Why Won't My iPhone Charge? How to fix!

January 12, 2020

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Why Won't My iPhone Charge? How to fix!

Why Won't My iPhone Charge?

As you will know, we use our iPhones regularly on a daily basis. We use it to check the weather, get our news, check how our favourite sports team did last night, and even pass the boring hours of the day with games like Candy Crush. Because of the constant usage, our iPhones (an electronic device, mind you) require constant charging.

If your iPhone isn't charging, there could be various reasons behind this issue. Let's explore some common causes and troubleshooting steps to identify and resolve the problem.

Firstly, check the basics. Ensure that you are using an Apple-certified charging cable and power adapter. Non-certified accessories may not work reliably and could lead to charging problems.

Inspect the charging port on your iPhone for any debris, lint, or dirt. A can of compressed air can be used to gently blow out any foreign particles that might be obstructing the connection.

Examine the charging cable for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or bent connectors. A damaged cable can impede proper charging. If you find any issues, consider replacing the cable with a new one.

Try a different power outlet or USB port to rule out problems with the charging source. Sometimes, the issue may be with the power source rather than the iPhone itself.

If your iPhone is still not charging, attempt to restart it. Occasionally, software glitches may interfere with the charging process, and a simple restart can resolve these issues.

Check for any software updates on your iPhone. Updating to the latest iOS version can address bugs and glitches that might be affecting the charging functionality.

Inspect the battery health of your iPhone. You can find this information in the "Battery" section of the Settings app. If the battery health is significantly degraded, it may be time to replace the battery.

Consider resetting your iPhone's settings to default. This won't erase your data, but it will reset system settings to their original state, potentially resolving any configuration issues affecting charging.

If the problem persists, try a hard reset. This can be done by holding down the power button and home button (or volume down button on newer models) simultaneously until you see the Apple logo. Release the buttons and allow the iPhone to restart.

Check if there are any third-party apps causing issues. Boot your iPhone into safe mode (if applicable to your model) to disable third-party apps temporarily. If the iPhone charges normally in safe mode, an app might be the culprit.

Inspect for physical damage on your iPhone. If your device has been dropped or exposed to water, it could have suffered hardware damage affecting the charging capability. In such cases, professional assistance may be required.

If you've tried all the above steps and your iPhone still won't charge, it's advisable to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. There could be an underlying hardware issue that needs expert diagnosis and repair.

In conclusion, troubleshooting charging issues involves a systematic approach, checking both hardware and software components. By following these steps, you can identify and, in many cases, resolve the problem preventing your iPhone from charging. If all else fails, seeking assistance from Apple support ensures a comprehensive solution to the issue.

When confronted with an iPhone that refuses to charge, the frustration is palpable. However, fear not, as there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to potentially rectify the issue. Let's delve into a comprehensive guide on how to fix an iPhone that won't charge.

1. Check the Basics:

Start by ensuring you are using an Apple-certified charging cable and adapter. Using non-certified accessories can result in unreliable charging.

2. Inspect the Charging Port:

Examine the charging port on your iPhone. It might accumulate lint, debris, or dirt, obstructing the connection. Gently clean the port using a small, non-metallic object or a can of compressed air.

3. Evaluate the Charging Cable:

Examine the charging cable for any signs of damage such as frayed wires or bent connectors. A damaged cable can hinder proper charging. If you find issues, replace the cable with a new one.

4. Try Different Power Sources:

Test your iPhone with different power outlets or USB ports. Sometimes, the problem might be with the power source rather than the iPhone.

5. Restart Your iPhone:

Restarting your iPhone can help resolve software glitches that might interfere with the charging process. Hold down the power button until the slider appears, then slide to power off. Turn it back on after a few seconds.

6. Software Updates:

Check for any available software updates for your iPhone. Updating to the latest iOS version can fix bugs and glitches that may impact charging functionality.

7. Battery Health Check:

In the Settings app, navigate to "Battery" and check the battery health of your iPhone. If it's significantly degraded, consider replacing the battery.

8. Reset Settings:

Resetting your iPhone's settings to default won't erase your data but can resolve configuration issues affecting charging. This can be done in the Settings app under "General" -> "Reset" -> "Reset All Settings."

9. Hard Reset:

Perform a hard reset by holding down the power button and home button (or volume down button on newer models) simultaneously until the Apple logo appears. Release the buttons and allow the iPhone to restart.

10. Safe Mode:

Boot your iPhone into safe mode (if applicable to your model) to disable third-party apps temporarily. If the iPhone charges normally in safe mode, a third-party app might be causing the issue.

11. Physical Inspection:

Inspect your iPhone for physical damage. Drops or exposure to water can lead to hardware damage affecting charging. If there's damage, professional assistance may be necessary.

12. DFU Mode:

If all else fails, try putting your iPhone into DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. This is a more advanced troubleshooting step and should be done with caution as it can result in data loss. Connect your iPhone to iTunes, force restart it, and follow the on-screen instructions.

13. Contact Apple Support:

If none of the above steps resolves the issue, it's advisable to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. There could be an underlying hardware problem requiring professional diagnosis and repair.

In essence, fixing an iPhone that won't charge involves a systematic approach, addressing both potential hardware and software issues. By following these steps, you increase the likelihood of identifying and resolving the problem. If you find yourself unable to fix the issue, reaching out to Apple's support channels ensures expert assistance in resolving the problem comprehensively.

You may have 2 or 3 charge cables positioned strategically in your home—living room, bedroom, maybe even the bathroom. However, sometimes when we go to plug our iPhone into charge, we don't see the green light we've become accustomed to. We don't see the battery marked with a lightning bolt icon. We simply see our iPhone's battery continuing to get smaller! Why is that? Let's look at some common reasons why your iPhone won't turn on or won't charge, and how to fix them! Here's what's included in this post:

Reasons your iPhone won't charge

How to Repair an iPhone That Isn't Charging

Final thoughts

Three Reasons Your iPhone Won't Charge

Here is a look at the three most common reasons your iPhone just won't charge:

1-Your Charge Port is Clogged (How to Clean the iPhone Charging Port)

Think about your phone and where it goes every day. Most of the time, it sits in the pocket of your jeans or tucked away in your purse. Sometimes, in your weakest of moments, it flies through the air and slides across the dirty ground, or falls between couch cushions to be among the dust and dirt that collects below our home furniture. With time, your iPhone will collect dust, grime, lint, or fuzz in the charging port. Unlike most things we classify as "dirty", soap and water just won't do for an electronic. Invisible particles accumulate over weeks, months, or even years, until the components of your charging cable can no longer connect to the charge port of your iPhone.

You've ignored The recommended software update

There's only a limited amount of space on our mobile devices. They are small by design, and though they seem to contain unlimited space, we often forget that each of our phones comes with a predetermined amount of storage space. For these reasons, instead of sending photos to the clouds or deleting old apps that we downloaded for a previous employer or trying to learn German that one week last February, we ignore our recommended software update because it tells us it requires X amount of space to update. Software updates are important. The manufacturer of the iPhone is updating its software for a particular reason, and most of the time, it is to fix or improve an aspect of the device. Many times, the software update can contain important aspects of the design of the phone for day-to-day usage, including storage or battery life. Often, new features are introduced to allow the iPhone user to better and more efficiently manage the photos, apps, notes, and calendars they've accrued on their devices through the ownership timeline. Do you have an issue with your iPad? Here's a guide on how to reset an iPad step-by-step!

3-Broken Outlet/Charger-

Maybe this seems silly to you. But it shouldn't. Often, when something goes wrong with our phone, we blame the phone, not the environment it is in. Like everything, things can break. Electronics can fail, old outlets can die, and surge protectors from the year 2000 can falter. The iPhone requires two items to charge: a functioning charging cable and a functioning outlet. It's extremely possible that one of those items is not working properly.

Four Ways to Repair an iPhone That Isn't Charging

Okay, we have identified three common issues we may run into when our iPhone is not charging. I'm sure, after reading the reasons why above, you have a good idea of how to fix your problem. But just in case you're still unsure (or maybe you're just enjoying this article), I've provided some solutions below.

1-Clean Your Port

The charging port is smaller and deeper than you anticipate (look at the end of the iPhone charger), so old-school pick-cleansing with a pen just won't do. Grab a paper clip (or a hair clip if you, a roommate, or your girlfriend have one handy), and start scraping. Of course, make sure to use common sense when cleaning out the port—don't stab or jab with force. Simply run the point of the paper clip across the sides and lift at an angle, dragging whatever residue you've captured up the side of the port. More than likely, you're apt to find a good amount of collected pocket lint and fuzz at the end of that paper clip.

Just Complete the Software Update...

Push your selfies and screenshots that you've collected on your camera and photo apps to the cloud, or delete the less desirable ones. Delete the apps you don't use, or temporarily remove them (an option on the iPhone) while your software update completes. After you've created adequate storage space, just run the damn update. The update alone will take... what? Five minutes? While you wait, make a paper airplane. Maybe empty the dishwasher. Fold the pile of clothes that have accumulated on your bedroom floor this week (or month). When you get back, your phone will be updated, performing better, and, if the update was the cause of your dwindling battery life, ready to charge.

3-Change Outlets/Phone-a-Friend

If you are sure your phone is updated and the port is clean, check the outlet or charging cable. The easiest way to do this is to find another electronic device. You probably have wireless headphones laying around, and if not, certainly a laptop or tablet. Plug in that secondary device and see if it works. If it doesn't, it's the outlet. Alternatively, there's the cable. Better yet, instead of digging up another electronic, look across the couch at Marley, or Nick (or whoever your friends or roommates are) and ask them to plug their phone in. This is a simple A/B test you can perform to find out if your outlet or cord is working (or not). Also, ask that same friend for their cord to charge, to test out your charge port or that same outlet. Easy peasy.

4-Restart Your iPhone

If all else fails, there is one more solution to your problem--shut your phone off and turn it back on. Maybe you've heard this joke in an office: when your computer freezes, "just turn it on and off again!" Well, sometimes it's not a joke. If you take a moment and ponder the last time you turned your phone off, it likely correlates to a required software update. Our phones are overused, and our overuse takes a toll on the phones, operationally. By restarting your phone, the phone gets a break from processing the mountains of data and functions. Think of it as quiet meditation for your device. When the phone shuts down and restarts, it's more likely that small issues will go away, including issues with charging.

Final Thoughts

We need our phones. We've come too accustomed to having them on our hips or in our bags, or lying motionless beside us on the couch or bed, waiting for the vibrate or text/notification tone to sound, alerting us to our next social fix. So, why do you struggle to charge your phone? Hopefully, for the issue you're having, something above helped you find and solve it. If you find your iPhone is still not working, you can send it in for repair, drop it off, or contact us and we will come and fix your iPhone!

FAQs:

Why is my iPhone not charging when connected to a power source?

There are several potential reasons for this issue. It could be due to a faulty charging cable or adapter, a dirty or damaged charging port on your iPhone, or even software glitches. Start by checking the basics: use an Apple-certified charging cable and adapter, clean the charging port, and ensure there's no visible damage.

2. How can I troubleshoot a non-charging iPhone if the basics check out?

If the basics are in order, consider restarting your iPhone, checking for software updates, and inspecting the battery health in the Settings app. Resetting settings, performing a hard reset, or booting into safe mode to isolate third-party app issues are additional steps. If the problem persists, professional assistance or advanced troubleshooting like DFU mode might be necessary.

3. Is it possible that a software issue is preventing my iPhone from charging?

Yes, software issues can interfere with charging. Glitches or bugs in the operating system might disrupt the charging process. Ensuring your iPhone is running the latest iOS version and performing resets or updates can often resolve such software-related charging problems.

4. What should I do if my iPhone's battery health is significantly degraded?

If the battery health is a concern, consider replacing the battery. You can visit an Apple Store or an authorized service provider for a battery replacement. Keep in mind that a degraded battery might struggle to hold a charge, and replacing it can improve overall performance.

5. Why is it important to use an Apple-certified charging cable and adapter?

Non-certified accessories may not meet Apple's standards, leading to unreliable charging or potential damage to your iPhone. Apple-certified cables and adapters are designed to work seamlessly with your device, ensuring a safe and efficient charging experience.

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