When your iPhone stops charging or dies and doesn’t turn on, it can disrupt your entire routine. It’s important to identify the cause of the issue before deciding whether to repair or replace it. Here are some of the reasons why your iPhone might not be charging and troubleshooting steps that might help.
Why Is My iPhone Not Charging or Turning On?
When an iPhone does not charge or turn on, it can be concerning, but it usually has a simple fix. Most charging issues can be resolved by checking a few common problems, though sometimes professional repair might be needed.
Here are several reasons why your iPhone might have charging or power issues:
Damaged Charging Cord
If your iPhone is not charging, it might be due to problems with the charging equipment itself, like the charging cord or port. Constant wear and tear can cause charging cables to wear out and charge your iPhone inconsistently or not at all. Even the highest-quality cables eventually suffer from wear and tear, making them a common source of charging problems.
Issue With Charging Port
Small particles from pockets and bags often get trapped inside charging ports, creating a barrier that prevents proper connection. The metal contacts inside the port can also be damaged from forceful plugging or repeated connection attempts when debris is present. Over time, these connection points can become less reliable, especially if the port has been cleaned improperly or damaged.
Overheating Problems
Your iPhone can temporarily stop charging if it gets too warm during use. Running multiple apps while charging or keeping your phone in a hot environment can trigger this safety feature. This protection system is essential as excessive heat can cause permanent damage to your phone’s battery and internal components.
Software Issues & Glitches
Background processes might conflict with power management, while outdated or corrupted software can disrupt normal charging behavior. These software issues can become more noticeable after system updates or when multiple apps are running simultaneously.
Drained or Failed Battery
A completely drained battery could need up to 30 minutes of charging before your iPhone shows signs of life again. If your battery is old or damaged, it might not hold a charge well anymore. Most iPhone batteries last about two years before they need replacement.
Water Damage
Water exposure creates immediate and long-term problems for iPhone charging systems. Even after drying, residual corrosion continues damaging internal components, often causing charging inconsistencies.
Wireless Charging Issue
Wireless charging depends on precise alignment between your iPhone and the charging pad’s magnetic coils. Thick phone cases or debris on the charger can block the connection. Heat generation during wireless charging also affects efficiency and can trigger protective temperature limits.
Hardware Issues
Sometimes, internal component failure can prevent proper charging. Issues with the charging chip or power management system often require professional diagnosis. These internal components can fail due to age, stress, or manufacturing defects and can’t be fixed through basic troubleshooting.
iPhone Damage That Needs Repair
Physical impact can damage both the visible and hidden components of your iPhone. Minor external damage due to an accidental fall could actually affect multiple internal systems that affect charging. A cracked screen or visible damage to the charging port are clear signs that professional repair is necessary. Continuing to use a damaged device could one day stop it from working completely.
How To Fix an iPhone That is Not Charging or Turning On
Here are a few simple steps you can try to get your iPhone working again before taking it in for professional repair:
Check The Charging Cable & Plug
Start by switching to a genuine Apple cable or certified alternative. Using non-genuine cables might save money initially, but they can damage your device in the long run. Try the cable in different devices to identify if the cable is faulty.
Check The Power Source
Is your iPhone charging but not increasing its battery percentage? Sometimes, switching power sources helps. Try a different wall outlet, preferably in another room, or use a computer’s USB port. If it works with a new power source, you’ve found your solution.
Hard Reset Your iPhone
When your iPhone acts up and won’t respond to charging attempts, a fresh start might be all it needs. Fully restarting your iPhone might help.
- Quick-press the volume up button, then release
- Quick-press the volume down button, then release
- Hold the side button until the Apple logo appears
- Wait for a complete restart
- Test charging after reset
Reset Your Settings
Sometimes, your iPhone’s charging issues stem from corrupted settings. While this reset won’t erase your data, it can resolve persistent charging problems. Here’s what you need to do:
- Back up your iPhone first
- Navigate to Settings > General > Reset
- Select “Reset All Settings”
- Enter your passcode when prompted
- Let your device complete the reset process
Clean The Charging Port
Your iPhone’s charging port collects all sorts of debris throughout daily use. Before assuming there’s a serious problem, a careful cleaning might be all you need. Here’s how to safely clean your charging port:
- Use compressed air in short, gentle bursts
- Carefully inspect it with a flashlight
- Clean it with a wooden toothpick (never metal)
- Test the connection after each cleaning step
- Verify the charging cable fits snugly after cleaning
Check Battery Health
Poor battery health affects both charging and power performance. Check by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to see if your battery is the culprit. When charging issues arise, your battery’s health should be one of the first things you verify.
Check If The Case Is Compatible or Not
Your phone case could be interfering with proper charging. Not all cases are designed with charging compatibility in mind. Here’s what to try:
- Remove the case completely
- Check for trapped debris
- Try charging the phone without the case
- Consider using a different case
Check For iOS Software Updates
Software issues can cause unexpected charging behavior. Outdated iOS versions might be causing charging issues. Check for updates and restart your iPhone after they are installed.
Check for Physical Damage
Physical damage isn’t always obvious, but it can seriously affect charging capability. Before assuming it’s a software issue, carefully check for any signs of damage to your iPhone that might prevent proper charging:
- Look for bent charging port edges
- Inspect for corrosion or discoloration
- Examine screen and body for impact damage
Don’t Use Your iPhone While It Is Charging
Put your phone down and let it charge uninterrupted. Turn on Airplane mode to cut down on background activity since this can slow down the process and cause overheating. Give your iPhone at least 30 minutes of undisturbed charging time.
Disable Optimized Battery Charging
If your iPhone stops charging at 80%, this feature might be the reason. While designed to protect battery life, it can be frustrating when you need a full charge. Here’s how to turn off this setting:
- Go to settings > battery
- Select battery health & charging
- Look for optimized battery charging
- Toggle off
Try Wireless Charging
If your charging cable isn’t working, wireless charging could be a temporary solution. Before placing your phone on a charging pad, ensure you’re set up for success.
- Clean both the charging pad and the phone back
- Remove thick or metal cases
- Place the phone in the center of the pad
- Try repositioning if charging doesn’t start
Seek Professional Assistance
If you’ve tried all these steps and your iPhone still won’t charge or turn on, it’s time to get professional help. At 911 Phone Repair, we understand the frustration of dealing with iPhone charging and power issues. Our certified technicians have over three decades of experience resolving complex iPhone problems. We offer same-day service with OEM parts and back our repairs with warranties. Visit us for fast, reliable diagnostics and solutions to get your iPhone working regularly again.