iPhone Not Charging? 12 Easy Fixes That Work

If your iPhone is not charging, the cause is usually something small: a damaged cable, a weak charger, lint stuck in the charging port, or a setting that pauses charging on purpose. Most of these take just a minute or two to fix.

Work through the steps below in order. They start with the fastest checks and move to the ones that take more time. Most people find the problem in the first few steps.

Step 1: Figure out what kind of problem you have

Different problems have different fixes. Which one sounds like yours?

• Not charging at all. There is no charging symbol, and the percentage does not go up.
• Charging very slowly. The charging symbol shows, but the percentage barely moves.
• Charging stops at 80%. This is often a feature, not a problem (see Step 7).
• "Accessory may not be supported" message. Usually the cable, charger, or port.
• Liquid detected message. See Step 4 before doing anything else.
• Charges only when the cable is held at an angle. Usually lint in the port or a worn cable.

Step 2: Try a different cable, charger, and outlet

Cables break much more often than iPhones do. Bends near the plug, frayed covers, and bent metal tips are common.

1. Plug your charger into a different wall outlet.
2. Try a different cable. Use Apple's cable or a certified one. For Lightning cables, look for MFi certified on the box. For iPhone 15 and newer, use a good USB-C cable from a trusted brand.
3. Try a different charger (the part that plugs into the wall).

If your iPhone charges with a different cable or charger, you found the problem. Throw the bad one away.

Good to know: Charging from a computer is slower than charging from a wall outlet. It can also stop when the computer goes to sleep.

Step 3: Clean the charging port carefully

Pocket lint gets pushed into the charging port every time you plug in your phone. Over time, it packs down so the cable cannot go in all the way. The signs are a loose-feeling cable, or charging that only works when you hold the cable at an angle.

1. Turn off your iPhone.
2. Shine a flashlight into the port and look for lint or dirt.
3. Gently loosen and lift out the lint with a wooden or plastic toothpick. Go slowly.
4. Do not use metal objects, like pins or paper clips.
5. Do not blow into the port or use liquid cleaners.

Plug the cable back in. It should click in firmly. If a lot of lint came out, this may have been the whole problem.

Step 4: If you see a liquid detected alert

Newer iPhones can sense water in the charging port. When they do, they stop charging through the cable to protect the phone. Apple recommends these steps:

1. Unplug the cable from your iPhone and the charger.
2. Gently tap your iPhone against your hand with the port facing down.
3. Leave it in a dry place with some airflow for at least 30 minutes.
4. Try charging again.
5. If the alert shows up again, let it dry for up to a full day.

Do not:

• Use a hair dryer or any heat
• Stick cotton swabs or paper towels into the port
• Put your iPhone in rice

Wireless charging may still work while the port dries.

Step 5: Restart your iPhone

Sometimes a small software glitch stops your iPhone from noticing the charger. A force restart can clear it. On iPhone 8 and newer:

1. Press and quickly let go of the volume up button.
2. Press and quickly let go of the volume down button.
3. Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo. Then let go.

Plug it back in and leave it for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Let your iPhone cool down

Heat is a common reason charging stops. Your iPhone may show "Charging On Hold" until it cools off. This can happen if it is:

• In the sun or a hot car
• Under a pillow or blanket
• In a thick case
• Being used for games or videos while charging

Fix: Take off the case, stop using heavy apps, and move the phone to a cool, shady spot. Our guide on why phones get hot explains the common causes and how to keep it cool.

Step 7: Check your charging settings (if it stops at 80%)

If charging stops at or near 80%, check Settings > Battery > Charging. On some iOS versions, this is under Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.

• Optimized Battery Charging waits at 80% and finishes charging closer to the time you usually unplug. You will see a message on your lock screen. Tap and hold it, then choose to charge now if you need a full battery.
• Charging limit. Newer iPhones let you set a limit, such as 80%. If this is on, your phone will stop at that level on purpose.

These features help your battery last longer. You can turn them off if you want your phone to charge to 100% every time.

Step 8: Update iOS

Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any update. Updates fix bugs, including some charging problems. Some newer chargers and accessories also need the latest iOS to work well.

You need Wi-Fi and some free space to update. If your iPhone is full, see how to clear space on a full phone. If your Wi-Fi is not working either, see our guide to fixing Wi-Fi that won't connect.

Step 9: Fix wireless charging problems

If you use a wireless or MagSafe charger:

• Take off the case, especially if it is thick, metal, or a wallet case.
• Remove anything between the phone and the charger, like cards or a pop socket.
• Put the phone in the center of the charging pad. MagSafe magnets will line it up for you.
• Make sure the charging pad is plugged in with the right power adapter.
• Try a cable to see if the problem is the pad or the phone.

Step 10: Check your battery health

Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health (or Battery Health & Charging). Look at Maximum Capacity.

• If it is high, your battery is fine.
• If it is low, or you see a message saying service is recommended, your battery may need to be replaced.

An old battery can charge slowly, drain fast, or make your phone shut off suddenly.

Step 11: Try recovery charging with your phone off

Sometimes a phone that will not charge while on will charge while off. Turn your iPhone off, plug it into a wall charger, and leave it for an hour. If the battery was completely drained, it may take several minutes before the charging symbol appears.

Step 12: Get it checked by Apple

If nothing has worked, the charging port, battery, or another part inside the phone may need repair. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Back up your iPhone first if you can, using iCloud or a computer.

If your phone is under warranty or AppleCare+, the repair may be free or low cost.

Why does my iPhone say it is charging but the battery goes down?

This happens when your phone uses power faster than the charger can give it. It is common when:

• You are playing a game, streaming video, or using GPS while charging
• The charger is weak, like an old 5-watt cube or a computer's USB port
• The screen brightness is very high
• The phone is hot, so charging slows down to protect the battery

Fix: Use a wall charger with at least 20 watts, lower the brightness, and close heavy apps while charging. If the battery still goes down with the phone resting, check Battery Health (Step 10).

Which charger should I use for my iPhone?

A good charger makes a big difference in how fast and safely your iPhone charges.

• Fast charging: Most iPhones from iPhone 8 and later can fast charge with a USB-C power adapter of 20 watts or more and the right cable.
• Lightning iPhones (iPhone 14 and older) need a USB-C to Lightning cable for fast charging.
• USB-C iPhones (iPhone 15 and newer) use a USB-C to USB-C cable.
• Avoid very cheap chargers from unknown brands. They may charge slowly, get hot, or damage your phone.

Quick reference table

How to keep your iPhone charging well

• Use good cables and chargers. Cheap ones break fast and can harm your phone.
• Keep the port clean. Check it for lint every few months.
• Do not wrap cables tightly. Bending near the plug is the top reason cables fail.
• Charge in a cool place, not under a pillow or in the sun.
• Keep iOS updated.
• Leave Optimized Battery Charging on to help the battery last longer.

The bottom line

Most iPhone charging problems come from a bad cable or charger, lint in the port, heat, or a charging setting. Try a different cable and charger first, then clean the port gently with a wooden toothpick and restart your phone. If it stops at 80%, check your battery settings. If nothing works, have Apple check the port and battery.