Charging your phone is usually a routine task – you plug it into a power source and go about your business. However, when your phone suddenly refuses to charge, it can quickly become a frustrating problem as you try to figure out what's wrong. Before you start panicking or shopping for a new device, here are some simple things you can do to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue on your own.
Why is my phone not charging?
Your phone might not be charging for various reasons, but the most common ones are a faulty charging cable or adapter, a damaged or blocked charging port, a software glitch, hardware damage, or a failing battery that no longer holds a charge. To find out why your iPhone or Android is not charging, first check the accessories you use to charge it and the power source, and then move on to the device itself.
Check your charging cable and adapter
Look for any visible signs of damage on your charging cable, such as fraying, kinks, or bends. Even if the cable looks fine, try using a different one to see if your phone charges. If it does, you've found the problem. Similar to the cable, the adapter can also be faulty, or its USB port can be loose or damaged. Try using a different power adapter to see if that's the issue.
Try a different power source
Sometimes, the problem isn't with your phone or charger but the power source. Try plugging your phone into a different outlet, USB port, power bank, or power strip. If you're using a computer's USB port, make sure the computer is turned on and not in sleep mode, or try a wall socket instead.
Restart your phone
We often suggest this, but a simple restart can work wonders. In this case, a restart can fix some software glitches that might be preventing your phone from charging. Once your phone restarts, plug it in again and see if it charges.
Check for software updates
Outdated software can sometimes cause a phone not to charge. Check if there are any available software updates for your phone:
• For iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
• For Android: Go to Settings > System > Software Update.
If an update is available, install it and then try charging your phone again.
Turn off your phone while charging
If your phone won’t charge, turning it off might help. This reduces the power consumption and allows your phone to charge more efficiently. Alternatively, you can turn on airplane mode to minimize background activities that drain the battery. If your phone charges while turned off or in airplane mode, it suggests that background apps are probably consuming too much power and interfering with the charging process, so you might need to manage or close the unnecessary apps.
Check battery health
Batteries degrade over time and lose their ability to hold a charge. Most modern smartphones have a feature that lets you check the battery health:
• For iPhone: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
• For Android: Battery health features vary by manufacturer, but you can often find this information in Settings > Battery or by using third-party apps.
If your battery health is significantly degraded, it might be time for a replacement.
Inspect your phone's charging port
Dust, lint, and debris can accumulate in your phone's charging port, preventing a proper connection. If you see dirt in your charging port, turn off your phone and clean it safely. You can do this by gently using a cotton swab or toothpick. However, do not insert sharp metal objects into the charging port because you can damage it. Also, if you notice damage to the charging port in the first place, it's best to take your phone to a professional for a thorough inspection.
Check for water damage
Water damage can also be a reason why a phone won't charge. Even a small amount of moisture can cause significant problems. Most smartphones have a liquid contact indicator (LCI) that changes color when exposed to water. If your phone recently got wet or was exposed to a humid environment, turn it off and place it in a dry place. Leave your phone to air dry, and then try charging it again. If this doesn't work, your phone's internal components have been most likely damaged by water.
If you've exhausted all troubleshooting options and your phone still won't charge, it might be time to seek professional help. Fortunately, you don't have to look far – The Repair Depot has experienced technicians equipped to diagnose and resolve any charging issue with your phone, whether it's a damaged charging port, failing battery, or internal component problem. We specialize in repairing all phone makes and models, ensuring you receive top-notch service. Don't wait any longer – get a phone repair quote today!
If you've exhausted all troubleshooting options and your phone still won't charge, it might be time to seek professional help. Fortunately, you don't have to look far – The Repair Depot has experienced technicians equipped to diagnose and resolve any charging issue with your phone, whether it's a damaged charging port, failing battery, or internal component problem. We specialize in repairing all phone makes and models, ensuring you receive top-notch service. Don't wait any longer – 