If your phone is not charging, charging very slowly, or stopping at a certain percentage, this guide will help you fix the issue step-by-step. Charging problems are extremely common and can be caused by cable damage, dirty ports, battery issues, software glitches, overheating, or even apps running in the background. Whether you are using an Android or an iPhone, these solutions will help you get your phone charging normally again.
1. Check the Charging Cable
The charging cable is the most common reason a phone won’t charge. Cables bend, break internally, or become loose over time.
Try this:
- Inspect the cable for cuts or fraying
- Test the cable on another phone
- Try a different cable on your phone
If your phone charges with a different cable, the original cable is faulty.
2. Try a Different Charging Adapter
Charging bricks can fail due to heat or internal damage. Even if they look fine, they may not provide enough power.
- Use another charging adapter
- Check if the adapter supports fast charging
- Avoid cheap, low-quality chargers
If your phone starts charging normally, the original adapter was the issue.
3. Clean the Charging Port
Dirt, dust, or lint inside the charging port can block proper connection.
How to clean safely:
- Use a wooden toothpick or soft brush
- Gently remove dust and debris
- Do not use metal objects
After cleaning, try charging again. Many phones start charging immediately after removing dirt.
4. Check for Moisture in the Charging Port
If your phone got wet or was in a humid environment, moisture may prevent charging.
Try this:
- Turn off your phone
- Leave it in a dry room for 2–4 hours
- Do NOT use a hair dryer or heat gun
Most phones will not charge until the moisture sensor clears.
5. Use a Wall Outlet Instead of a Power Bank
Power banks, laptops, and car chargers often provide weaker power, causing slow charging or no charging at all.
Always test charging using a wall outlet first.
6. Restart Your Phone
Software glitches can stop the charging system from working correctly.
- Hold the power button
- Select “Restart”
- Plug the charger back in after reboot
This often fixes temporary charging bugs.
7. Try Charging in Safe Mode (Android)
Some apps run in the background and interfere with charging.
To enter Safe Mode:
- Hold the power button
- Press and hold “Power Off” until Safe Mode appears
- Select Safe Mode
If the phone charges normally in Safe Mode, a third-party app is causing problems. Remove recently installed apps.
8. Check Battery Health (iPhone & Android)
Old or damaged batteries charge slowly and lose power quickly.
iPhone:
- Settings → Battery → Battery Health
Android:
- Settings → Battery
- Look for Battery Health or use a battery health app
If battery health is below 70–80%, charging issues are expected.
9. Let the Phone Cool Down
Phones stop charging when they overheat to protect the battery.
Signs of overheating:
- Charging stops at 80%
- Phone feels hot
- Fast charging doesn’t activate
Turn the phone off, let it cool, then charge again.
10. Remove the Phone Case While Charging
Some thick or rubber cases trap heat, slowing down charging.
Remove the case and check if the phone charges normally.
11. Disable Fast Charging (or Enable It)
Fast charging may malfunction. Switching modes can fix it.
Android:
- Settings → Battery → Fast Charging
- Toggle it off and on
If fast charging fails, standard charging may work instead.
12. Try Wireless Charging (If Supported)
If your phone has wireless charging, test it. This helps determine if the charging port is damaged.
If wireless charging works, the charging port may need repair.
13. Check for Software Bugs or Updates
Charging issues sometimes come from system bugs.
- Go to Settings → Software Update
- Install the latest update
Updates often include battery and charging fixes.
14. Turn On Airplane Mode While Charging
Background activities like WiFi, mobile data, GPS, and Bluetooth slow charging dramatically.
Try this:
- Turn on Airplane Mode
- Plug in the charger
- Leave it for 20 minutes
You will notice improvement, especially on older devices.
15. Close All Background Apps
Apps running in the background drain power faster than the phone can charge.
Fix:
- Open Recent Apps
- Close all apps
16. Replace a Damaged Charging Port
If the charging port is loose, the cable wiggles, or charging stops randomly, the port may be damaged.
Symptoms of a faulty port:
- Cable doesn’t fit tightly
- Charging stops when you move the cable
- Fast charging works only sometimes
A repair shop can replace the charging port quickly and cheaply.
17. Replace an Old Battery
Batteries degrade over time. After 2–4 years of use, they cannot store power properly or charge efficiently.
Signs your battery needs replacement:
- Phone dies at high percentages
- Phone charges extremely slowly
- Battery drops rapidly
- Battery health is low
A battery replacement restores charging speed instantly.
18. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If all other steps fail, a deep software problem may be affecting charging functions.
Before resetting:
- Backup your data
- Save photos, contacts, files
Reset Steps:
- Settings → System → Reset Options → Factory Reset
Only try this after exhausting all other methods.
Final Thoughts
Charging problems can be caused by simple issues like a damaged cable, dirty charging port, or software glitches. By following the steps in this guide—checking your cable, cleaning the port, updating your phone, and cooling down your device—you can solve most charging issues at home.
If your phone still won’t charge properly after trying everything, it’s likely a hardware issue such as a broken charging port or worn-out battery. In that case, visiting a repair shop is the best option to prevent further damage.