Start with the simplest fixes first
A charger that does not work usually fails for one of three reasons: the outlet is dead, the cable is damaged, or the charging port on your device is blocked. Before you buy a replacement, test each one in order. Most of the time, the problem is something you can fix in under a minute.
The fastest way to know what is broken is to try the charger on a different device of the same type. If your phone charger works on someone else's phone, your phone's port needs cleaning. If it does not work on any device, the charger itself is the problem. If the outlet does not power other devices, the outlet is the problem.
Key Takeaways
- Test your charger on a different device first — this tells you whether the problem is the charger, the cable, the port, or the outlet.
- Blocked charging ports are the most common reason a charger appears broken; use a flashlight and a wooden toothpick to clear lint and dust.
- Bent or frayed cables fail at the connector end; if you see damage, the cable needs replacement, not repair.
- Outlets can stop working without warning; plug a lamp or phone charger into a different outlet to rule this out.
- Some devices charge slowly or not at all when using the wrong wattage charger; check your device manual for the correct power rating.
Check the outlet before you assume the charger is broken
Outlets fail silently. A wall outlet can look fine and deliver no power. Before you blame the charger, plug something else into that same outlet — a lamp, a different phone charger, or a clock radio. If the other device does not work, the outlet is dead and you need an electrician or a different outlet.
If you live in a rental, tell your landlord. If you own the home, the outlet may have a tripped breaker or a failed internal switch. Try plugging into an outlet in a different room. If that works, use it for now and have the first outlet inspected later.
Once you know the outlet works, move to the charger itself. Plug the charger into the outlet and look for a light on the charger or listen for a quiet hum. Many chargers have a small LED that glows when power reaches them. If you see no light and the outlet works, the charger's internal electronics have failed.
Clean the charging port on your device
Lint, dust, and pocket debris collect inside charging ports and prevent the connector from making contact. This is the most common reason a charger appears broken when it is actually fine. Look into the port with a flashlight. If you see fuzz or debris, the port needs cleaning.
Use a wooden toothpick or a plastic dental pick — never metal, which can short the port. Gently scrape the sides and bottom of the port while looking with the flashlight. Work slowly and do not force anything. You are removing lint, not digging. Blow out the loose debris with your mouth or a can of compressed air.
After cleaning, plug the charger in and wait a few seconds. The device should recognize the charger and show a charging indicator on the screen. If it still does not charge, try a different charger on the same device. If the different charger works, your original charger is damaged.
Inspect the cable for visible damage
Cables fail where they bend most — at the connector end near the device and where the cable enters the power brick. Look along the entire length of the cable for cracks, fraying, exposed wires, or bent connectors. If you see any of these, the cable is damaged and cannot be safely repaired.
Bend the cable gently near each end while the charger is plugged in and the device is connected. If the device charges only when you hold the cable at a certain angle, the internal wires are broken. This is a fire risk and the cable must be replaced, not taped or wrapped.
If the cable looks fine but the charger still does not work, the problem is inside the power brick or the device itself. At this point, test with a different charger if you have access to one. Borrowing a friend's charger for five minutes tells you whether you need to replace the charger or have the device serviced.
Understand why some chargers work slowly or not at all
Not all chargers deliver the same amount of power. A charger rated for 5 watts will charge a device slowly or not at all if the device needs 20 watts. Check the label on your charger — it lists watts (W) or milliamps (mA). Check your device manual or the original charger to see what power rating your device needs.
Using a charger with too little power means the device charges very slowly or stays at the same battery level while in use. Using a charger with too much power does not damage modern devices, which have built-in protection, but it is wasteful. Using a charger with the wrong connector type will not work at all because the connector will not fit.
If you lost your original charger, buy a replacement that matches the connector type and wattage. The connector type is usually printed on the device or in the manual — USB-C, Lightning, Micro-USB, or a proprietary connector. The wattage is printed on the original charger label.
Know when to replace versus repair
Chargers are not worth repairing. A replacement charger costs between fifteen and fifty dollars depending on the device type. A repair shop will charge you a diagnostic fee plus labor, which often costs more than a new charger. If the charger is visibly damaged or does not work after you have tested the outlet and cleaned the port, buy a replacement.
Buy from the device manufacturer when possible — Apple chargers for iPhones, Samsung chargers for Samsung phones, and so on. Third-party chargers are cheaper but vary in quality and safety. Avoid chargers with no brand name or chargers that are significantly cheaper than the manufacturer's version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any USB charger on my phone?
Not safely. Your phone needs a specific wattage and connector type. Using a charger with too little power charges slowly or not at all. Using a charger with the wrong connector will not fit. Check your phone manual for the correct wattage and connector type before buying a replacement.
Is it safe to use a charger with a frayed cable?
No. A frayed cable exposes internal wires and creates a shock and fire risk. Do not tape or wrap a damaged cable. Replace the charger when ready. Damaged chargers are not worth repairing.
Why does my charger work sometimes but not other times?
The cable is probably damaged inside. When you bend the cable at a certain angle, the internal wires make contact and charging works. When you move it, the connection breaks. This is a sign the cable needs replacement. Do not continue using it.
What should I do if the outlet sparks when I plug in the charger?
Unplug when ready and do not use that outlet again. Sparking means the outlet has an electrical fault. Tell your landlord or, if you own the home, contact an electrician. Use a different outlet in the meantime.
Does leaving a charger plugged in when not in use waste electricity?
Modern chargers draw very little power when nothing is connected to them. The cost is negligible. However, unplugging chargers when not in use is a safe habit and reduces the small risk of a power surge damaging the charger during a storm.