If your iPhone is not charging, the problem is usually caused by one of three things: a bad cable or adapter, debris or damage in the charging port, or a software-related issue that prevents charging from starting properly. In many cases the fix is simple, but some charging problems require port repair or deeper diagnostics.
Here’s how to understand what’s happening and what to do next.
The most common reasons an iPhone won’t charge
1) The cable or adapter is the issue (more common than people think)
Before assuming your iPhone is damaged, test the basics. Charging accessories fail frequently, especially older cables that have been bent, stretched, or used in the car.
Signs it’s the cable/adapter:
- charging works only when the cable is positioned a certain way
- the phone connects and disconnects repeatedly
- the cable feels loose or worn near the connector
Fix:
- try another cable and adapter
- plug into a different wall outlet
- avoid USB ports that deliver low power
2) Dirt, lint, or corrosion inside the charging port
Pocket lint is one of the biggest reasons iPhones stop charging. The phone may look clean, but the charging port can be packed tightly with dust and lint, preventing the cable from making proper contact.
Signs it’s the port:
- cable doesn’t click in firmly anymore
- the phone charges only at certain angles
- charging randomly stops during use
Fix:
- inspect the port under bright light
- if you see compact lint, the port likely needs professional cleaning
Do not push anything sharp inside the port. It’s easy to damage the pins, which turns a simple cleaning into a real repair.
3) The charging port is physically damaged
If the phone has been dropped while plugged in, or the cable has been pulled hard, the port can loosen or crack internally.
Signs of port damage:
- charging works intermittently but keeps getting worse
- cable fits loosely even with different cables
- phone refuses to charge at all
At this stage, the solution is usually charging port repair rather than cleaning.
4) Moisture exposure (even if the phone still works)
If the iPhone was exposed to rain, spills, or humid environments, moisture can affect the charging system. Some phones show the “Liquid Detected” warning and refuse charging as a safety feature.
Fix:
- unplug immediately
- allow the device to dry completely
- don’t force charging while moisture is present
5) Software issues or iOS glitches
Sometimes the charging system is fine, but iOS is stuck or a background process is causing power issues.
Fix:
- restart the iPhone
- update iOS
- check if the phone charges in a powered-off state
- try a hard reset (force restart)
If charging works after a restart, the cause is likely software-related, not hardware damage.
6) Battery health or power management problems
A severely worn battery can cause abnormal charging behavior. The iPhone may show charging but gain percentage very slowly, or it may stop charging randomly.
Fix:
- check Battery Health in Settings
- monitor if the battery percentage is unstable
Quick troubleshooting checklist (best order)
If your iPhone is not charging, do these steps in order:
- Try a different cable and adapter
- Try a different outlet (wall plug preferred)
- Check for “Liquid Detected” warning
- Inspect the charging port under light
- Restart the phone and update iOS
- Test wireless charging (if supported)
If wireless charging works but cable charging doesn’t, the charging port is the likely problem.
When you should stop troubleshooting
If you notice any of these, don’t keep trying to force charging:
- overheating during charging
- burning smell
- swollen battery
- repeated “Liquid Detected” warnings
- charging only with extreme cable angles
These are signs that the phone needs inspection.
Final answer
Most iPhone charging problems come from faulty cables, lint buildup in the charging port, moisture exposure, or port damage. Start by testing accessories and checking the port. If the phone only charges at an angle, keeps disconnecting, or won’t charge at all even with new cables, the charging port likely needs repair.
For more details about iPhone repair in Vancouver, see iPhone Repair in Vancouver.
