Phones · Repair guide

How to fix an iPhone that won't charge

8 fixes, easiest first4 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Plug a different cable and power adapter straight into a wall outlet, check the charging port for lint, and let the iPhone charge for 30 minutes; if nothing happens, force restart it and charge for another 30 minutes.

What it means

An iPhone that won't charge is most often getting no power because of a worn cable, a weak adapter, a dirty charging port or an outlet that isn't working. It can also look like it isn't charging when iOS is pausing at 80% on purpose to protect the battery, when the phone is too warm, or when it has detected liquid in the port.

Common causes

  • A damaged, worn or non-certified cable or power adapter
  • Lint or debris packed into the charging port
  • A power strip, computer port or outlet that gives little or no power
  • Optimized Battery Charging or a Charge Limit stopping the charge at 80%
  • The iPhone is too warm, so charging is paused until it cools
  • Liquid detected in the charging port
  • A frozen iPhone, a battery that is wearing out or a damaged port

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01Check the outlet, cable and power adapterEasy

  1. Plug the power adapter straight into a wall outlet, not a power strip, car socket or computer port.
  2. Make sure the cable is pushed firmly into the adapter and the iPhone, and that the adapter sits firmly in the outlet.
  3. Look at the cable and adapter for fraying, breaks, bent prongs or scorch marks. Stop using anything damaged.
  4. Try a different cable and adapter that you know works with another iPhone, and try a different outlet.
  5. If you use a wireless or MagSafe charger, try a cable instead to see whether the problem is the charger.

Why it helps: A tired cable or weak adapter is the most common reason an iPhone stops charging or charges very slowly.

02Clear lint out of the charging portEasy

  1. Turn the iPhone off and unplug it.
  2. Shine a light into the charging port on the bottom and look for lint, dust or sand.
  3. If you see debris, gently loosen it with something soft, dry and non-metal, such as a clean soft-bristled brush, then tip it out.
  4. Never push metal objects, liquid or anything sharp into the port.
  5. Plug the cable back in. It should click in fully and not feel loose.

Why it helps: Pocket lint builds up in the port and stops the cable going in far enough to charge, even though it looks connected.

03Charge for 30 minutes, force restart, then charge againEasy

  1. Leave the iPhone on a known-good charger for 30 minutes.
  2. If it still shows nothing, or only shows an empty battery icon, force restart it.
  3. iPhone 8 or later (including iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation): press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This can take more than 10 seconds.
  4. iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: press and hold the Side button and Volume Down together until the Apple logo appears.
  5. iPhone 6s or earlier and iPhone SE (1st generation): press and hold the Side (or Top) button and the Home button together until the Apple logo appears.
  6. Put it back on the charger for another 30 minutes.

Why it helps: A frozen iPhone can ignore the charger, and a fully drained battery needs some time on power before it responds.

04If it stops at 80%, check Charge Limit and Optimized Battery ChargingEasy

  1. iPhone 15 or later: go to Settings > Battery > Charging and check the charge limit slider. Set it to 100% if you want a full charge.
  2. iPhone 14 or earlier: go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and look at Optimized Battery Charging.
  3. Optimized Battery Charging learns your routine and holds the charge at 80% until shortly before you usually unplug. This is normal.
  4. To get a full charge right away, touch and hold the Optimized Battery Charging notification on the Lock Screen, then tap Charge Now.

Why it helps: Holding at 80% on purpose slows battery wear, but it can look like the iPhone has stopped charging.

05Let a warm iPhone cool downEasy

  1. If the iPhone feels warm while charging, move it and the charger out of direct sun, off soft surfaces like beds and away from heaters or car dashboards.
  2. Leave it in a cooler room. iOS may limit charging above 80% while the battery is too warm and carry on once it cools.
  3. Avoid gaming or video streaming while it charges, since that adds more heat.
  4. If the phone is very hot, smells of burning or the back looks swollen, unplug it, stop using it and get it repaired.

Why it helps: Charging is slowed or paused when the battery is too warm, to protect it.

06Fix the 'accessory may not be supported' alertEasy

  1. If you are using the accessory for the first time, check that it works with your iPhone model. If you are not sure, ask its maker.
  2. Unplug the accessory and plug it back in to clear the alert.
  3. Check both the cable end and the iPhone's port for dirt or damage, and clean the port as above.
  4. Try a different cable and power adapter that you know work with your iPhone.
  5. Update iOS in Settings > General > Software Update, since some accessories need the latest version.
  6. If the alert shows up with nothing plugged in, the port may be damaged and needs service.

Why it helps: This alert means the iPhone has blocked a cable or charger it thinks is damaged, dirty or not supported.

07If you see a liquid detected alert, dry it the safe wayEasy

  1. Unplug the cable from the iPhone and from the adapter right away.
  2. Tap the iPhone gently against your hand with the port facing down to shake out water, then leave it somewhere dry with some airflow.
  3. Wait at least 30 minutes before trying to charge again. If the alert comes back, it can take up to a day to dry fully.
  4. Do not use a hair dryer or other heat, compressed air, cotton swabs or paper towels in the port, and do not put the iPhone in rice.
  5. If the back of the iPhone is dry, you can still charge it on a wireless charger while you wait.
  6. There is an emergency option to charge anyway, but charging while wet can corrode the port, so only use it if you really must.

Why it helps: The iPhone blocks wired charging while liquid is in the port so the pins don't corrode.

08Update iOS if charging broke after an update or new chargerEasy

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi. If the battery is low, keep the iPhone on a charger that works while it updates.
  2. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any update shown.
  3. Restart the iPhone after updating and test the charger again.

Why it helps: Software fixes and accessory support arrive in iOS updates, so an out-of-date phone can reject a newer charger.

Check it's fixed

  • A charging bolt appears on the battery icon in the top-right corner when you plug in.
  • The battery percentage goes up after 15-30 minutes on the charger.
  • While the iPhone charges, Settings > Battery shows estimated times to reach 80% and 100%.

When to get help

If the iPhone won't charge with two different known-good cables and adapters, the liquid alert keeps coming back, or the phone gets very hot or the battery looks swollen, contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. The port or battery may need replacing; do not try to open the phone.

Questions

Why does my iPhone stop charging at 80%?

Usually it is on purpose. Optimized Battery Charging or a Charge Limit holds the charge at 80% to slow battery wear, and iOS also pauses above 80% when the battery is warm. Check Settings > Battery and move the phone somewhere cooler.

Should I put my wet iPhone in rice?

No. Apple advises against it because small grains of rice can get into the phone and damage it. Shake out excess water, leave it to dry in open air and wait before charging.

Why is my iPhone charging so slowly?

A low-power adapter, a computer USB port, a worn cable, a warm phone or heavy use while charging can all slow it down. Use a wall adapter, let the phone cool and avoid using it while it charges.

My iPhone only charges if I hold the cable at an angle. What does that mean?

That usually points to lint in the port or a worn cable. Clean the port gently and try a new cable; if it still happens, the port may need repair.

Related fixes

How to fix a phone battery that drains fastOpen the battery usage screen (Settings > Battery on iPhone, Samsung and Pixel) to find the app using the most power, update or limit thaHow to fix an iPhone that won't turn onCharge the iPhone for an hour, then force restart it: press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then pressHow to fix a phone that's overheatingStop using the phone, unplug it, turn it off if it shows a temperature warning, and leave it somewhere cool and shaded until it feels normal

Still stuck?

Paste the exact message to find the closest fix, or search it on Google, Microsoft, Apple, Reddit and YouTube.

Sources