iPhone or iPad Not Charging? Here's Why & How to Fix

Charging your iPhone usually takes time, but it can be even more frustrating when you plug it in and find it’s not charging at all. The good news is that, in most cases, the problem is minor and can be resolved with a few easy steps.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 14 practical ways to troubleshoot and fix an iPhone that won’t charge. We’ll also explain some common reasons behind the charging issues, so you’ll have a better idea of what’s causing the problem. Let’s dive in!

Why is My iPhone Not Charging When Plugged In?

Several factors can cause your iPhone to stop charging. Some of the most common reasons include:

• A damaged charging cable or power adapter
• A faulty outlet or power source
• Dirt or debris buildup in the charging port
• Poor or inconsistent charging habits
• Software glitches interfering with charging
• Battery health issues affecting performance
• Physical damage to the iPhone

No matter which issue you're facing, here are some simple troubleshooting steps you can try to get your iPhone charging again.

Basic Tips for You When Your iPhone/iPad Won’t Charge

Try Wireless Charging (Temporary Fix)

If you want a temporary and quick fix to the iPhone not charging problem, wireless charging can be the solution for you. iPhone 8 and newer devices support wireless charging. If you have the Qi-certified charger, simply put the phone in its center and the device will start charging immediately.

It’s great if your iPhone can be charged wirelessly. If you are wondering why your iPhone is not charging with a wired connection, keep reading.

Check Your Charging Cable and Adapter

Charging issues are often caused by a faulty cable or adapter rather than the iPhone itself. Inspect your charging cable and USB adapter for any signs of wear, such as fraying, bends, or broken prongs. Even if they look fine, try using a different cable and adapter to see if that resolves the problem.

Try A Different iPhone Charger

Along with the wall socket, a lot of us also use the car charger, speaker dock, laptop’s USB port for charging the iPhone. Sometimes, the iPhone software may detect a power fluctuation and prevent the device from charging. In this case, consider trying a different iPhone charger.

Check Case Compatibility

Using an incompatible case can cause difficulties with charging, as it can block access to the ports and buttons. If you're having trouble making a strong connection, try removing the case. If you're using a wireless charger, make sure that the case is compatible with it. If you still encounter problems, it may be the cover causing it, not the iPhone.

Clean Your iPhone’s Charging Port

Dirt and debris can prevent your iPhone charger from establishing a connection, which can avert it from charging. Give a closer look at the charging port in the bottom of your iPhone and check if there is any dirt or debris in there. If there is any, use a toothbrush or toothpick to get rid of it. Do this carefully to prevent any damages.

Cool Your iPhone Down

The recent iPhone models include a feature that prevents it’s battery from becoming too warm. When your iPhone is too warm, it will limit the charging capability to 80%. So, if you see the charging is stuck, consider cooling down the phone and then charging it.

Restart Your iPhone/iPad

A simple restart can often fix minor software glitches that stop your iPhone from charging. Press and hold the Power button and a Volume button until you see the "Slide to Power Off" option. Swipe the slider to turn off your iPhone. After a few minutes, press and hold the Power button again to turn it back on. Then, plug it in and let it charge for at least 30 minutes.

Optimize the Battery Charging Feature

Optimized Battery Charging helps extend your iPhone’s battery life by learning your charging habits and slowing down charging past 80% when needed. While this feature is well-designed, it can be an inconvenience if you want more control over the charging of your device. To turn it off:

1. Head to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Select Battery, and then Battery Health.
3. From there, turn off or on Optimized Battery Charging as desired.

Advanced Ways to Fix iPhone/iPad Not Charging Issue

Hard Reset Your iPhone

If your iPhone still isn’t charging, you can try a hard reset. It’s a more thorough process than just turning your iPhone off and on, as it fully reboots the processor. It might take a bit longer, but it can help resolve charging issues. Here’s how to do it:

• For iPhone 8 or later: Press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Side button until the screen turns black and the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button at the same time until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 6/6s Plus or earlier: Press and hold the Side (or Top) button and the Home button together until the Apple logo appears.

Reset All Settings on iPhone

If force restarting your iPhone didn’t solve the charging issue, you can try resetting your iPhone’s settings. This will remove your personalized settings but keep all your data, such as photos, apps, videos, and music. Here’s how to reset your iPhone settings:

• For iOS 15 or later: Go to the Settings and then General. Find Transfer or Reset iPhone and tap on Reset from there. Then press Reset All Settings.
• For iOS 14 or later: Open the Settings and go to the General tab. Locate and open Reset and press on Reset All Settings.

Update iPhone Software

Although it's not a frequent issue, outdated software can occasionally prevent your iPhone from charging properly. To eliminate this possibility, make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Here’s how to update your iPhone’s software:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and go to General.
2. Tap on Software Update. If a new version of iOS is available, download and install it.

Factory Reset Your iPhone (Data Loss)

If nothing else works, a factory reset might be necessary. Keep in mind that this will erase all data on your device, so it should only be used as a last resort. Be sure to back up your iPhone before proceeding. Once you're ready, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap General.
2. Scroll down and tap Tranfer or Reset iPhone, then select Erase All Content and Settings.
3. If prompted, enter your Apple ID password or Passcode to confirm.

Fix iPhone Not Charging without Data Loss

If you are still unable to solve the iPhone won’t charge issue, consider making use of a third-party app. And, the FoneGeek iOS System Recovery will be the best choice for you. This professional iOS repair tool enables you to fix all the system-related issues including iPhone not charging safely without any data loss.

Step 1: Download and install the FoneGeek iOS System Recovery tool for your Windows or Mac computer. Open the program and select Standard Mode from the main screen.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable. Unlock your iPhone and click Next. If your iPhone isn’t detected, follow the on-screen instructions to put it in recovery or DFU mode.

Step 3: The program will display your iPhone model and available iOS versions. Choose your preferred iOS version and click Download to start downloading the firmware package.

Step 4: After the download is complete, the program will verify the firmware. Click Fix Now to begin the repair process. Once finished, your iPhone should return to its normal functioning state.

Take Your iPhone to Apple for Repair

If you've followed all the steps above and your iPhone still won’t charge, the issue may be with the battery or physical damage to the device. Your iPhone could have suffered from drops, water damage, or bent connector pins.

If you suspect any damage, it’s time to seek professional help. Visit an Apple Store, reach out to Apple Support, or go to an authorized Apple service center to have your iPhone diagnosed and repaired by experts.

Conclusion

Yes, it can be frustrating when your iPhone or iPad isn’t charging, but there’s a good chance you can resolve the issue with a few simple adjustments. FoneGeek iOS System Recovery, in particular, can help fix the problem quickly and easily. We hope this article helps you get your iPhone charging again, just like before!