Start with the cable and power adapter
The cable and adapter are the most common culprits. iPhones use either a Lightning connector (iPhone 8 and earlier) or USB-C (iPhone 15 and later), and both wear out from repeated bending and unplugging. A frayed or cracked cable will stop charging even if the rest of your phone is fine.
Inspect your cable for visible damage — cracks, exposed wires, or a connector that sits loose in the port. If you see damage, the cable needs to be replaced. If the cable looks fine, try a different cable and power adapter you know works. If your phone charges with a different cable, your original one is the problem. If it still does not charge, move to the next step.
Use an official Apple cable or a certified third-party cable marked with the MFi (Made for iPhone) logo. Uncertified cables can damage your phone's charging port over time and may not deliver enough power to charge at all.
Key Takeaways
- A damaged cable is the most common reason an iPhone stops charging, so test with a different cable before assuming the phone itself is broken.
- Lint and debris in the charging port block the connection, and you can remove it with a wooden toothpick or plastic pick — never metal.
- Restarting your iPhone or forcing it to shut down and restart often fixes charging problems caused by software glitches.
- If your phone is too hot, it will refuse to charge as a safety measure; let it cool down in a cool room before trying again.
- If none of these steps work, the charging port or battery may need professional repair from Apple or an authorized technician.
Clean the charging port
Lint, dust, and debris accumulate inside the charging port and prevent the connector from making a solid contact. This is especially common if you carry your phone in a pocket or bag without a case. You can clean it yourself with a tool that will not damage the delicate pins inside.
Use a wooden toothpick or a plastic spudger (a flat plastic tool sold in phone repair kits). Gently insert the pick into the port at an angle and scrape the sides and bottom. Work slowly — the pins are fragile. Do not use metal tools, compressed air, or liquid. If you are uncomfortable doing this, an Apple Store or authorized repair shop can clean it for you.
After cleaning, try charging again with a cable you know works. If your phone charges now, the port was the problem and you are done. If it still does not charge, continue to the next step.
Restart your iPhone or force it to shut down
Software glitches can prevent your phone from recognizing that it is plugged in, even though the hardware connection is fine. A restart often fixes this. Plug your phone in, then restart it using the method for your model.
For iPhone X and later: Press and hold the volume up button and the side button together until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off the phone. After 30 seconds, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears. For iPhone 8 and earlier: Press and hold the top (or side) button until the power-off slider appears, then follow the same steps.
If your phone is completely dead and will not respond to button presses, try a force restart. For iPhone X and later: Quickly press and release the volume up button, then quickly press and release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears (this takes about 10 seconds). For iPhone 8 and earlier: Press and hold both the top button and the home button together for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
Check the temperature and let your phone cool down
iPhones have a built-in safety feature that stops charging if the battery gets too hot. This protects the battery from damage and prevents overheating. If your phone feels warm to the touch, this may be why it is not charging.
Unplug the cable and move your phone to a cool room, away from direct sunlight and away from heat sources like radiators or vents. Do not put it in the freezer or refrigerator — extreme cold can also damage the battery. Wait 30 minutes to an hour, then try charging again. If your phone charges now, you know the temperature was the issue. If it still does not charge, move to the next step.
Update iOS or restore your phone
Outdated or corrupted software can interfere with charging. If you have not updated your iPhone in a while, an update may fix the problem. Plug your phone in (even if it is not charging, it may accept a trickle of power), go to Settings, then General, then Software Update. If an update is available, read and install it.
If updating does not work, you can try restoring your phone using a computer. This erases everything and reinstalls iOS from scratch. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or Windows computer with iTunes or Finder installed. Put your phone in recovery mode (the steps vary by model — search "recovery mode [your iPhone model]" for the exact steps). Choose Restore and follow the prompts. This is a last-resort software fix and will erase all your data, so back up your phone first if you can.
When to seek professional repair
If you have tried all the steps above and your iPhone still will not charge, the problem is likely inside the phone — either the charging port is damaged beyond cleaning, the battery is failing, or the charging circuit on the logic board is broken. These are not problems you can fix at home.
Take your phone to an Apple Store or an Apple-authorized repair shop. Bring your proof of purchase if you have it, and be prepared to describe what you have already tried. Apple will diagnose the problem and tell you the repair cost. Out-of-warranty battery replacement typically costs between $50 and $80 depending on the model. Charging port repair or logic board repair costs more and varies by damage.
If your phone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the repair may be free or reduced cost. Check your coverage at apple.com/support by entering your serial number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge my iPhone wirelessly if the charging port is broken?
Only if your phone supports wireless charging. iPhones 8 and later have wireless charging built in. If your charging port is broken but the phone powers on, you can use a wireless charger (a charging pad or stand) to charge the battery. This does not fix the port, but it lets you use your phone while you arrange a repair.
Why does my iPhone charge slowly even though it is plugged in?
Slow charging usually means the power adapter is not delivering enough power, the cable has internal damage, or the phone is running hot. Try a different cable and a higher-wattage adapter (20W or higher for newer models). If the phone is warm, let it cool down. If it still charges slowly, the battery may be aging and losing capacity.
Is it safe to use my iPhone while it is charging?
Yes, it is safe. Modern iPhones have protections against overcharging and overheating. However, using your phone while charging generates heat, which can slow down the charging speed. If you want faster charging, avoid heavy use like gaming or video recording while plugged in.
What should I do if my iPhone gets wet and then stops charging?
Water damage can corrode the charging port and internal circuits. Do not plug it in when ready. Power off the phone, let it dry completely in a warm room for at least 24 hours (or longer if it was submerged), then try charging. If it still does not charge after drying, water damage to the port or battery is likely and you will need professional repair.