Few things are more frustrating than plugging in your device only to find it won’t charge. Whether your iPhone or iPad is charging intermittently, only working at a certain angle, or not charging at all, the good news is that many of these issues have simple fixes. Before assuming your device is broken, try these troubleshooting steps first.
Check the port
One of the most common reasons for charging problems is lint, dust, or debris stuck in the port. Over time, tiny particles can build up, preventing the charging cable from making a solid connection. If your cable feels loose or you have to wiggle it to get a charge, this is likely the culprit.
To safely clean your Lightning or USB-C port, try using a wooden toothpick or SIM ejector tool to gently scrape out any lint. Compressed air can help dislodge finer dust particles, but don’t blast it too forcefully. A soft brush, such as a dry toothbrush, can sweep out debris without damaging the port. You might be surprised how much gunk comes out. Just be gentle and avoid using anything metal like a paperclip, as this can damage the delicate connectors inside.
Check the cables
Not all charging problems stem from the device itself – sometimes, the issue is the cable or charger. Switching to a different cable, preferably an official Apple cable or a certified “Made for iPhone” third-party cable, can help rule out any problems with the connection. Cheap, unlicensed cables are often unreliable.
Using a different charger or power outlet can also help determine if the problem lies with the power source rather than the device itself. If a new cable works, you’ve found the issue. If not, keep troubleshooting.
Restart your device
It’s a classic troubleshooting step, but a simple restart can often resolve strange charging issues. If your device recognizes the charger but won’t charge, turning it off and back on again might just reset whatever is causing the problem.
Hold down the side button and – on Face ID devices – one of the volume buttons too. Swipe to power off, wait a few seconds and power it back up again. Plug your charger back in and check if it works.
Rare culprits
If your iPhone or iPad is too hot or too cold, it might temporarily stop charging to protect the battery. If you see a temperature warning, move your device to a cooler or warmer environment and try again.
It’s also worth checking if you’re running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, as software updates sometimes fix charging-related bugs. Go to Settings, tap General, then select Software Update to see if an update is available.
Last resort
If none of the above steps work, your iPhone or iPad may have a hardware issue such as a damaged charging port or battery problem. At this point, it’s best to visit the Apple Support website for troubleshooting.
If necessary, book an Apple Store Genius Bar appointment or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider for a hardware check-up. If your device is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, repairs may be free or discounted.
Hopefully, one of the previous steps saves you from an unnecessary trip to the repair shop.