iPhone not charging: what to do before you buy anything
When an iPhone quits charging, the phone itself is rarely broken. Most of the time it is pocket lint packed into the charging port, a worn out cable, a weak power adapter, or a phone that needs a restart. Work through these steps in order and stop as soon as you see the charging symbol.
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Steps
Look at the battery icon at the top of the screen. A small lightning bolt next to it means the phone is charging. If the screen is black, plug it in and wait 30 minutes before deciding it is dead, because a fully empty phone can take a while to show anything.
Try a different wall outlet. Plug the adapter straight into the wall, not a power strip, a computer or a car charger.
Try a different cable and adapter if you have one, ideally an Apple one or one marked MFi. Cables often break inside near the ends even when they look fine.
Check the charging port at the bottom of the phone with a flashlight. Pocket lint often packs in and stops the cable from going all the way in. Turn the phone off and gently scrape it out with a wooden toothpick. Never use metal, water or a cotton swab.
Push the cable in firmly. It should go in snug with no gap. If it still feels loose after cleaning, the port may need a repair.
Restart the phone. On an iPhone 8 or newer, quickly press and let go of volume up, then volume down, then hold the side button until you see the Apple logo. Then plug it in again.
If you see a message that says the accessory is not supported, the cable is the problem. Unplug it and use a different one.
If it says charging is on hold or stops at 80 percent, that is normal. Optimized Battery Charging waits to protect the battery and finishes later. You can turn it off in Settings, then Battery.
Try a wireless charger if your phone supports it, which is iPhone 8 and newer. If it charges wirelessly but not with a cable, the port or cable is the problem, not the battery.
If nothing works, check Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health. If Maximum Capacity is low or it says service, an Apple Store or authorized repair shop can replace the battery. Never pay a phone repair number from a popup or a search ad.
Common questions
Why did my iPhone suddenly stop charging?
The most common reasons are lint in the charging port, a broken cable, or the phone needing a restart. A dead battery or broken port is less common.
Is it safe to clean the charging port myself?
Yes, if the phone is off and you use a wooden toothpick gently. Do not use metal pins, liquids or compressed air pushed hard into the port.
Why does my iPhone stop charging at 80 percent?
That is Optimized Battery Charging, which protects your battery. It is normal and the phone finishes charging later.
Do I need a new iPhone?
Usually not. A new cable, a cleaned port or a new battery fixes most charging problems for much less than a new phone.
Can Ellis help me with this?
Yes. Ellis can talk you through each step by phone while you hold your iPhone, and will never ask for your passwords or bank details. Ellis is an AI assistant, and it will tell you so.
Free human help is at capacity right now. If you want help while you fix this, Ellis, our AI assistant, can help you by phone now. The first 5 minutes are free when you call (928) 272-0355. If you want more time, phone help is $19 one time for up to 30 minutes, used over 14 days. No subscription. Ellis is an AI and can make mistakes.