So you plug in your phone, and instead of the satisfying buzz or chime that alerts you that your phone is happily charging, you get—nothing. It’s puzzling, to say the least! If you’re wondering why your Android or iPhone refuses to charge, read on for the possible reasons and solutions. We hope you find the answer and some relief.
Top reasons why your Android won’t charge
- Faulty cable, charger, or adapter. The problem might be with your power source’s connection, not your phone.
- Issue with charging port. Your phone might not be able to detect a power source if the charging port is dirty, obstructed, or bent out of shape.
- Software problem. Your phone’s software controls its ability to detect power and take a charge. Therefore, if your software crashes or your phone is running an older version that needs to be updated, software issues could prevent your phone from charging.
- Intrusive apps. Some third-party apps may bog down your phone, disrupt the operation, and interrupt its charging processes.
How to resolve Android charging issues
- Try a different cable, charger, or adapter. Borrow a workable Android cable from a friend or family member. If the phone successfully takes a charge, then your answer is clear: time for a replacement cable! But beware of and avoid cheap, low-quality cables that can cause charging problems.
- Clean and restore your phone’s charging port. Examine the port to see if it’s obstructed by any dirt, dust, or gunk—it may help to use a flashlight. Blow out any grime, using a can of compressed air or a big puff from your lungs. Gently and carefully use a toothpick to tease out any stubborn debris. If you don’t see anything obstructing the port, another possibility is that due to frequent plugging in and removal, the metal tab inside the charging port could be distorted. This can prevent the close contact needed to carry a charge. Try the following steps to correct the distortion:
- Power off your device. Remove the battery if it’s removable.
- Using a toothpick or needle, carefully insert and gently straighten up the tab.
- Remove the toothpick and connect your phone to a charger to test
- Power off your device. Remove the battery if it’s removable.
- Switch your power source. If you are unsuccessful in charging from a wall plug adapter, try a different outlet. From there, you can unplug and re-plug the device into a charger with a USB cable. When charging your Android from a computer, try connecting instead to a wall charger or powerbank. Your problem could be the USB port on the computer or power outlet so it’s important to confirm or rule this out.
- Reboot your phone. This only works in rare cases, but it’s easy and worth a shot. Sometimes, a simple reboot can indeed resolve charging problems with your Android. To do this, try holding down your phone’s power button for five seconds.
- Downgrade your Android software version. If you notice that your charging issue popped up right after an update to the latest Android version, the problem could be that your phone is not compatible with the new Android operating system. Reinstall an earlier version to see if your charging issue is solved.
- Clean up your apps. Some third-party apps can disrupt the functioning of your phone, so try uninstalling apps that you have downloaded recently, aren’t sure you trust, or simply no longer use.
- Replace your battery. The lifespan of a phone battery is typically a couple of years, at which point you may observe that the battery drains quickly or doesn’t charge fully or properly. In this case, try opening the back cover, and taking out the battery to see if there are any distortions or leaks. If you see that the battery is damaged at all, replace it with a new one.
Top reasons why your iPhone won’t charge
There are plenty of reasons why an iPhone might stop charging. However, if your iPhone stops charging specifically at 80%, it’s likely not a problem at all. This is a feature that comes with iOS 13 or later called Optimized Battery Charging, which helps preserve the life of your battery by preventing it from fully or over-charging. If that is not the case, and you suspect a real charging problem, here are some possible explanations:
- A loose, unstable connection. Your issue could be that the connection between your cable and your iPhone’s charging port isn’t secure or tight enough, or perhaps your USB connector is not plugged in fully.
- Charging port is dirty or compromised. It’s easy for your phone to collect dirt, lint, and small debris in its small openings, especially the charging port. If your phone has been exposed to liquid, it may have compromised the functioning of your port. Obstruction or damage can prevent your iPhone from charging.
- Damaged cable. IPhone cables get a lot of use, which means a lot of bending and twisting, which can result in wear and tear over time, and eventually, they may stop working
- Problem with your outlet. Do a quick check of your outlet, if by now you’ve detected no problems with your charger and your port. Use different outlets to see if you get a different result, or plug different items into the outlet you used to see if they power up.
- Software malfunction. Your iPhone software controls all its functions including the ability to charge. In fact, if your iPhone’s software detects power fluctuations, it will shut down charging as a protective measure to preserve your battery.
- Wrong charging accessories. If your charger is not Apple-certified, it may be unable to charge your phone. If you have a third-party cable, check to see if it’s Apple-certified by looking for the label on the cable or the lightning charger.
How to resolve iPhone charging issues
- Try a different iPhone charger or cable. The simple solution may be to use another Apple-certified charger. You can also try charging with a power bank, computer, MagSafe charger, and even a car charger to see if charging issues resolve. The maximum approved amperage for iPhone chargers is 2.1 amps, but many third-party chargers are off by a significant margin which can damage your phone, causing your phone’s software to stop charging to protect your device. You can eliminate the risk by always opting for Apple-certified chargers for your iPhone and other Apple devices.
- Check your power source. If you’re charging your iPhone from your computer’s USB port, confirm that the computer is awake and not in sleep or hibernation mode. You can also test a different USB port, but don’t charge from a USB port built into a keyboard or USB hub. You’ll want to connect it directly to a USB port on the computer. From there, you can try plugging it directly into a wall outlet with an AC adapter. If your charging problem originated while using an AC adapter, try using a different one. Borrow a functioning adapter from a friend or family member who also uses Apple devices.
- Repair damage or replace your phone. When you discover more serious issues, like water damage or software malfunction, it’s time to head to an Apple store for expert help. From there, you can evaluate whether your phone can be repaired, or needs to be replaced outright. There are some types of repairs that Apple service centers do not take on. Outside of Apple, you can try other personal repair services, smaller shops that are often willing and able to try to fix your iPhone, with some even offering lifetime services on parts.
- Update your software. It’s critical that you update your iPhone’s iOS whenever a new version rolls out. These releases include bug fixes and performance improvements for optimal functioning of your device. To check whether an update is available for your iPhone:
- Open Settings, and tap General.
- Select Software Update.
- Allow your device to scan for an available update, then tap Download & Install. Otherwise, you’ll see a note on-screen confirming that you already have the latest version of iOS.
- Try a hard reset. Press and hold down your volume up and down buttons, and then quickly release at once. Now press and hold down the power button on the side, keeping your finger firmly on the button until the Apple logo appears—it might take a little time. Sometimes, this is all it takes to restore proper charging and function.
what am i doing that is useing all the data on here?
check WIFI
settings
Hi Barbara, thanks for your post. If you need any help with your phone, we’d be happy to do so. Give us a call at 800-686-4460 or chat with one of our live agents on our website here for further assistance.
were 0do i fine 0the airplane mode?
Hi Harriet, thanks for your question. It depends on the exact model, but generally, you can find it in the settings of the phone. If you need any help with this, give us a call at 800-686-4460 or chat with one of our agents here for further assistance.