Start with the simplest fixes first

A charger that does not work usually fails for one of five reasons, and most of them take under a minute to check. Before you buy a replacement, test whether the cable is bent, the port is clogged with lint, the outlet is dead, or the charger itself has a loose connection inside.

The fastest way to narrow it down: try the charger on a different device of the same type if you have one nearby. If it works on the other device, your phone or tablet is the problem, not the charger. If it does not work on any device, move to the cable and outlet checks below.

Key Takeaways

  • Most chargers fail because of a bent cable, a clogged port, a dead outlet, or a loose internal connection — all fixable in under a minute.
  • Test your charger on a different device first to know whether the problem is the charger itself or the device you are charging.
  • Lint and debris in the charging port are the most common reason a device stops accepting power, even when the charger works fine.
  • If your charger worked before and stopped suddenly, the cable is usually the culprit — they bend and fray at the connector where it meets the plug.
  • Chargers that are too old, too cheap, or damaged by heat or water may need replacement rather than repair.

Check the cable for bends, kinks, and fraying

The cable is the weakest part of any charger. It bends thousands of times over its life, and the connector where it plugs into your device or wall adapter takes the most stress. Look along the entire length of the cable for white or copper showing through the rubber coating, or for a section that bends at a sharp angle instead of curving smoothly.

If you find damage, the cable is failing and will not reliably carry power — and it can overheat or short out. Do not wrap it tighter or tape it. Replace the cable or the whole charger. If the cable looks fine, move the connector end gently side to side while the charger is plugged in and your device is connected. If the light flickers or your device charges only when you hold it at an angle, the connector is loose inside and the cable needs replacement.

Clear lint and debris from the charging port

Your phone or tablet's charging port collects lint, dust, and pocket debris over months of use. A clogged port will not let the charger make a solid connection, even if the charger itself is fine. Look into the port with a flashlight — if you see white or gray fuzz, that is the problem.

Use a wooden toothpick or a plastic dental pick to gently scrape the sides and back of the port. Work slowly and do not force anything. If you have compressed air, a short burst can blow out loose debris, but do not shake the can or hold it upside down. Once the port is clear, plug in your charger and test it. This fix works for the majority of devices that suddenly stop charging.

Test the outlet and try a different power source

A dead outlet is straightforward to miss because you assume the wall is always live. Plug a lamp or phone charger you know works into the same outlet. If nothing powers on, the outlet is dead — try a different one on a different wall, or a different room entirely. If the outlet works but your charger still does not, the outlet is not the problem.

If you are using a power strip or extension cord, plug the charger directly into the wall instead. Power strips can fail or trip their internal breaker, and extension cords can lose connection inside. Also test with a different USB cable if you have one — some cables are data-only and do not carry power, even though they look identical to charging cables.

Look for heat damage, water damage, or a swollen battery

Chargers that have been left in hot cars, near heaters, or in direct sun can have damaged internal components that no longer work. Water damage is also permanent — if your charger got wet, the internal circuits corroded and will not recover. If your device's battery is visibly swollen or puffy, it is pushing the charger away from the port and preventing connection. A swollen battery is a safety hazard and needs replacement.

If your charger smells like burnt plastic, feels hot to the touch when plugged in, or makes a buzzing sound, stop using it when ready. These are signs of internal failure that can damage your device or cause a fire. Throw it away and buy a replacement from the device manufacturer or a certified third-party maker.

Know when to replace the charger instead of fixing it

Some chargers are not worth fixing. If your charger is more than five years old, it may not deliver power as efficiently as it once did, and older chargers do not support faster charging speeds that newer devices expect. If you bought it from an unknown seller online or at a dollar store, it may never have been safe — cheap chargers often lack the safety circuits that prevent overheating and short circuits.

Original chargers from Apple, Samsung, Google, or other device makers are more reliable than third-party options, but certified third-party chargers (look for "MFi certified" for Apple devices, or "USB-IF certified" for Android) work well and cost less. Avoid chargers with no brand name, no safety markings, or prices that seem too good to be true.

Understand what type of charger your device needs

Not all chargers work with all devices. An old micro-USB charger will not work with a newer USB-C phone. A charger made for a tablet may not fit a phone. Before you buy a replacement, check your device's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm the connector type and the power rating (measured in watts or amps).

If you have multiple devices, a multi-port charger with USB-C and USB-A ports can charge several things at once, but make sure it has enough total power to handle them. A 20-watt charger can charge one phone quickly or two phones slowly, but not one phone and one tablet at full speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any USB charger with my phone?

Not safely. Your phone needs a charger with the correct connector type (USB-C, Lightning, or micro-USB) and the right power rating. Using a charger with too much power can overheat your battery. Using one with too little power will charge very slowly or not at all. Check your device manual for the correct specs.

Is it safe to use a charger that gets hot?

A charger that is warm to the touch is normal, but one that is too hot to hold is not. Excessive heat means the internal circuits are failing or the charger is delivering too much power. Stop using it and replace it. Heat damage can spread to your device's battery and cause a fire.

Why does my charger work sometimes but not always?

This almost always means the cable connector is loose or the charging port is partially clogged. Try cleaning the port with a toothpick and testing with a different cable. If it works with a different cable, your original cable needs replacement. If it still fails, the port itself may be damaged and your device may need repair.

What should I do with a charger that no longer works?

Do not throw it in the trash. Chargers contain metals and circuits that can be recycled. Take it to an electronics recycling center, a Best Buy, or a manufacturer's store — many accept old chargers for free. Some phone carriers also take them back.