A phone that won’t charge is extremely frustrating, especially when you need it for work, school, or emergencies. The good news is that most charging problems can be solved at home with simple troubleshooting steps. This guide explains every possible reason your phone isn’t charging and shows you proven solutions.
1. Clean the Charging Port (Most Common Fix)
Dust, lint, and dirt inside the charging port can block the connection between the cable and the phone’s pins.
How to clean it:
- Turn off your phone
- Use a wooden toothpick or SIM ejector tool
- Gently scrape out dust inside the port
- Turn the phone upside down and tap lightly
- Use compressed air (optional)
2. Try a Different Charger or Cable
Charging cables break more often than phones do. Try using:
- A different USB cable
- A different charging brick
- A different power outlet
- A certified fast-charger
If the phone charges with another cable, your old cable is faulty.
3. Check for Moisture in the Charging Port
If your phone shows a message like “Moisture detected” or “Charging paused due to moisture”, it disables charging to protect the device.
Fix:
- Turn off the phone
- Leave it in a dry place for 2–3 hours
- Do not use rice
- Blow gently into the port
4. Restart Your Phone
Restarting your device can fix software glitches or bugs that prevent charging.
How to restart:
- Hold the power button
- Select Restart or Power Off
- Wait 30 seconds
- Plug the charger back in
5. Try a Different Power Source
Charge your phone using different sources:
- A different wall socket
- A laptop USB port
- A power bank
- A car charger
If it charges in one place but not another, the outlet is the problem.
6. Check for Software Issues
Software bugs can stop your phone from charging or cause slow charging.
Fix:
- Update your phone to the latest version
- Close background apps
- Restart the phone
- Boot into Safe Mode
- Check battery settings
7. Clean the Cable Connector
The metal end of your charging cable may be dirty or oxidized.
Fix:
- Wipe the connector with a dry cloth
- Use an alcohol wipe for deeper cleaning
- Check for bent or damaged pins
8. Replace the Charging Brick
Charging bricks lose power over time, especially cheaper ones. Always use certified or original chargers.
Recommended:
- Original Samsung or Apple brick
- Certified 18W–25W fast chargers
9. Try Wireless Charging (If Supported)
If wireless charging works but cable charging doesn’t, your charging port may be damaged and needs repair.
10. Check for Physical Damage
Look for signs of charging port damage:
- Loose charging port
- Charging only works at certain angles
- Burn marks
- Phone recently dropped
- Water exposure
When to Visit a Repair Shop
Go to a technician if:
- The phone does not charge even with new cables
- The port feels loose or moves
- Charging only works when holding the cable
- The battery drains extremely fast
Typical repair prices:
- iPhone charging port: €30–€80
- Samsung charging port: €40–€100
- Xiaomi charging port: €20–€50
Final Thoughts
A phone that won’t charge can often be fixed by cleaning the port, using a different cable, restarting the device, or updating the software. If none of these methods work, visit a technician to inspect the charging port or battery.