If your iPhone suddenly stops charging, you might wonder what the problem is. It could be related to the phone, the power source, or the lightning cable itself. This cable connects your device to a power source to charge the battery.
Additionally, you can connect your phone to a computer for transferring files. While doing so, your phone will also charge at a slower speed. If you think something is wrong with it, check for problems and eliminate them one by one.
Firstly, you should check the port for debris or other obstructions. The accumulation of dust and dirt often happens over time, so it is ideal for cleaning your phone at least once a month. You can try blowing into the port to remove debris, but use toothpicks or cotton swabs to clean the area properly.
Sometimes the power outlet can be defective, and your phone won’t charge properly. Check the power source as well and test it with different devices. If it still doesn’t work, you should change the wall outlet or USB port and plug your device elsewhere.
Lastly, the cable might be damaged. Check it thoroughly from top to bottom and identify dents or scratches on the outer layer. This layer is highly resistant and will protect the cable itself, but it can weaken over time.
Any damage to this cable will prevent your phone from charging. If you notice yours is damaged, you will have to purchase another one. Luckily, they are cheap. You can find them anywhere. Here are the ones that will probably be compatible with your device.
| Type | Works with |
| USB-C | iPhone X series, II series, 12 series and above. |
| Micro-USB | No iPhones compatible |
| Lightning cable | iPhone 5 series, 6 series, 7 series, 8 series, SE series, X series, iPad 4 series, iPad mini – 2,3,4. iPod Nano 5th, 6th and 7th generation. |
| USB to lightning | iPhone 8 series, X series, II series, iPad newer generations, Siri Remote |
Pros of Lightning cable
- Good protocol for charging
- Handle tip breakage better than the USB-C
- MFi certification program
Cons
- Slow data transfer
- Specific only to Apple
Pros of USB-C
- Fast data transfer speeds upto 40GBPS with USB4
- Faster device charging
- Backward compatility
Cons
- Confusing specifications
It is not charging but turns on when plugged in
You might see the lightning symbol on the battery when you charge your phone, notifying you that the phone is charging. However, the percentage stays the same or even decreases. When it is dead, maybe plugging it in will turn the screen on. However, the battery will not get charged.
This means the power chip or port is damaged, and many solutions exist to fix this issue. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Clean the port
Because of debris and dust, your phone might not get charged properly. That is why you have to clean the port. You can use a bobby pin or a thin toothpick. Be gentle with the cleaning procedures as you don’t want to damage any internal components. Be advised that toothpicks can break easily, and you don’t want more debris stuck inside the charging port.
Here is the detailed list of the procedure:
- Purchase an air compressor online or at a store.
- You don’t want to mess around with tools you aren’t aware of, so playing with air is your best bet.
- Loosen the big bits of dirt with a toothpick just outside the port.
- Hold the can upright but not too close to the port. 10-15 cm is a safe distance.
- Now spray a few short blasts of air into the port.
- You should see the particles waving about and this should have done the trick.
Plug your phone in and wait
If your phone completely drained the battery, it depleted the entire device. Plug it in and let it charge for at least 30 minutes without performing any actions during this time. Sometimes, the phone might lack the necessary power to fulfill basic operations. It is why you have to leave it to charge for a while before using it again.
Defective power button
This button is responsible for turning your phone on and off. If it is malfunctioning, you will not be able to start up your phone manually. Sometimes the button can be loose and pushed inside, getting blocked. In this case, you should take it to a repair shop and have an expert look at it.
Check the Liquid Contact Indicator
This is an indicator present on your iPhone that tells you if water has damaged the device. Depending on your model, it is located on the right, left, or bottom side. If you struggle to see this indicator, a magnifying glass will help you identify the LCI light easily.
Here is where you can spot the LCI on your iPhone.
| iPhone | Location of LCI |
| iPhone SE, 5S, 5C, 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, 7, 7Plus, 8, 8 Plus XR, XS, 11, 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 Pro Max. | At the sim card slot. Underneath the volume buttons. |
| iPhone 4/4s and earlier | Next to the charging port and headphone jack. |
Here’s how you know something is wrong:
- If the LCI is Red, there is damage for sure.
- If the LCI is White or Silver, there is no damage and you are good to go.
- If the LCI appears Yellow, there is no damage.
There are multiple ways to fix your phone if it doesn’t charge. Below, we will show you the most efficient ones you can try now.
