iPhone not charging? These four checks will fix the problem.
Your iPhone is back on the charger. For the third time today. Still, the battery indicator is stuck at 80 percent. You've tried new charging cables , swapped the plug, even restarted your phone. Nothing works.
But here's the thing: most charging problems have nothing to do with your battery itself . It's the small, invisible culprits you often overlook. Think of that lint in your charging port, that software update you've been putting off for months, or that fake cord from Action that's quietly destroying your phone. Even your AirPods case could be the culprit if you charge wirelessly.
These four simple checks will solve 90 percent of all charging problems – without having to go to the repair shop.
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The 4 main causes of charging problems
An iPhone that doesn't fully charge usually has a simple cause. Before you go to the repair shop, you can check these four things yourself. Nine times out of ten, the solution lies here.
1. Dirt in the charging port
This is by far the most common culprit. Lint, dust, and other debris accumulate unnoticed in your device's Lightning port. After months in your pocket, this dirt becomes compressed into a compact layer. The result? The charging cable no longer makes good contact.
The solution is surprisingly simple. Take a toothpick or plastic pin and carefully remove the debris from the port. Work from left to right, avoiding metal objects as they can cause a short circuit. Then gently blow into the port to remove any remaining debris. Caution: Do not use compressed air, as the pressure can damage internal components.
Also check the charging cable itself. Is there any lint on the connector? Wipe it clean with a dry cloth. A clean connection is essential for efficient charging.
2. Worn or fake cables
Not all cables are created equal. That cheap one from Action or AliExpress might seem like a steal, but it can slowly damage your phone. Uncertified cables often deliver fluctuating currents, overloading the battery. The device reacts by limiting charging.
Recognize this scenario? The cable works fine for the first few weeks, but then the problems start. Sometimes it charges, sometimes it doesn't. Or the phone indicates it's charging, but the percentage barely increases. These are classic signs of a bad cable.
Therefore, invest in an MFi-certified cable (Made for iPhone). These cables are approved by Apple and guarantee safe charging. They cost more, but they last longer and protect your battery. Also, regularly check the condition of your cable. Do you see cracks near the connector or kinks in the cord? Time for a replacement.
3. Software settings that interfere
iOS has several features that influence charging. The most well-known is "Optimized Battery Charging." This feature stops charging at 80 percent to save battery life. Useful for battery life, but frustrating if you need a full charge quickly.
Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Status & Charging. Here you can temporarily disable the feature. The device will remember your charging pattern and adjust accordingly. For example, if you charge every night, the system will wait until just before you wake up to retrieve the remaining 20 percent.
Another culprit is low-power mode. This limits background activity and can slow down charging. Disable it while charging for maximum speed. Background app refresh can also throw a wrench in the works. Apps that constantly update consume power while charging, making the process take longer.
Wireless charging has its own challenges. The position of your phone on the charger is crucial. A millimeter difference can make the difference between charging and not charging. Use a case? Thick or metal cases block the signal. Remove the case or choose a thinner one.
4. Battery aging
Every battery has a shelf life. After approximately 500 full charge cycles, its capacity begins to decline. A cycle is a single charge from 0 to 100 percent. This doesn't have to be all at once—two charges from 50 to 100 percent also count as one cycle.
Check the battery health via Settings > Battery > Battery Status and Charging. If it's below 80 percent, a replacement is recommended. The device may still function perfectly, but the battery simply holds less charge. Charging also takes longer because the chemical processes in the battery are slower.
Extreme temperatures accelerate the aging process. Don't leave your phone in the sun or freezing temperatures. The ideal temperature is between 16 and 22 degrees Celsius. Intensive use while charging—such as gaming or video streaming—also increases the temperature and damages the battery.
Practical tips for better charging
Besides troubleshooting, you can also take preventative measures. Always use the original adapter or one with the same specifications. An iPad charger works perfectly for your iPhone and even charges faster. The other way around also works, but takes longer.
Remove your phone from its case while charging. This prevents overheating and extends the battery life. Make sure it's in a cool, dry environment. The bathroom isn't ideal because of the humidity.
Update regularly to the latest iOS version. Apple is constantly optimizing battery management and fixing bugs that can disrupt charging. Automatic updates are helpful, but also check regularly for available updates.
When to seek professional help?
Have you tried all the steps above without success? Then it's time for professional help. You can't fix potential hardware problems like a faulty charging chip or damaged battery connector yourself. Water damage or a fall can also cause internal damage that isn't visible.
Watch out for warning signs such as a swollen battery (the back of your phone bulges), excessive heat while charging, or a burning smell. Stop charging immediately and seek professional help. These problems are not only frustrating but also dangerous.
A refurbished device can be a smart choice if repairs prove too expensive. These devices have been fully inspected, have a new battery, and come with a warranty. They're often a better option than struggling with a problematic device.
Conclusion: Charging problems can usually be solved by yourself
Most charging problems can easily be solved yourself. Start by cleaning your charging port and checking your cables—that often solves the problem. Then check your software settings and battery health.
Still not working? Then it might be time for a new battery or professional repair. But nine times out of ten, you'll be charging again without any problems within five minutes. Just grab that toothpick and get started.
