What to check before you buy a new charger
Most iPhone chargers stop working because of a loose connection, debris in the port, or a software glitch — not because the charger itself is broken. Before you spend money on a replacement, test whether the problem is the cable, the power adapter, the phone's charging port, or something else entirely. A few minutes of troubleshooting can save you $20 to $35.
The charger you use has two parts: the USB-C cable (or Lightning cable on older iPhones) and the power adapter (the brick that plugs into the wall). Either one can fail independently. Your phone's charging port can also wear out or collect lint. Knowing which part is the problem tells you exactly what to replace.
Key Takeaways
- Test your charger with a different iPhone or iPad to see whether the cable and adapter work, or whether the problem is your phone's port.
- Clean the charging port with a dry cotton swab or wooden toothpick — lint and dust are the most common reason a charger stops working.
- Try a different USB-C cable first, since cables wear out faster than power adapters and cost less to replace.
- If your phone charges on wireless charging but not with a cable, the problem is almost certainly your charging port, not the charger.
- Apple's official USB-C cables and power adapters carry a one-year warranty and can be tested for free at an Apple Store.
Test the cable and adapter separately
Borrow another iPhone, iPad, or Android phone and plug your charger into it. If the borrowed phone charges, your charger works — the problem is your phone's port or a software issue. If the borrowed phone does not charge, your charger is the problem.
Next, test whether it is the cable or the power adapter. Unplug your cable from the wall adapter and try a different USB-C cable in the same adapter. If the phone charges with a different cable, the original cable is damaged and needs to be replaced. If the phone still does not charge, the power adapter is the problem.
Write down which part failed so you know what to buy. A USB-C cable alone costs $15 to $25. A power adapter alone costs $20 to $35. Buying the wrong part wastes money.
Clean the charging port on your iPhone
Lint, dust, and pocket debris collect inside your iPhone's charging port over months of use. This buildup blocks the connection between the cable and the port, and the phone will not charge even though the charger works fine.
Turn off your iPhone completely. Use a dry cotton swab or a wooden toothpick to gently scrape the inside of the charging port at the bottom of the phone. Do this slowly and carefully — the port contains small metal contacts that can bend if you push too hard. You should see lint or dust come out. Repeat until the swab comes out clean.
Turn the phone back on and try charging. If it works now, you have solved the problem for free. If it still does not charge after cleaning, move on to the next step.
Restart your iPhone and check for software updates
A software glitch can prevent your phone from recognizing a working charger. Force restart your iPhone by pressing and releasing the volume up button, then pressing and releasing the volume down button, then pressing and holding the side button until the power-off slider appears. Slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, then press the side button again to turn it back on.
After the restart, plug in your charger and wait a few minutes. If the phone charges now, a temporary software issue was the cause.
Also check whether a software update is waiting. Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update. If an update is available, connect to Wi-Fi and install it. Older iOS versions sometimes have charging bugs that updates fix.
Try wireless charging to narrow down the problem
If your iPhone supports wireless charging (iPhone 8 and newer), place it on a wireless charging pad. If it charges wirelessly but not with a cable, your charging port is damaged or worn out. The charger itself is working fine.
A damaged charging port usually requires a repair from Apple or an authorized repair shop. The cost varies, but Apple typically charges $70 to $100 for port replacement on most iPhone models. If your phone is under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the repair may be free.
If the phone does not charge wirelessly either, the problem is not the port — it is the charger, the cable, or a deeper hardware issue with the phone itself.
Buy the right replacement charger
Apple's official USB-C cables and power adapters are the safest choice. They work with all recent iPhones and come with a one-year warranty. A USB-C to Lightning cable (for iPhone 14 and older) costs about $19. A USB-C to USB-C cable (for iPhone 15 and newer) costs about $19. A 20-watt USB-C power adapter costs about $19. A 30-watt adapter costs about $35.
Third-party cables and adapters from brands like Anker, Belkin, and Amazon Basics are cheaper and usually work fine, but they do not carry the same warranty protection. If you choose a third-party charger, look for one that says "MFi certified" (Made for iPhone) on the packaging — this means Apple has tested it and confirmed it meets safety standards.
Avoid extremely cheap chargers from unknown brands. A charger that costs $3 to $5 may damage your phone's battery or overheat the charging port.
When to visit an Apple Store
Take your iPhone and charger to an Apple Store if you have already tested the charger on another phone and cleaned the port, but your phone still will not charge. Apple's Genius Bar can test your charger for free and diagnose whether the problem is the port, the battery, or something else.
Bring your receipt or proof of purchase if your phone is less than a year old — Apple may replace the charger or phone for free under warranty. If your phone is older, Apple will tell you the cost of repair before you commit to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my charger work sometimes but not other times?
A loose connection inside the port or a partially damaged cable usually causes intermittent charging. Try cleaning the port first. If that does not work, the cable is probably wearing out and needs replacement. Cables bend and fray with repeated use, especially if you wrap them tightly or carry them in a pocket.
Can I use a charger from a different phone brand with my iPhone?
Yes, if it has a USB-C port. Most modern phones use USB-C, and iPhones from iPhone 15 onward use USB-C as well. Older iPhones use Lightning and need a Lightning cable. Check your phone's charging port to see which type you have.
Is it safe to leave my iPhone plugged in overnight?
Yes. Modern iPhones stop charging at 100 percent and switch to a trickle charge to protect the battery. Leaving it plugged in overnight will not damage the battery or the phone. However, keeping a phone plugged in constantly over months or years can slightly reduce battery lifespan.
What does it mean when my phone says "this accessory is not supported"?
Your iPhone detected a charger that does not meet Apple's safety standards. This usually happens with very cheap third-party chargers or counterfeit cables. Stop using it when ready — unsupported chargers can overheat and damage your battery or phone. Buy an Apple charger or a certified third-party one instead.
How long should an iPhone charger last?
A cable typically lasts one to two years with normal use. A power adapter usually lasts three to five years. Cables wear out faster because they bend and flex every time you plug and unplug them. If your charger is older than two years and stops working, buying a replacement is usually cheaper than repairing it.