is holding the charge, you can touch and hold its notification on the Lock Screen and choose Charge Now.

MagSafe or wireless charging not working?

• Take off the case. Thick cases, wallets, PopSockets and metal rings block wireless charging.
• Line the iPhone up with the center of the pad. MagSafe snaps into place; other pads need careful placement.
• Use a 20W or stronger USB-C adapter with MagSafe. A weak adapter charges very slowly or not at all.
• Wipe the back of the iPhone and the pad with a dry cloth.
• If the phone is warm, wireless charging pauses until it cools. Charge with a cable instead.

Port or battery? How to tell

If the phone charges wirelessly but not by cable, even with several known good cables, the port is the problem. If the phone charges but the percentage drops quickly, jumps around or it shuts down at 20% or 30%, the battery is worn. If it does not charge by any method and will not turn on after an hour on a charger, it needs a repair shop to test it.

A battery replacement costs $69 to $129 at Apple, depending on the model. Port repairs vary more, so ask for a quote. If you have AppleCare+, check your coverage first, and if the phone is old, compare the repair price with its trade-in value before paying.

How to stop charging problems coming back

• Keep the phone in a pocket without loose lint, or check and clean the port every few months with a flashlight and a wooden toothpick.
• Unplug by holding the plug, not the cable. Pulling on the cable is what breaks the wires inside.
• Avoid charging on a bed, under a pillow or in a hot car. Heat pauses charging and ages the battery.
• Buy certified cables and adapters from known brands. Very cheap ones fail quickly and can damage the port.