iPhone Won't Charge? 8 Quick Fixes That Work Right Now
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Our team thoroughly tests and verifies all solutions before publication. Last updated February 9, 2025.
“My iPhone won’t charge past a few percent. I’ve tried different cables, but it still won’t work. Anyone know how to fix this?”
This is a frequent problem for many iPhone users. If your battery also drains fast during the day, see our guide on iPhone battery draining quickly. Below are some tips to help.
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Why Won’t My iPhone Charge?
Before looking at solutions, here are some common causes:
- Charging Port (Lightning) – Dust or debris in the port can block charging.
- Faulty Cables – A damaged USB cable might cause charging failures.
- Unoriginal Charging Cable – Non-Apple-certified cables can cause problems.
- Charging Source – Wall adapters or outlets may be faulty.
- Software-Related – Updates or restarts might be needed.
Ways to Fix an iPhone That Won’t Charge
1. Force Restart
A force restart often solves odd behaviors, including charging issues.
iPhone with Face ID
- Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button.
- Release when the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 8 or SE (2nd gen and later)
- Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button.
- Release when the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 7
- Press and hold Volume Down + Sleep/Wake.
- Release both when the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 6s or SE (1st gen)
- Press and hold Sleep/Wake + Home.
- Release when the Apple logo appears.
2. Inspect the Charging Port
Debris can pile up in the Lightning port.
- You can blow into the port to clear dust.
- Use a flashlight to see better.
- A toothpick or cotton swab (used gently) can help remove stubborn debris.
If it’s hard to clean, take it to a professional.
3. Try a Different Charging Method
- Use a different cable: USB-C to Lightning or Lightning to USB.
- Charge with a computer, wall outlet, or wireless charging base.
- Make sure cables have no tears or bent prongs.
- Remove any thick case or battery pack.
4. Charge With the Phone Turned Off
Some users say turning the iPhone off before charging helped. Give it a try.
5. Let It Charge for 30 Minutes
If the battery is very low, it may need time to power up before turning on. Watch for a lightning bolt icon on the screen or a large battery icon on the lock screen.
6. Stops Charging at 80%
iOS 13 or later has Optimized Battery Charging to reduce battery aging. To disable it:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
- Turn off Optimized Battery Charging.
7. Software Update
Make sure your iPhone is on the latest iOS version to fix software bugs that might affect charging. Keep your phone plugged in or at least 50% charged to avoid interruptions. If the update stalls, restart your device and try again.
On the iPhone
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install if an update is available.
Using a Mac (Finder)
- Connect iPhone to your Mac.
- Open Finder.
- Select your iPhone under Locations.
- Click Trust, then Check for Update.
- If an update is found, click Download and Install.
8. Restore Your iPhone
If nothing else works, restore your iPhone to factory settings. Back up your data first.
Recovery Mode (iPhone with Face ID)
- Turn off the device.
- Plug it into your computer.
- Press and hold Power + Volume Down for about 20 seconds.
- Release when the recovery screen shows.
You’ll see a prompt on your Mac to Restore or Update. Choose Restore.
Or open Finder, select your iPhone in the sidebar, and choose Restore iPhone under Summary.
FAQs
Why does my iPhone only charge up to 80%?
It’s likely the Optimized Battery Charging feature. You can turn it off in Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
What if my charging port looks fine, but the phone still won’t charge?
Try a different cable, charger, or outlet. Also, force restart your iPhone or update its software.
Does using a non-certified cable damage my iPhone?
It can. Non-certified cables may not work correctly or can cause error messages. Use Apple-certified chargers.
Should I charge my iPhone immediately after it gets wet?
No. Let it dry completely before charging. Charging a wet device can cause more damage.
What if restoring my iPhone in recovery mode doesn’t help?
You may need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider to diagnose hardware issues.
