What do I do if my iPhone charger is plugged in but not charging?

My iPhone Won’t Charge: Troubleshooting When Plugged In

That sinking feeling when you plug in your iPhone, see the charging icon, and then… nothing. It’s a common frustration, but thankfully, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue before resorting to panic mode. Before you start mentally preparing for a hefty repair bill, let’s walk through some simple solutions.

The first, and often most successful, step is to swap out your charging cable and adapter. Charging accessories are often the culprit behind charging problems. Cables, in particular, can fray internally over time, even if they appear perfectly fine on the outside. Similarly, the charging adapter itself might be faulty.

• Try a different Lightning cable. Borrow one from a friend, use one you have for another Apple device, or even purchase a new one. Make sure it’s Apple certified or a reputable brand to ensure compatibility and proper charging.
• Switch to a different power adapter. Again, test with one you know works. Different adapters also deliver different wattages, so trying a higher-wattage adapter (like the one that comes with an iPad) might give your iPhone a little boost.
• Test different power sources. Is the wall outlet working correctly? Try plugging the charger into a different outlet in your home. Alternatively, try charging via your computer’s USB port (though this is usually slower).

If switching cables and adapters doesn’t solve the problem, the next thing to investigate is the charging port itself. Dust, lint, and other small debris can easily accumulate in the Lightning port, preventing a solid connection between the cable and your iPhone.

• Carefully inspect the charging port. Use a flashlight to get a good view inside. You’ll likely be surprised by what you find!
• Clean the port with a non-metallic tool. This is crucial! Using a metal object like a paperclip could damage the delicate pins inside the port. A wooden toothpick, a SIM card ejector tool, or even a compressed air can (used carefully!) can be effective. Gently poke around inside to dislodge any lint or debris.
• Be gentle and patient. Don’t force anything into the port. Work slowly and carefully to avoid causing any damage.

After attempting these troubleshooting steps, if your iPhone still refuses to charge, it might indicate a more serious issue, potentially related to the battery or internal charging components. This is where professional diagnosis comes in.

• Consider booking a battery diagnostic appointment at an Apple Store or an authorized service provider. They have the specialized tools and expertise to determine the root cause of the problem. A technician can run tests to assess the health of your battery and identify any internal hardware failures.

While the thought of a potential hardware issue can be worrying, remember that starting with these simple troubleshooting steps can often resolve iPhone charging problems and save you a trip to the repair shop. Good luck!