Why Your Phone Is Not Charging When Plugged In: Causes and Solutions

Battery refusing to charge can be frustrating, especially when your device is essential for daily life. At Anker, we understand how stressful it feels when your phone not charging when plugged in disrupts your routine---your calendar, photos, and even livelihood depend on it. As a trusted leader in charging solutions, we are here to help.

In this guide, we’ll explore why your phone won't charge, offering expert-backed solutions to diagnose and fix it. Whether you use an iPhone or Android, you’ll find practical steps to restore power and prevent future issues. Let’s get started on solving your charging problem!

Why Won’t Your Phone Charge While Plugged In

A phone that doesn’t charge can be caused by various factors, ranging from faulty accessories to software bugs or even battery degradation. Let's explore the most common reasons why this happens.

Faulty Charging Cable or Adapter

According to a 2023 survey by a leading phone repair service, nearly 35% of charging problems originate from a damaged cable or adapter. Why won't your phone charge could be as simple as a faulty cable or adapter. Charging cables endure a lot: they’re frequently bent, twisted, and even stepped on. Over time, the insulation can wear down, the internal wires can break, or the adapter pins may loosen.

Even if your cable appears fine at first glance, minor fraying can lead to poor power transmission or intermittent charging. Furthermore, low-quality or counterfeit chargers sometimes fail to deliver a consistent current, which can cause your phone to charge slower or cut out altogether. This is why, sometimes, the charger itself isn't working as expected.

 

Dirty or Clogged Charging Port

Dust, lint, or debris can accumulate in your phone’s charging port—especially if you keep your phone in a pocket or a bag that’s filled with everyday items. A clogged port can cause a loose or weak connection, resulting in your device not charging properly. In worse cases, debris buildup can lead to short-circuiting or permanent damage if not cleaned correctly and promptly. This is another reason why is my phone not charging as expected.

Software Glitches Preventing Charging

Modern smartphones rely heavily on their operating systems to manage power distribution, battery health, and temperature regulation. Occasionally, software glitches can interfere with the charging process, making it seem like your phone isn’t charging at all. If you’ve connected your phone to the charger but it’s not responding, or it shows the charging icon without actually charging, there may be a system issue at play. An outdated OS, incomplete updates, or a temporary system crash can all cause charging problems. This might be why, despite being plugged in, your phone won't turn on or charge properly.

 

Overheating or Temperature-Related Issues

Heat is the enemy of lithium-ion batteries. If your phone gets too hot, built-in safety features might prevent charging to protect the device from damage. You might notice that this happens most often if you’re running graphics-heavy apps or charging in direct sunlight. According to battery health experts, letting your phone charge under extreme heat can permanently degrade battery capacity and performance over time. So, if you find that your charger is not working or charging slowly, overheating could be the cause.

Battery Health and Degradation

No battery lasts forever. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in phones, degrade as they go through repeated charge cycles. According to a 2022 study by a mobile device insurance provider, smartphone batteries typically start showing noticeable degradation after about 300 to 500 full charge cycles. If the degradation becomes severe, you might see erratic charging behavior or the phone refusing to charge at certain percentages.

 

Screen Issues Preventing Charging Display

Sometimes, the device might actually be receiving power but the screen doesn’t display the charging icon properly. Issues like a faulty display driver, a glitch in the operating system, or a temporary freeze can give the false impression that your phone isn’t charging at all. In some cases, an unresponsive or damaged screen can trick you into thinking the phone isn’t charging simply because you can’t see any visual indication.

How to Fix Phone Not Charging: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Now that we’ve covered common reasons your phone won’t charge, let’s explore some simple solutions. Follow these steps to quickly diagnose and fix the issue, so your phone charges properly again.

1. Check Your Charging Accessories and Outlet

To begin troubleshooting, start by checking your charging accessories and power source. Try using a different cable and adapter to determine whether the issue lies with your accessories. If possible, test your charger with another device—if that device also fails to charge, it’s likely that the charger itself is defective. Additionally, ensure that your power outlet or USB port is functioning properly by plugging your charger into a different socket or port.

 

2. Clean the Charging Port

After confirming that your charging accessories and outlet are working properly, the next step is to check your phone’s charging port. If your phone charging port is not working, it may not be making a proper connection to your charger. Use a flashlight to inspect for dust, lint, or debris that might be blocking the connection. If you notice any buildup, gently remove it with a toothpick, soft brush, or compressed air. Be careful not to use metal objects, as they can damage the charging pins and worsen the issue.

3. Restart or Force Restart Your Phone

If cleaning the charging port doesn’t resolve the issue and your phone won't charge, the next step is to restart your phone. This simple yet effective action can refresh background services and reset power management functions that may be causing charging disruptions. Start by performing a normal restart—press and hold the power button until the "Power Off" or "Restart" option appears, then turn your phone off and back on.

If your phone is unresponsive or stuck, a force restart may be necessary. For most iPhones, press and quickly release the volume up button, then the volume down button, and finally, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. On most Android devices, press and hold the power and volume-down buttons simultaneously for about 20 seconds until the phone reboots.

 

4. Check for Software Issues

After restarting your phone, the next step is to check for software issues that might be preventing it from charging. Start by ensuring your device is running the latest software update, as manufacturers often release fixes for phone charging problems. If the issue persists, boot your phone in safe mode to determine whether a third-party app is interfering with the charging process. If none of these steps work, consider performing a factory reset as a last resort—but be sure to back up your data first.

5. Identify Screen Issues

If you've ruled out software problems and your phone still doesn’t appear to charge, the issue could be with the display itself. Try calling your phone from another device. If you hear it ring or feel it vibrate, this confirms that the phone is on and functioning despite the display being unresponsive.

Another way to check is by plugging your phone into a computer using a USB cable. If your computer recognizes the device and allows file transfers, this indicates that the phone is operational, even though the screen remains blank. In this case, your phone won't turn on due to a screen issue but is still functioning.

6. Monitor Battery Health and Charging Behavior

If your phone’s screen is working fine but it still refuses to charge, the next step is to assess the battery’s condition. On an iPhone, navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to view your battery's maximum capacity and peak performance capability. If the maximum capacity is significantly lower than 80%, Apple recommends a battery replacement for optimal performance.

Some Android devices, such as Samsung and Google Pixel phones, offer similar battery health insights under Settings > Battery & Device Care > Battery or through manufacturer-specific apps. If your device doesn’t have a built-in battery health indicator, you can use third-party apps like AccuBattery to estimate battery performance.

By following these steps, you can often pinpoint the exact reason your phone isn’t charging and resolve it without needing professional assistance. However, if you’ve tried all these methods and the issue persists, we always recommend professional assistance when the problem escalates beyond what standard at-home fixes can solve. This not only ensures your safety but also preserves your device’s longevity and performance.

How to Prevent Future Charging Problems

Prevention is better than cure. While every device can encounter problems from time to time, you can significantly lower the chances of charging issues by following a few good practices:

1. Use High-Quality Cables and Adapters

We recommend always using reputable brands and certified cables to avoid charging issues. For Apple devices, go for MFi (Made for iPhone) certified products, and for Android, choose USB-IF certified cables. At Anker, we offer high-quality charging cables and adapters designed to deliver safe, reliable power, ensuring your phone charges efficiently every time.

2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Keep your phone out of direct sunlight and away from heaters. Overheating can degrade your battery and potentially harm internal components. If you notice your device getting very hot, unplug it and let it cool down before continuing to charge.

 

3. Clean Your Port Regularly

Make a habit of gently cleaning the port at least once a month, especially if you carry your phone in places where lint or dust collects. A quick routine check can help you catch problems early.

4. Update Your Software

Regularly update your phone’s operating system to ensure you have the latest battery and charging optimizations. Updates often patch bugs that can interfere with charging.

 

5. Avoid Overcharging

Most modern phones have built-in mechanisms to stop charging when they reach 100%. However, leaving your phone plugged in for extended periods can still generate heat and slowly degrade the battery. If you can, unplug it once it hits full charge to prevent the phone from not holding charge over time.

6. Charge Smart

In a 2022 consumer electronics study, it was found that partial charging (for example, topping up from 30% to 80%) instead of letting your phone reach 0% or 100% can help prolong battery lifespan. You don’t have to be overly strict about it, but being mindful can pay off in the long run.

7. Utilize Wireless Charging

While traditional wired charging can sometimes fail, wireless chargers can serve as a reliable backup. If you're having ongoing issues with your charging port, consider using a wireless charger to keep your device powered up without the need for a physical connection.

Conclusion

We hope this guide helps you resolve why your phone isn’t charging when plugged in and get it back to full power. At Anker, we understand the frustration when your phone stops cooperating. By sharing common causes and effective troubleshooting steps, we’re confident you can fix most charging issues at home. Good habits can also help prevent future hassles. If you found this guide helpful, don’t hesitate to share it with friends or on social media—help others stay powered up too! And remember, we’re always here to support you. Stay charged with Anker!

FAQs

What do I do if my phone is plugged in but not charging?

First, check your charging cable, adapter, and power source. Clean the charging port and restart your phone. If the issue persists, consider software troubleshooting or battery replacement.

What do I do if my iPhone charger is plugged in but not charging?

If your iPhone isn't charging, ensure you're using an MFi-certified cable and compatible adapter. Check the Lightning port for dust or lint. Try a force restart (volume up, volume down, hold side button). Ensure your iPhone’s iOS is up to date. If it still doesn’t charge, contact Apple Support or a technician.

How do I clean my phone charging port?

Use a flashlight to inspect the port, then carefully remove debris with a toothpick, soft brush, or compressed air. Avoid inserting metal objects.

How do I know if my charger port is damaged?

Common signs include needing to wiggle the cable to make the phone charge, or feeling a loose connection when plugging in. You might also see physical damage, such as bent or broken pins. If your phone shows no sign of charging—even with multiple cables and adapters—this points strongly to a damaged port.