iPhone Won't Charge: 5 Ways To Fix It

iphone not charging
iphone not charging

Last updated: March 20, 2024

Your iPhone is not charging ? Do not panic ! The majority of iPhone charging issues can be fixed easily. No need to contact the Apple service center.

In this article I will show you 5 solutions to fix the problem of an iPhone not charging.

5 Tips to Fix "iPhone Won't Charge" Problem

Restart the phone

Yes, restarting your iPhone can sometimes fix your phone not charging issue. It may sound funny and silly, but trust me; restarting an iPhone fixes a lot of problems. It would only take a few seconds to try it anyway.

So, before you worry about the problem; Restart your phone by holding down the power button.

Try to recharge your phone once it starts. If the problem is resolved, great. Otherwise, try the following methods.

Force restart iPhone

If your iPhone won't charge, try force restart with a hard rest.

Here's how to do it:

  • iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, and older models : Press and hold the Power button and Home button together until the Apple logo appears on the screen, then release.
  • iPhone 7 and 7 Plus : Press and hold the power button and volume button together until the Apple logo appears on the screen, then release it.
  • iPhone 8, 8 Plus, iPhone SE: Quickly press and release the volume up button, quickly press and release the volume down button, and then press and hold the side button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.
  • X, XS, XS, XS Max, XR, iPhone 11 or iPhone 12  : Quickly press and release the volume up button, quickly press and release the volume down button, and then press and hold the side button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.

Clean your iPhone's Lightning input

Even after trying all the above mentioned methods your phone won't charge, chances are the problem is with your iPhone's charging port. Too much dirt or debris stuck on it can prevent the phone from charging.

If possible, get a can of compressed air. You will also need a small dry toothbrush and a toothpick.
Clean your iPhone's Lightning input by scraping its walls with a toothpick then a toothbrush - and Use compressed air to blow away anything that comes off.

Lightning port cleaning
Cleaning an iPhone's Lightning port with a toothpick

I can tell you for doing it that tufts of dust came out of it.

Periodically try to reinstall the Lightning cable. When it works, stop messing with your port and just be relieved.

Replace your Lightning cable

Look very closely at both ends of the USB cable you use to charge your iPhone. If you see visible signs of wear, it may be time to purchase a new cable.

You can always rent a lighning cable from a friend who has an iPhone and is trying to charge your phone using it.

If your iPhone suddenly comes back to life after you plug it in, you have identified the reason why your iPhone is not charging – a faulty cable.

If even after trying this your phone isn't charging, replace your entire charger, including the adapter. It's possible that the problem is with the adapter and not your phone or cable.

Restore your iPhone

La restore your iPhone could solve the problem. After trying all the methods mentioned above, if your iPhone still won't charge, try restoring your Apple phone.

A DFU restore is a special type of restore (when you restore your iPhone, you erase everything on it and restore it to factory settings) that can fix serious software problems – if they exist.

How to restore your iPhone?

Before restoring your iPhone, it is necessary to follow some rules.

First, you will need to make sure that your smartphone has a 100% charged battery.

Then you need to backup all your data. Restoring an iPhone is an irreversible operation. First back up all your data (contacts, messages, photos, videos, etc.).

  • Start by updating the iTunes software installed on your computer.
  • Connect the USB cable to the computer first, then connect the other end of the cable to the iPhone.
  • Switch off your phone.
  • Hold down the Home button (the volume down button for iPhone 7 and 7 Plus) and the Power button for 8 seconds.
  • Release the power button and keep pressing the main button below the screen for about 5 seconds. For the iPhone 7 or 7 Plus you just have to keep the volume down button pressed.
  • A message on the iTunes software will inform you that your iPhone has entered DFU mode and that it is ready to restore.
  • Click on the button Ok
  • Push the button Restore