iPhone Not Charging? Complete Fix Guide (2026)

Did You Know?

Quick answer: 70% of "iPhone not charging" issues are caused by debris in the port. Before panicking, try cleaning it with a wooden toothpick. If that doesn't work, this guide covers every other cause and fix. For hardware repairs, see our complete charging port repair guide.

Your iPhone won't charge. The cable's plugged in, but nothing's happening — no charging sound, no battery icon, nothing. Before you assume the worst, let's work through this systematically. Most charging issues have simple fixes. If your iPhone is charging slowly rather than not at all, see our dedicated guide.

Did You Know?

Our iPhone Charging Diagnosis Results (2025)

• • 1,834 "won't charge" iPhones diagnosed - second most common enquiry
• • 71% solved without parts - port cleaning or cable/adapter issue
• • 22% needed port replacement - £69-89 repair, same-day
• • 7% had battery or board issues - still repairable in most cases
• • Most common cause: Lint/debris compacted in Lightning port
• • Free diagnosis: We identify the cause before you spend anything

Data from celltech repair logs, January-December 2025

Quick Checks Before You Panic

Start with the obvious. These take 30 seconds and fix about 40% of charging problems:

• Try a different cable — Lightning/USB-C cables fail constantly, especially at the connector ends
• Try a different power adapter — Use an Apple adapter or a quality third-party one rated for your iPhone
• Try a different outlet — Wall sockets can be faulty, especially older ones
• Check the cable connection — Make sure it clicks fully into the port
• Remove your case — Some thick cases prevent proper cable insertion

If none of these work, the issue is either software, port contamination, or hardware damage. Let's investigate each.

Software Fixes to Try First

Software glitches can prevent charging recognition. Try these in order:

Force Restart

A force restart clears temporary software issues without affecting your data:

• iPhone 8 and newer: Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo
• iPhone 7: Hold Volume Down and Sleep/Wake together until Apple logo appears
• iPhone 6s and older: Hold Home and Sleep/Wake together until Apple logo appears

Check for iOS Updates

Go to Settings → General → Software Update. Some iOS versions have had charging bugs that Apple fixed in subsequent updates. If an update is available, install it.

Reset All Settings

If force restart didn't help, try Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings. This won't delete your data but will reset preferences, Wi-Fi passwords, and potentially fix charging recognition issues.

How to Clean Your Charging Port

This is the most common fix. Pocket lint, dust, and debris accumulate in the charging port over months and years, preventing the cable from making proper contact.

What You Need

• Wooden toothpick (not metal — you'll damage the port)
• Good lighting
• Optionally: compressed air can

Cleaning Steps

1. Power off your iPhone completely
2. Shine a light into the port — you'll likely see compacted lint at the back
3. Gently scrape along the back wall of the port with the toothpick
4. Work the debris towards the opening
5. Use short bursts of compressed air to blow out loosened material
6. Repeat until no more debris comes out

Warning

Never use metal objects — pins, paperclips, or SIM tools can damage the delicate pins inside the port, turning a free fix into a £50-80 repair.

Cable and Adapter Issues

If cleaning didn't help, the problem might be your charging accessories:

Cable Problems

• Fraying at ends: Check both the Lightning/USB-C end and the USB-A/USB-C end
• Intermittent connection: If it charges only at certain angles, the cable is failing
• "This accessory may not be supported": Non-MFi certified cables often stop working after iOS updates

Adapter Problems

• Wrong wattage: iPhone 12+ needs 20W+ for fast charging; older adapters work but charge slowly
• Counterfeit adapters: Fake Apple adapters often fail and can damage your phone
• Overheating adapter: If your adapter gets very hot, replace it immediately

Recommended Adapters

Wireless Charging Problems

If wired charging fails, try wireless charging to diagnose whether the issue is port-specific or phone-wide:

• If wireless works: The problem is your port or cable — not the battery or logic board
• If wireless also fails: The issue is likely battery or logic board related

Wireless Charging Not Working?

• Remove metal cases or wallets — they block wireless charging
• Centre your phone on the charging pad — misalignment prevents charging
• Check for debris between phone and charger
• Make sure your iPhone supports wireless charging (iPhone 8 and later)

When It's a Hardware Problem

If you've tried everything above and your iPhone still won't charge, you're likely dealing with hardware damage. Here are the common causes:

Damaged Charging Port

Signs of port damage include:

• Visible bent or broken pins inside the port
• Cable won't click in properly
• Cable falls out easily
• Only charges at certain angles
• Previous liquid exposure

Battery Failure

If your battery has completely failed, the phone may not respond to charging at all. Signs include:

• Phone was experiencing severe battery drain before it stopped charging
• Battery health was below 80% in Settings
• Phone died suddenly and won't respond to any charging method (or gets stuck on the Apple logo)

Logic Board Damage

Less common, but liquid damage or drops can damage the charging circuit on the logic board. This requires professional diagnosis and potentially board-level repair.

UK Repair Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my iPhone only charge when I wiggle the cable?

This indicates either debris in the port preventing full contact, or a worn/damaged port. Start by cleaning the port thoroughly. If that doesn't help, the port likely needs replacement — the internal pins may be bent or corroded.

Can I use my iPhone while it charges?

Yes, but heavy use (gaming, video) generates heat that slows charging. For fastest charging, leave the phone idle or use lightly.

Is it bad to charge my iPhone overnight?

Modern iPhones have Optimized Battery Charging that learns your schedule and delays charging past 80% until needed. This protects long-term battery health.

Why does my iPhone get hot when charging?

Some warmth is normal. If it gets uncomfortably hot, there may be an issue with the battery or charging circuit. Stop charging and have it checked.