If you’re having an iPhone charger not working problem, ensure that you’ve checked all charging components are plugged in properly. Dust, dirt or other debris can also inhibit as you use the device overtime which could cause charging issues. Check for any of these matters to ensure that the charging connectors are not blocked.
One of the most irritating instances of owning a smartphone is when your device suddenly just refuses to charge. If your iPhone doesn’t charge, apparently you won’t be able to use as it doesn’t power up. That said, you’ve got a big problem to fix. Charging issues in mobile devices are inflicted by various factors from a dysfunctional charger, damaged charging cable, or busted power source. In older devices, not charging and intermittent charging issues are usually tagged among other types of power issues particularly due to a bad battery or other damaged power components.
Nonetheless, it is still highly recommended to perform some workarounds before rushing to a service center. Doing so will eliminate software-related factors that could potentially offer permanent solution to the problem. Highlighted below are a few effective solutions to software-related charging problems on an iPhone. Read on to learn what to do if your iPhone suddenly stops charging.
Before we move on to our troubleshooting, if you happen to find this post while looking for a solution to a different problem, then visit our iPhone Help Guides page for we have already addressed some of the most common issues with this device. We may have already published articles that could help you fix your problem. Find issues that are similar with yours and feel free to use our solutions.
Troubleshooting your Apple iPhone charger not working
When an iPhone stops charging, it’s not always due to a damaged charger. In fact, many cases of charging issues in mobile devices are linked to software flaws. It is the charging system (software) that prompts the hardware to initiate charge the moment it’s plugged into a power source. If the charging system is interfered, its usual charging routine will be ruined. That when adverse charging symptoms occur. To eliminate software-related factors from the underlying causes, performing these subsequent procedures is recommended. Don’t forget to test charge your iPhone after implementing each method so that you’ll know if the problem is solved or not.
First solution: Force restart your iPhone while charging.
Using the original or Apple-supplied charger, plug it into a wall outlet and then do a forced restart. Performing this tweak can help eliminate minor app glitches that might have interfered with or halted the charging process. The steps in carrying out a forced restart vary depending between iPhone models.
To force restart an iPhone X or later iPhone model, follow these steps:
- Press and release the Volume Up button.
- Then press and release the Volume Down button.
- Finally, press and hold the Side button and then release it when the Apple logo appears.
If you’re dealing with the same no charging issue on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, here’s how a forced restart is done:
- Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power (Sleep/Wake) button simultaneously and then release both buttons with the Apple logo appears.
For earlier iPhone models like the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 6, SE and 5s, refer to these steps to force the device to restart.
- Press and hold both the Power (Sleep/Wake) button and the Home button for a few seconds and then release both buttons when the Apple logo is displayed on the screen.
Try and see if that fixes the problem. If your iPhone is still not charging, try the next solution.
Second solution: Update your iPhone software to the latest version to fix charger not working issue.
If your iPhone still has some power left and you think that it could last for 20 to 30 minutes, check for new iOS update that you could implement. Installing an iOS update could be the key to resolving the issue if malwares and software bugs are the main culprits. Just make sure that your phone is connected to the Internet and has ample storage space to allocate the new update file. Just follow these steps to proceed:
- From the Home screen, tap on Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
If you see an update notification, that usually denotes that a new iOS version is available. Just select the option to download and install whenever you’re ready.
After updating, reboot your iPhone to save and apply the recent system changes. Then see if that solves the problem. If your device is still not charging after this, then revert all settings back to default.
Third solution: Reset all settings.
Another suggested tweak to eliminate invalid settings that caused charging errors is a system settings reset. This reset eliminated recent customizations along with any associated errors and then restores the original values and options. This doesn’t require you to create backups as no saved information gets affected in the process. However, all your customized settings will be deleted. If you wish to proceed, just follow these steps:
- Tap Settings from your Home screen.
- Tap General.
- Scroll down and tap on Reset.
- Choose Reset all settings from the given options.
- Enter your passcode when asked to proceed.
- Finally, tap the option to confirm all settings reset.
Allow your phone to finish resetting and then restarts when done. After this, try to see if the charger not working issue on your iOS device is already fixed. Because if the problem remains, it’s time to reset your device.
Fourth solution: Factory reset your iPhone.
Among the ultimate solutions to complex system issues that could not be remedied by the initial procedures is the factory reset. This reset erases everything from the phone system including downloads apps and files, saved contacts, customized settings and other personal data. Fatal system errors that caused stubborn symptoms are likewise cleared out in the process. The only downside is permanent data loss. At least 50 percent of battery is necessary to ensure that the reset will be completed. If you think your device could still last that long, then you may consider performing this reset to rule out complex system errors. Just refer to these steps:
- From the Home screen, tap Settings.
- Select General.
- Scroll down and tap on Reset.
- Choose the option to Erase all content and settings.
- Enter your passcode when asked to proceed.
- Then tap the option to confirm that you want to erase your iPhone completely and restore its factory default settings.
The reset will then instigate. Allow the device to finish resetting and then reboots itself when done. By then you can set it up as new.
Alternatively, you can plug your iPhone to a computer and carry out a factory reset through iTunes. This can be considered an alternative if your iPhone is running out of power and able to charge through a computer’s USB port. Just be sure to have the latest version of iTunes app installed on your computer. And once your iPhone syncs with iTunes, you can follow the onscreen commands to start wiping and restore your device. If your iPhone is still not charging after doing this procedure, then restore it.
Fifth solution: Restore your iPhone in iTunes.
This method is only applicable if your iPhone is able to charge through a computer’s USB port. Performing iOS restore through iTunes requires enough power for the entire process to complete. If the system restore isn’t completed, there’s a chance that the system gets corrupted and thus, worse to fatal system issues could arise.
There are two restore options you can try if your iPhone is able to charge through a computer’s port. The first is a recovery mode restore and the other is DFU mode restore. Both these methods require the use of iTunes on Windows or Mac computer. If possible, you can start with a recovery mode restore first to put your iPhone in a recovery state and then repair its flawed charging system through iTunes. Just refer to the following procedures to put your iPhone in recovery mode.
If you’re using an iPhone 8 or later model, entering recovery mode is carried out this way:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Then press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Finally, press and hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
Note: Don’t release the button if you see the Apple logo because you need to enter recovery mode.
If you’re using an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, follow these steps to put your device in recovery mode:
- Press and hold the Side/Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously and then release both buttons when the Recovery Mode screen shows up.
If you’ve got an iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and earlier model, follow these steps to enter recovery mode:
- Press and hold both the Home button and Top/Power buttons simultaneously and then release both buttons when the Recovery Mode screen appears.
When your iPhone successfully enters recovery mode, follow the onscreen commands to instigate system restore in iTunes. The restore process could take up to 15 minutes depending on the iOS file to restore from. Do not disconnect your device from the computer unless the restore process is finished.
If that still failed to solve the problem and your iPhone is still not charging, then your last option would be a DFU mode restore. This however is just an optional procedure as it could also put your iPhone at risk of becoming bricked especially when the restore process gets interrupted.
You can refer to a comprehensive guide on how to restore an iPhone in DFU mode found on this site’s tutorials section.
But if you suspect the liquid damage is present, better take your iPhone to an authorized service center and asked a technician’s aid to fix it. Performing a DFU mode restore on a liquid-damaged iPhone could result in more fatal system issues due to incomplete or unfinished system restore. For example, the operating system could become totally corrupted because the restore process was interrupted or not completed. And should that happens, you could end up having a totally bricked and defunct iPhone.
Checking the hardware components
Below are hardware components that must be scrutinized because any of them can be the underlying cause of the problem.
- Charging cable/charger. Many cases of charging issues are directly attributed to a faulty charger or charging cable. The iPhone’s Lightning cable is prone to damage so take time to inspect it. Try using a different charger that’s compatible with your iPhone. If possible, try using at least 3 other chargers to determine if the problem is isolated to the original charger in use. If your iPhone is able to charge using other charger, then you need to replace your charger with a new one.
- Charging port. Make sure that the charging port or Lightning port is free from any stuck debris. The charging port at the bottom of your iPhone can accumulate dust or debris in time especially with frequent exposure to dusty environment. When dust and debris clogged the charging port, this could prevent secure connection between the charging cable and your iPhone. This often leads to intermittent charging, slow charging, or worst, your iPhone may not be able to charge at all. You can use a flashlight to check the inside of your phone’s charging port and if necessary, clean it using an anti-static brush or ordinary toothbrush.
- Power source. The problem can also be due to a defective or dysfunctional wall outlet or power source. If your iPhone is not charging from a wall outlet, then try plugging it into a computer’s USB port or portable iOS power banks. If it charges through other power sources, then the problem is neither the charger nor the iPhone.
iPhone charger still not working? Here are your Repair options:
If all else failed to fix the problem and your iPhone is still not charging, then this is the point when you should consider opting for service. You can take your iPhone to the nearest Apple service center in your area for hardware assessment and/or repair. Also take the charger so that it can also be examined by the technician. If it’s confirmed to be inflicted by a faulty charger, then all you have to do is ask for a new charger replacement. You can get that through warranty if your iPhone is still covered. For other suggestions, contact your carrier or Apple Support and let them know about the charging problem you’re dealing with your iPhone.
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