Why an iPhone Is Not Charging When It’s Plugged in?
You go to plug in your iPhone for the night, expecting to wake up to a fully charged battery. But when you pick it up in the morning, you realize your iPhone didn’t charge at all overnight. This frustrating issue has likely plagued every iPhone user at some point.
Why does it happen and how can you get your iPhone charging again? Read on to uncover the most common reasons an iPhone won’t charge, even when connected to a power source. If you are searching for reliable iPhone repair services in UK to fix your iPhone charging issues then you can count on the professional experts at Everything Mobile Limited.
10 Reasons Why an iPhone Is Not Charging When It’s Plugged In
Faulty Lightning Cable
One of the most common reasons an iPhone won’t charge is a faulty Lightning cable. The cable connects your iPhone to a power source to charge. If the cable is damaged, frayed, or has a broken connector, it can disrupt the flow of electricity. Try connecting your iPhone with a different Lightning cable to see if that resolves the charging issues.
Dirty Charging Port
Lint, debris, and gunk can easily build up in the iPhone’s charging port at the bottom of the phone. This prevents the cable from making a solid connection to charge. Carefully clean out the Lightning port with a toothpick, soft brush, or compressed air. Avoid liquid cleaners which could damage the port.
Wall Adapter Not Powerful Enough
iPhones require a higher wattage wall adapter to charge efficiently, especially newer models. Older, lower wattage adapters may not provide enough power for your iPhone to charge properly when plugged in. Use an Apple wall adapter rated at 5W or higher.
Software Bugs
Glitches in iOS software can sometimes interfere with charging functions on an iPhone. Install any available updates which may contain bug fixes. Also try rebooting the iPhone to clear any software issues.
Extreme Temperatures
Exposing an iPhone to very high or very low temperatures while charging can disrupt the process. Only charge within the recommended range of 32°F to 95°F ambient temperature for best performance.
Bad Outlet
Sometimes the issue lies with the outlet itself. A loose outlet may not maintain consistent contact with the Lightning cable plug. Try charging from another wall outlet in your home to compare.
Battery Past Lifespan
The lithium-ion battery inside iPhones has a limited lifespan. Older batteries lose capacity and can no longer hold a charge. Have an Apple Genius Bar technician run diagnostics on battery health.
Incorrect Wall Adapter
Using a non-Apple wall adapter, car charger, or even a laptop USB port may not deliver sufficient, steady power to charge an iPhone. Stick with official Apple power adapters.
Damaged Lightning Port
If the iPhone’s Lightning port itself is damaged, perhaps due to excessive pressure or buildup of debris, that could lead to interrupted charging. The port may need to be repaired or replaced.
Software Glitch
A buggy iOS update or app issue could cause software-related charging problems. Perform a force restart and factory reset if necessary. Updating to the latest iOS version can also help.
Conclusion
If your iPhone isn’t charging properly, methodically troubleshoot by process of elimination. Inspect your Lightning cable, port, and power adapter first. Rule out extreme temperatures or software glitches. For hardware damage, take your iPhone to Apple support for service repairs. With some diligent detective work, you’ll get your iPhone charging reliably again.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Why does my iPhone say “Charging is not supported with this accessory” when I plug it in?
A: This usually means you’re using a third-party cable, wall adapter, or car charger that is not officially certified by Apple. Use the original Apple cables and power adapters that came with your iPhone.
Q: What should I do if my iPhone won’t charge past 80%?
A: An iPhone that won’t charge past 80% generally indicates the battery needs to be replaced. As lithium-ion batteries age, they lose capacity. Seek professional battery replacement services.
Q: Why does my iPhone keep charging on and off when plugged in?
A: A loose Lightning cable connection that makes intermittent contact can cause charging to start and stop. Check that the Lightning cable is properly inserted in the port. Swap cables to test.
Q: I plugged my iPhone in overnight but it showed only a 1% increase in charge. Why?
A: If an iPhone shows minimal charging after several hours, the wall adapter may not be supplying enough power. Use an Apple 12W+ USB power adapter for optimal charging speed.
Q: How can I tell if my iPhone battery needs to be replaced?
A: Signs of a worn out battery include shorter battery life, unexpected device shutdowns, and the inability to hold a charge. Run a battery diagnostic test to confirm.
Q: Why does my iPhone get hot when charging?
A: It’s normal for iPhones to slightly heat up during charging. If it becomes excessively hot, disconnect and inspect the Lightning port for debris interfering with proper charging.
Q: Why does my iPhone charge slowly even with the fast charger?
A: Make sure to use an Apple USB-C to Lightning cable with the fast charger. Only newer iPhones support fast charging. Older models will charge at standard speeds.
Q: How can I keep my iPhone’s battery healthy for maximum charging capability?
A: Avoid exposing your iPhone to high heat. Follow Apple’s guidelines for battery optimization — limit to 500 charge cycles per year. Keep iOS updated.
Q: Should I wait for my iPhone to fully discharge before charging?
A: No, you can charge an iPhone even at 30% battery or higher. In fact it’s better for battery health to charge more frequently instead of deep discharges.
