Start with the cable and power adapter first
The cable and adapter are the most common culprits. iPhones use either a Lightning connector (iPhone 8 through iPhone 14) or USB-C (iPhone 15 and newer). A frayed, bent, or damaged cable stops charging even if the phone and wall outlet work fine.
Inspect the cable along its entire length for visible damage — cracks in the rubber coating, exposed wires, or a connector that sits loose in the phone. If you see damage, the cable needs replacing. If the cable looks fine, try a different cable and adapter you know work with another device. If your phone charges with the replacement, your original cable or adapter is the problem.
Apple's official cables and adapters cost $19 to $29. Third-party options from brands like Anker or Belkin that carry MFi certification (Made for iPhone) cost $10 to $20 and work reliably. Avoid extremely cheap cables from unknown sellers — they may charge slowly or fail quickly.
Key Takeaways
- A damaged cable or adapter is the most common reason an iPhone won't charge, and replacing it solves the problem in most cases.
- Lint and debris in the charging port can block the connection; clean it gently with a dry cotton swab or soft brush, never with liquid.
- A software glitch sometimes prevents charging from starting; force restart your iPhone by following the steps for your model.
- If your phone charges only when held at an angle or intermittently, the charging port itself may be damaged and require service.
- Overheating during charging is normal, but if the phone is too hot to hold, unplug it and let it cool before trying again.
Clean the charging port if the cable fits loosely
Lint, dust, and debris accumulate inside the charging port over time. When the port is clogged, the cable sits loosely and may not make a solid connection. You'll notice the cable wiggles or only charges when held at a specific angle.
Turn off your iPhone and use a dry cotton swab or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush inside the port. Do this in good light so you can see what you're removing. Never use liquid, compressed air, or metal tools — water can damage the internal components, compressed air can force debris deeper, and metal can short the port.
If you see a small amount of lint, a few gentle swabs usually clear it. If the port looks heavily packed, you may need to repeat the process a few times. After cleaning, wait a few minutes and try charging again with your cable.
Force restart your iPhone to clear a software glitch
Sometimes iOS gets stuck in a state where it won't recognize the charger, even though the cable, adapter, and port are all fine. A force restart clears this without erasing anything on your phone.
The steps differ by model. On iPhone X and newer (including all current models), press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until you see the "slide to power off" screen. Keep holding the Side button — after a few seconds, the screen will go black and the Apple logo will appear. Release the button and wait for the phone to restart.
On iPhone 8 and earlier, press and hold both the Top (or Side) button and the Volume Down button until the "slide to power off" screen appears, then keep holding until the Apple logo shows.
Once the phone restarts, plug it in and wait a few seconds to see if the charging indicator appears on the screen.
Check whether the phone is overheating
iPhones get warm while charging, especially if you're using the phone at the same time. This is normal. However, if the phone is too hot to hold comfortably, charging will pause automatically to protect the battery.
Unplug the charger and set the phone aside in a cool place for 15 to 30 minutes. Close any open apps and avoid using the phone while it cools. Once it reaches a normal temperature, try charging again in a room-temperature environment, away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators.
If the phone regularly overheats during normal charging with no apps running, there may be a hardware issue. Note when this happens and what you were doing, then contact Apple Support with those details.
Try a different outlet and charger setup
A faulty wall outlet or power strip can prevent charging even if your cable and adapter are fine. Plug the charger into a different outlet in another room — ideally one you know works because you've used it for other devices.
If your phone charges in the new outlet, the original outlet is the problem. Have an electrician check it, or straightforward use a different outlet going forward. If the phone still won't charge in multiple outlets, the issue is with your cable, adapter, or phone itself, not the wall power.
If you use a power strip or surge protector, try plugging the adapter directly into the wall outlet instead. Some power strips don't deliver enough power for fast charging, or they may have a switch that cuts power without you realizing it.
Recognize when the charging port needs professional service
If you've cleaned the port, tried multiple cables and adapters, and the phone still won't charge, or if it only charges when the cable is held at a specific angle, the port itself may be damaged. This is a hardware problem that requires service.
Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to have the port inspected. They can tell you whether the port can be repaired or whether the phone needs service. If your iPhone is under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the repair may be covered. Out-of-warranty port repairs typically cost $99 to $199 depending on the model.
If your phone is very old or the repair cost is high, you may decide it's time to replace it. But before you do, confirm with Apple that the port is actually damaged — sometimes a software issue or a faulty cable mimics port damage.
Understand what happens if your battery itself is failing
A failing battery can sometimes prevent charging from starting, though this is less common than cable or port problems. If your phone is several years old and won't charge even with a known-good cable and adapter, battery failure is possible.
You can check your battery health in Settings. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If the Maximum Capacity is below 80%, your battery is degraded. If it's below 50%, the phone may behave unpredictably, including refusing to charge.
Apple can replace the battery for $69 to $99 depending on the model. This is cheaper than a new phone and often solves charging problems caused by battery age. If you have AppleCare+, battery replacement is usually covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any USB-C cable with my iPhone 15?
Any USB-C to USB-C cable works with iPhone 15, but Apple's official cable and third-party MFi-certified cables are more reliable. Cheap unbranded cables may charge slowly or fail quickly. The cable itself costs $19 to $29 from Apple or $10 to $20 from reputable third-party brands.
Is it safe to charge my iPhone overnight?
Yes. Modern iPhones stop charging at 100% and switch to trickle charging to protect the battery. Leaving your phone plugged in overnight won't damage it. However, keeping the phone in a cool environment extends battery lifespan over time.
Why does my iPhone charge slowly?
Slow charging usually means the cable, adapter, or port is partially damaged or dirty. A degraded cable may still work but deliver less power. Cleaning the port, trying a different cable, or using a higher-wattage adapter (20W or higher for newer models) can speed things up. If the phone is hot while charging, it may also throttle charging to protect itself.
What should I do if liquid got into the charging port?
Stop charging when ready and turn off the phone. Let it dry in a warm, dry place for at least 24 hours before trying to charge again. Do not use heat sources like a hair dryer. If the phone won't charge after drying, or if you see corrosion inside the port, contact Apple Support — water damage may require service.
Can I charge my iPhone with a laptop charger?
Yes, if the charger has the right connector (Lightning for older models, USB-C for iPhone 15). However, laptop chargers often deliver more power than iPhones need. This won't damage the phone, but it may charge faster and generate more heat. Use your phone's original charger when possible.