Why Is My Phone Not Charging? Simple Fixes for Android & iPhone

In this article, we’ll walk through why your phone might not be charging, how to troubleshoot both Android and iPhone charging issues, and when to seek professional help.

Phone not charging: Common causes vs. simple fixes

Cause	What you’ll notice	Fix to try
Dirty charging port	Loose cable, lint buildup, or inconsistent connection	Power off phone and gently clean port with a dry toothpick or anti-static brush
Faulty cable or adapter	No charging icon, slow charging speed, or you may have to hold your charging cable at a certain angle	Swap with a known working cable and adapter
Faulty outlet or power source	No response even with new accessories	Try a different wall outlet, USB port, or power bank
Software glitch	Charging icon appears but battery % doesn’t increase	Restart the phone or perform a soft reset
Outdated OS	Charging issues after an update	Check for and install system updates
Water or moisture damage	“Moisture detected” warning or corrosion	Power off, air-dry completely, and avoid heat
Degraded battery	Battery drains quickly or doesn’t hold charge	Check battery health and contact your manufacturer for service repair options if needed
Hardware failure	Port feels loose or physically damaged	Contact a repair shop or your manufacturer for service protection options

7 common reasons your phone is not charging (and how to fix them)

Phone charging issues can stem from hardware, software, or environmental factors. Let’s walk through the seven most common reasons your phone is not charging – and what to do about each one:

1. Dirty charging port

Over time, dust and lint can collect inside your charging port, blocking contact between your cable and device.

How to fix it:

Turn off your phone.
Use a flashlight to check inside the port.
Gently remove debris using a dry toothpick, anti-static brush, or can of compressed air.
Reconnect your charger and test again.

If the port still feels loose, it may need professional cleaning or repair.

2. Damaged cable or adapter

A frayed cable or faulty adapter is one of the easiest charging issues to fix.

How to fix it:

Swap in a different charging cable and wall adapter that you know works.
Try charging from another outlet, USB port, or power bank.
If the problem disappears, the original accessories were likely the culprit.

3. Power source issue

Sometimes, the problem isn’t the phone – it’s the outlet or power strip.

How to fix it:

Plug another device (like a lamp or laptop) into the same outlet to confirm it works.
If using a surge protector or extension cord, plug the charger directly into a wall outlet.
Avoid charging from weak power sources like low-output USB ports

4. Software issues

A glitch in your phone’s operating system can interrupt charging, even when the hardware is fine.

How to fix it:

Restart your phone to clear temporary errors.
Close unused background apps that drain power.
Update your phone’s software to the latest version.
If issues persist, back up your data and consider a factory reset.

5. Water or moisture damage

Even water-resistant phones with good IP ratings can experience issues. The good news is that most modern smartphones can detect moisture in the charging port and temporarily disable charging to prevent short circuits.

How to fix it:

Unplug your device immediately.
Do not apply heat or use a hairdryer.
Let the phone air-dry naturally for at least 24 hours.
Once the moisture warning disappears, test charging again.

If the device won’t charge after drying, corrosion may have damaged internal components. At this point, we recommend contacting your phone manufacturer, authorized repair center, or carrier for diagnostics.

6. Battery degradation

Batteries naturally lose capacity over time. An aging or swollen battery may not hold or accept charge properly.

How to fix it:

Check your battery health in your device settings (available on most Android and iPhones).
If capacity is below 80% or you experience sudden shutdowns, consider a replacement.

Keep your phone in a cool place while charging – and ideally on a hard surface, not sandwiched between pillows, etc.) While it’s generally safe to charge your phone overnight, it’s best not to keep the phone at 100% for long periods. Turning on ‘optimized charging’ or ‘adaptive charging’ helps ensure this doesn’t happen when charging for long periods.

7. Hardware failure

If you’ve tried everything and your phone still won’t charge, there may be damage to the port, motherboard, or power management circuit.

How to fix it:

Look for visible corrosion or loose connections.
Avoid forcing the cable into the port.
Contact your phone manufacturer, authorized repair center, or carrier for diagnostics.

Android vs. iPhone charging issues

Although both platforms experience similar charging problems, some issues are specific to Android or iPhone devices.

iPhone-specific issues

The Lightning port tends to collect lint due to its narrow shape. See if it needs cleaning.
iPhones may display an “Accessory Not Supported” message when using uncertified Lightning cables. Ideally one that’s certified by the manufacturer of your phone.
iPhones with USB-C ports may show moisture alerts - charging will pause until the port is fully dry.

Android-specific issues

Some Android phones falsely indicate charging even when no power is flowing.
Certain models may have loose USB-C ports after repeated use.
You can test if it’s a port issue by trying wireless charging (if supported).

When your phone is plugged in but still not charging

If your phone shows the charging icon but the battery percentage isn’t increasing, here’s what may be happening:

Background apps and bloatware can consume more power than your charger supplies.
Low-wattage chargers (like older USB ports) can’t keep up with power draw.
Overheating prevents the battery from charging safely.

Try this:

Close all active apps.
Lower your screen brightness.
Use a higher-wattage charger that’s recommended for your device.
Charge your phone in a cool, ventilated area.

How to check for water damage on your phone

Many smartphones include moisture detection sensors or Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs) inside the charging port or SIM tray.

How to check:

For most iPhones with a SIM tray: Remove the SIM tray and look inside for the LCI. If you see a red or pink dot, the phone has been exposed to moisture. Note: Some newer iPhones (with eSIM) won’t have an accessible LCI.
For Android phones: Check the charging port for residue, fog, or corrosion.
If water exposure occurred, avoid plugging in the charger until the phone is fully dry.

If you see visible damage or your phone won’t power on, contact a professional repair technician.

When to contact support for phone charging issues

If you’ve tried every troubleshooting step and your phone still refuses to charge, professional support may be your best option.

Contact support when:

The charging port feels loose or wobbly.
Your phone shows corrosion or a burnt smell.
The device gets hot quickly when plugged in.
None of your accessories work with your phone.

Options include:

Visiting a certified repair shop.
Contacting your phone manufacturer’s customer support.
Exploring warranty or insurance options through your carrier.

5 FAQs about phone charging issues

How do I clean my charging port safely?

Power off your phone and use a wooden or plastic toothpick to gently remove lint. Avoid liquids and metal objects.

What should I do if my charging cable works on other devices but not mine?

Your phone’s charging port may be damaged or dirty. Try cleaning it and testing again.

Can a software update fix phone charging issues?

Sometimes. System updates often fix bugs that affect charging and battery recognition.

What if my phone charges slowly?

Close background apps, use a higher-wattage charger, and avoid charging while using power-hungry features.

How do I know if my phone battery needs to be replaced?

If your phone drains quickly or shuts off unexpectedly, it may be time for a new battery or phone.

Still wondering why your phone isn’t charging? Here’s what to do next

A non-charging phone doesn’t always need replacement. Start with the basics – check cables, clean ports, update software, and make sure your power source is solid. Most issues resolve at home in minutes. If nothing works, it’s time for a technician to check the port, battery, or circuitry. It may also be time to look for a new phone if the cost of repair is more than it’s worth.