I remember the first time my iPhone refused to charge. It showed the charging icon, but the battery percentage stayed the same. I tried switching cables, changing adapters, and even plugging it into my laptop. Nothing worked.
It was frustrating because I relied on my phone for almost everything. I kept wondering, “Why is my iPhone not charging even though it says it is?”
After trying a few simple fixes, I finally figured it out. If you’re stuck with the same problem, I’ll walk you through what worked for me and what might work for you too.
Read more: iPhone Troubleshooting: How I Fixed My iPhone Issues Fast
Table of Contents
Why My iPhone Says It’s Charging but Isn’t
It’s frustrating when my iPhone shows it’s charging but the battery stays the same. I’ve been there, and here’s what I figured out.
- Loose Connection: Sometimes, the cable isn’t snug in the port. I make sure the connection is firm and secure.
- Faulty Cable or Adapter: I test my cable and adapter with another device. If they don’t work, I know they’re the issue.
- Software Glitch: My iPhone’s system can sometimes act up. A simple restart often fixes this.
- Check for Dust: I look inside the charging port. Dust and lint can block the connection.
- Battery Health: I check the battery health in settings. If it’s low, that could be why it’s not charging properly.
How I Quickly Check If It’s Charging
- I plug in the charger and check if the battery icon changes.
- I lightly wiggle the cable to see if it disconnects.
- I also try a wireless charger to see if that works.
When I Restart My iPhone
If none of this works, I restart my iPhone. A fresh start often clears minor bugs.
My iPhone Won’t Charge or Turn On – Here’s What I Do
When my iPhone won’t turn on or charge, it feels like nothing will fix it. But these simple steps have saved me more than once.
- Check for Damage: I look for cracks, bent pins, or damage in the charging port.
- Test the Charger: I swap the cable and adapter with a working one. If it starts charging, the old charger is the problem.
- Try a Different Power Source: I plug it into a wall socket, laptop, or power bank to see if the issue is the outlet.
- Do a Hard Reset:
- For iPhone 8 or later, I press and quickly release the volume up button, then the volume down button, and finally press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- For iPhone 7, I hold the volume down and side buttons together until the logo appears.
- For iPhone 6s or earlier, I hold the home and side buttons together until I see the logo.
If none of these work, I know it’s time to visit an expert.
Read more: My iPhone Journey: Tips, Tricks, and Essential Features
How I Clean My iPhone Charging Port Safely
When my iPhone isn’t charging well, a dirty port is often the reason. Here’s how I clean it without damaging anything.
Signs My Charging Port Needs Cleaning
- The charger feels loose or won’t stay connected.
- The phone only charges at certain angles.
- Charging is slow or doesn’t happen at all.
Safe Tools I Use
- A soft, dry brush (like a small paintbrush).
- A wooden or plastic toothpick.
- A can of compressed air (if available).
My Step-By-Step Cleaning Method
- I turn off my iPhone first for safety.
- Using the toothpick, I gently scrape out any visible debris.
- I tilt the phone and use a soft brush to sweep out dust.
- If needed, I use short bursts of compressed air to blow out stubborn particles.
What I Avoid When Cleaning
- I never use metal objects to avoid damaging the port.
- I don’t use liquids, as they can cause damage.
- I avoid poking too hard, which could harm the charging pins.
What If My iPhone Won’t Charge After Water Exposure?
Once, I dropped my phone in water, and it wouldn’t charge after. Here’s what I learned to do.
Why Water Blocks Charging Temporarily
- Water in the port can trigger the “liquid detection alert.”
- Charging with moisture can damage the device, so I avoid it.
Steps I Take to Dry the Charging Port
- I gently tap the phone with the port facing down to let water drip out.
- I place the phone in a dry spot with good airflow.
- I avoid using heat or sticking anything inside the port.
When I Seek Professional Help
- If the liquid detection alert stays for more than 24 hours.
- If the phone still won’t charge after it’s dry.
- If I notice corrosion or visible damage in the port.
Why My iPhone 15 or 12 Isn’t Charging When Plugged In
Sometimes, my iPhone 15 or 12 just won’t charge, and it’s confusing. Here’s how I troubleshoot it.
Common Issues I Look For
- Dirt or debris blocking the charging port.
- Damaged charging cable or adapter.
- Battery health issues that slow down charging.
How I Check for Software Updates
- I go to Settings > General > Software Update to see if there’s an update.
- If one is available, I install it. Updates often fix bugs that affect charging.
Why I Stick to Original Apple Accessories
- Third-party cables can cause charging issues, so I always use certified accessories.
- If I have doubts, I test with an original Apple charger to rule out accessory problems.
How I Reset Settings When Nothing Else Works
- I go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
- This doesn’t erase my data but resets preferences that might block charging.
Why My Phone Isn’t Charging Even When Plugged In
It’s annoying when my phone is plugged in but won’t charge. Here’s what I check.
Identifying Third-Party Accessories Causing Issues
- Some cheap cables don’t work well. I test my iPhone with an Apple-certified charger.
How Overheating Affects Charging
- If my phone feels too hot, I unplug it and let it cool.
- Overheating can slow down or stop charging altogether.
Switching Between Wireless and Wired Charging
- If wired charging fails, I try using my wireless charger.
- Sometimes, switching methods can help me figure out if it’s a cable issue.
Tried Everything? Here’s What Reddit Users Suggest
When I’ve tried everything and still can’t fix the issue, I check Reddit.
Common Solutions I Found
- Users often suggest cleaning the port carefully or trying another power outlet.
- Some recommend resetting the iPhone’s settings.
Unique Tips That Surprised Me
- A few people mentioned using a hairdryer on low heat to dry moisture.
- Others suggested turning off optimized battery charging for a while.
When I Trust Reddit Tips
- If a fix is mentioned by many users, I feel safe trying it.
- But if a solution sounds risky, I skip it and check with Apple support.
Why I Love Using Wireless Chargers for My iPhone
Wireless chargers have made my life easier, especially when cables fail.
- They reduce wear and tear on the charging port.
- Most modern iPhones, including the 12 and 15, support wireless charging.
- I prefer chargers with fast charging and strong magnetic alignment for better results.