Why Won’t My iPhone Charge? Top 7 Causes and How to Check Them

If you’ve ever plugged in your iPhone expecting that familiar buzz or charging icon — only to get nothing — you’re not alone. Charging issues are one of the most common problems we see at ItsRepairable.com, and they can turn your day upside down in a flash.

Before you panic or rush out to buy a new charging cable, let’s explore the top reasons why your iPhone might not be charging, and what you can do about it.

1. Lint, Dust, or Debris in the Charging Port

The Issue: Over time, your iPhone's Lightning port can collect lint from pockets, purses, or bags.

What to Do:

• Use a flashlight to inspect the port.

• Gently remove debris with a wooden toothpick or anti-static brush.

• Avoid metal objects, as they can damage internal components.

Real-World Example: A customer visited us, expressing frustration over their iPhone's inability to charge. Upon inspection, we used our port-cleaning tool to carefully remove a clump of lint. As a result, the device began charging immediately.

2. Faulty Charging Cable or Adapter

The Issue: Not all cables are created equal — and many cheaper ones break internally.

How to Test:

• Try a known working Apple-certified charger.

• Test the cable on another device to confirm if it’s the culprit.

Pro Tip: Even if a cable looks fine, a bent or frayed internal wire can cause intermittent charging.

3. Software Glitch or Frozen System

The Issue: Occasionally, your iPhone might not respond due to a system freeze.

Fix It Fast:

• Perform a hard reset: Press and quickly release the volume up, then volume down, and then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

• Check if the device starts charging afterward.

4. Battery Health Is Degraded

The Issue: Lithium-ion batteries wear down over time. An old battery might charge slowly or not at all.

How to Check:

• Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.

• Look at "Maximum Capacity" and any warning messages about performance.

We Can Help: If your battery is below 80% capacity, it's a good sign it needs replacing. Our certified techs can handle that.

5. Dirty or Damaged Charging Contacts

The Issue: Corrosion or wear inside the charging port can break the electrical connection.

What to Do:

• Look for bent pins inside the port (don't try to fix them yourself).

• Bring it to a shop like ours for proper inspection and micro-soldering, if needed.

6. iOS Update Needed (or Went Wrong)

The Issue: Occasionally, a glitch in the operating system can affect charging.

Solution:

• Make sure your iPhone is running the latest iOS.

• If an update fails, try restoring the phone using iTunes/Finder.

7. Hardware Damage from Drops or Water

The Issue: Internal charging components can be damaged by impacts or liquid.

Signs of Trouble:

• Charging works intermittently or not at all.

• You notice other issues, like screen flickering or slow performance.

Repair Tip: These problems usually require expert diagnostics and possibly micro-soldering. We do both, in-house.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait to Fix Charging Issues

Charging issues range from simple to complex, but ignoring them can leave you with a dead phone at the worst possible moment. At ItsRepairable.com in Clovis, NM, we specialize in fast, affordable iPhone diagnostics and repairs — often same-day.

Need help?

• Call or text us at 575-513-7574

• Walk in at 1904 N. Prince St.

• Or book a repair online at itsrepairable.com

  
  

Have a question or your own charging horror story? Drop it in the comments below. We love hearing from our tech-savvy (and not-so-tech-savvy) community!