This article is for informational purposes only. While we aim to provide accurate guidance, tech troubleshooting may vary by device and software version. Always back up your data before making system changes.
How to Fix a Phone That Won’t Charge
Your phone was charging fine yesterday, and today it won’t charge at all — or it charges only when turned off, or only at certain cable angles. Before you panic about a broken phone, try these fixes in order. Most charging problems are simple to solve.
Step 1: Try a Different Cable
Faulty cables are the #1 cause of charging problems, and they’re the easiest fix.
- Use a different cable — borrow one or try a spare.
- Try a different power adapter too — the brick can fail independently of the cable.
- Try a different outlet — the outlet itself might be the issue.
If a new cable works, the old one is damaged. Replace it — cables are cheap, and using a damaged one can damage your phone’s charging port over time.
Step 2: Clean the Charging Port
Lint, dust, and debris accumulate in the charging port over time — especially if you carry your phone in your pocket. This is the second most common cause.
- Look into the port with a flashlight. You’ll often see compressed lint.
- Use a wooden toothpick (not metal) to gently scrape out debris.
- Alternatively, use compressed air — blow a few short bursts into the port.
- Try charging again.
Warning: Never use metal objects (needles, safety pins, paper clips) to clean the port. Metal can short-circuit the charging contacts and cause permanent damage.
Step 3: Restart Your Phone
A software glitch can sometimes prevent the charging circuit from activating.
- Power off the phone completely — don’t just put it to sleep.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Power it back on and try charging.
Step 4: Try Different Power Sources
Not all USB ports provide the same power:
- Computer USB ports provide limited power (0.5A) — many phones need 1-2A to charge.
- Wall outlets with a proper adapter provide the fastest, most reliable charge.
- Try a different wall outlet in case the outlet is faulty.
Step 5: Check for Software Updates
Some charging issues are caused by software bugs:
- Android: Settings → System → Software Update.
- iPhone: Settings → General → Software Update.
Install any available updates and restart the phone.
Step 6: Diagnose Intermittent Charging
If your phone charges only at certain angles:
- Wiggle the cable gently at the port — if charging connects and disconnects, the port is likely loose or has worn contacts.
- Look for visible damage inside the port — bent pins, dark spots, or corrosion.
- Try a different cable — sometimes the cable connector is worn, not the port.
- If the port is physically damaged, it needs professional repair (typically $50-100).
Step 7: Wireless Charging as a Workaround
If the charging port is damaged, a wireless charger can keep your phone charged while you arrange repair.
- Check if your phone supports wireless charging (most modern phones do).
- Place on a Qi-compatible wireless charger.
- This is a temporary workaround — get the port repaired for long-term reliability.
Quick Diagnosis
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t charge at all | Bad cable or adapter | Try different cable |
| Won’t charge, but does when off | Software or port issue | Restart, update software |
| Charges intermittently | Loose port or bad cable | Clean port, try different cable |
| Charges very slowly | Low-power USB port | Use wall adapter |
| Gets hot while charging | Damaged cable or port | Stop using, replace cable |
The Bottom Line
Try a different cable first — it’s the most common cause and the easiest fix. If that doesn’t work, clean the charging port with a wooden toothpick. These two steps fix the most common charging problems. If the port is physically damaged, a wireless charger is a good temporary workaround while you get it repaired.
Related Guides
- How to speed up your phone — general phone maintenance and troubleshooting.
- How to free up storage on Android — keep your phone running smoothly.