Few phone issues are more frustrating than plugging your device into a charger and… nothing happens. The screen stays dark, the percentage doesn’t move, and your device refuses to charge. Whether the charging works only at certain angles, stops randomly, or shows “charging” but the percentage does not increase, this guide gives you every fix you need.
In this in-depth guide, we will cover the causes and the step-by-step solutions for Android and iPhone models. By the end, you will know exactly how to diagnose the problem and fix your phone at home before going to a repair shop.
Why Your Phone Isn’t Charging
There are several potential causes behind charging failure. Understanding them helps you identify the right fix:
- Dirty or blocked charging port (most common)
- Damaged charging cable
- Faulty charging brick
- Loose USB-C or Lightning port
- Battery health degradation
- Overheating causing safety shutdown
- Software glitch preventing charging
- Moisture detected in charging port
- Background apps draining power while charging
Fix 1: Clean the Charging Port Properly
This is the #1 fix for phones that won’t charge. Dust, pocket lint, and debris often block the charging pin connection.
How to clean the port safely:
- Turn off your phone.
- Use a toothpick or SIM card ejector to gently scrape inside the port.
- Do not use metal objects aggressively.
- Bend your head and look with a flashlight to see if debris is inside.
- Blow lightly to remove remaining dust.
Most people see charging instantly return after cleaning the port.
Fix 2: Try a Different Charging Cable
USB-C and Lightning cables wear out very quickly — especially at the connector tip.
Test with:
- A different cable
- Preferably an original, certified cable
- A cable you know works on another device
If your phone starts charging with a different cable, the old one is damaged inside even if it looks fine externally.
Fix 3: Test a Different Charging Brick
The charging brick can fail due to overheating, cheap components, or power surges.
Try these:
- Use a different wall adapter.
- Use a certified rapid charger for your phone brand.
- Plug it into a different wall outlet.
Fix 4: Check for Moisture in the Charging Port
Modern phones detect moisture and automatically block charging.
If you see messages like:
- “Moisture detected”
- “Charging disabled”
Then do this:
- Turn off the phone.
- Leave it to dry for 30–60 minutes.
- Do not use a hairdryer (can melt components).
- Place the phone in front of a fan.
Fix 5: Check if Charging Works at an Angle
If your phone charges only when the cable is bent upward, downward, or pressed, this indicates:
- Loose charging port
- Broken internal pins
This requires a hardware replacement at a repair shop. USB-C ports typically cost 10–30 EUR to replace depending on your region.
Fix 6: Restart Your Phone (Important for Software Charging Bugs)
If your phone says “charging” but the percentage does not increase, restarting can reset charging drivers.
- Hold the Power button → Restart
Now plug in the charger again while the phone is rebooting.
Fix 7: Force Restart Your Phone
This is stronger than a normal reboot and fixes deep software faults.
Android:
- Hold Power + Volume Down for 10–15 seconds.
iPhone:
- Press Volume Up → Volume Down → hold Power button.
Fix 8: Check Your Charging Port for Physical Damage
Look inside the port:
- Are the pins bent?
- Is the port moving when you touch it?
- Is the metal inside broken?
If yes, a replacement is required.
Fix 9: Remove the Phone Case
Some thick or magnetic cases interfere with charging, especially wireless charging.
Try charging while the phone case is removed.
Fix 10: Try Wireless Charging (If Supported)
If wireless charging works but cable charging does not, the problem is the USB port — not the battery.
Fix 11: Let the Phone Cool Down
If your phone feels hot:
- Charging may stop as automatic protection.
- Battery may refuse to accept power.
Let the phone cool for 10–15 minutes, then plug it back in.
Fix 12: Update Your Phone
Software updates often fix charging bugs:
- Go to Settings → Software Update
Fix 13: Check for Battery Drain While Charging
If the phone drains faster than it charges, the battery may be unstable.
Try these:
- Turn on Airplane mode while charging.
- Close heavy background apps.
- Disable WiFi, Bluetooth, and hotspot.
Fix 14: Try Safe Mode
Safe Mode disables third-party apps.
To enter Safe Mode:
- Hold power button → hold “Power Off” → tap “Safe Mode”
If charging works in Safe Mode, then an app is causing the issue.
Fix 15: Factory Reset (Last Solution)
If none of the software fixes work, your phone may have deep system corruption.
Warning: Backup your data first!
Fix 16: When to Replace Your Battery
You should replace your battery if:
- It drains extremely fast
- Charging jumps from 5% to 30%
- The phone shuts off randomly
- The back of the phone is swollen
Conclusion
A phone that won’t charge can be caused by a simple problem like a dirty charging port or a serious issue like a failing battery. The fixes in this guide will help you diagnose exactly what’s wrong and restore normal charging functionality. If the problem persists after trying every step, a repair shop can quickly replace the charging port or battery.