iPhone not charging? 8 fixes to try in order

2 min read · 8 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

When an iPhone will not charge, the cause is usually outside the phone. Work through these fixes from the top. They start with the most common causes and the cheapest solutions.

Step by step

1. Check the cable and charger

   Look for kinks, exposed wire or a bent plug. Try a different cable and a different wall charger, ideally Apple's or one marked MFi or USB-C certified. Cheap cables fail often.

   Done

2. Use a wall socket, not a computer

   USB ports on laptops, cars and extension strips often give too little power. Plug the charger straight into a wall socket you know works.

   Done

3. Clean the charging port

   Pocket fluff packs into the port and stops the plug from seating fully. Switch the phone off, shine a light into the port, and gently lift the fluff out with a wooden or plastic toothpick. Do not use metal, and do not blow moisture into it.

   Done

4. Leave it for 30 minutes

   A completely empty battery can show a black screen for several minutes before the charging symbol appears. Connect it and leave it alone for half an hour.

   Done

5. Force restart while connected

   Press and release volume up, press and release volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Software can freeze in a state where charging does not start.

   Done

6. Read the message on the screen

   "Liquid detected" means the port is wet: unplug, let it dry for several hours with the port facing down, and do not use rice or a hairdryer. "Charging on hold" means the phone is too hot or too cold: move it to room temperature.

   Done

7. Check whether it stops at 80%

   That is a setting, not a fault. Open Settings, Battery, Charging. A charge limit or Optimised Battery Charging holds the battery at 80% on purpose to slow ageing.

   Done

8. Try wireless charging

   If the phone charges on a MagSafe or Qi pad but not by cable, the port is the problem. If it charges by cable but not wirelessly, remove thick or metal cases and centre the phone on the pad.

   Done

Good to know

If nothing works with a known-good cable and charger, the port or battery needs repair. Book an appointment with Apple or an authorised repairer. Check your battery first if you still can: how to check battery health.

Update iOS once the phone has some charge. Charging bugs are sometimes fixed in updates.

In short: New cable and wall charger, clean the port, wait 30 minutes, force restart. Then repair.