Buzz
Quick solutions to get your phone charging again without the need for a new device.
It's incredibly frustrating when your phone refuses to charge. Thankfully, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try before you head to a repair shop or replace your phone. This Mytour guide walks you through the process, featuring expert advice from smartphone technician Brehima Traore on fixing a phone that won't charge.
Reasons Why Your Phone Might Not Be Charging
Inspect the charging cable and adapter for any signs of damage. Ensure the charging port is free of debris. Try switching between wired and wireless charging methods. Perform a forced restart on your phone. Also, check if the screen is intact.
Recommended Steps to Fix Charging Issues
Inspect your charging cable.
Your charging cable might be faulty. Check for visible damage on your charging cable. Ensure that no wires are exposed. Try using an alternative cable to determine if the issue is with your current one.
Examine the charger.
Your charger could be malfunctioning. Inspect your wall charger for any damage. Test it with other devices to see if they receive power. Alternatively, try a different charger or USB port to see if it resolves the issue.
- Ensure you’re using the charger recommended by your phone's manufacturer, as third-party chargers may not provide the correct voltage for your device.
- If you are charging through a computer or USB hub, check that you're using a USB 2.0, 3.0, or USB-C port for proper charging.
Check the charging port.
Your phone's charging port may be clogged or damaged. Inspect the charging port for any debris or physical damage. If you notice dust or lint, use compressed air or a soft brush to clean it out. Ensure the inside of the port is free of any damage.
Give your phone time to charge for about an hour.
Your battery could be fully drained. If the battery is completely drained, the phone may not have enough power to turn on. Allow it to charge for at least an hour before attempting to power it back on.
Try force-restarting your phone.
There could be a software issue. A quick restart may resolve minor software glitches. If your phone still has power, follow one of these methods to restart it:
- iPhone 7 and newer: Press the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side/Power button until the Apple logo appears.
- Android: Hold the Power button for 15 to 30 seconds until the phone reboots.
- Samsung Galaxy: Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons for 15 to 30 seconds until the phone restarts.
Disable optimized battery charging.
Optimized battery charging is enabled (iPhone only). This feature on iPhones helps extend battery life by limiting the charge to 80%. If your iPhone won’t charge past 80%, follow these steps to turn it off:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Battery.
- Tap Battery Health.
- Toggle off the Optimized Battery Charging option.
Try switching between wireless and wired charging.
Your charging port or wireless connection may be malfunctioning. According to Traore, if your phone isn’t charging, try using both a wired and wireless connection. If you typically use a wired charger, switch to a wireless one. If you normally charge wirelessly, try using a wired charger instead.
Make sure your phone is up to date.
Your phone’s operating system might be the cause of the issue. Updating your phone can resolve bugs or glitches in the operating system. Follow these steps to update your device:
-
iPhone:
- Go to Settings
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install.
- Enter your passcode.
-
Android:
- Swipe down to open the Quick Access menu.
- Tap the Gear icon for Settings.
- Tap System (for stock Android) or Software Update (for Samsung Galaxy).
- Tap System Update or Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install.
Check if the screen is intact.
Check if your phone shows any signs of life. According to Traore, a broken screen may be the real issue, not a charging problem. If you hear sounds, see LED lights, feel vibrations, or can ring your phone, the issue might be the screen. If this happens, try a force restart. If that doesn't work, you may need a technician to repair or replace the screen.
Consider replacing the battery.
Your battery might be failing. Traore suggests that if your phone still isn’t charging after trying everything, the battery could be the problem. Smartphone batteries wear out over time and lose their ability to hold a charge. If your battery is charging slowly or not holding a charge as long, it might be near the end of its lifespan.
- Sadly, with most modern phones, the battery isn’t replaceable by the user, so you’ll likely need to visit a repair shop.
Take your phone to a repair professional.
There may be a hardware issue with your phone. If you've replaced the battery but your phone still isn't charging, it’s likely a problem with the motherboard. According to Traore, a skilled technician can test individual components to identify the issue. In some cases, you may need to replace the entire motherboard.
- If you recently purchased your phone, it may still be under warranty—contact your phone manufacturer or carrier.
