If the charging port on your iPhone isn’t working, it’s perfectly understandable that you may be concerned and ready to panic. Let’s face it most of us rely on our phones and if we can’t charge them we are in trouble.
No need to panic yet. This is a common issue that happens to many iPhone users. We have a list of solutions that you can try before rushing off to the Apple Store or Genius Bar to have it repaired or buy a new one.
My name is Eric and I love to solve technology problems. I started my career as a computer repair technician while I was studying to become an engineer. I’ve seen and solved many technical problems over the years and I enjoy helping others solve their problems as well.
If you’re looking for some of the most common iPhone charging port problems and how to possibly solve them, keep reading. We might be able to eliminate that panic that sets in when you think about not being able to charge your phone.
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iPhone Charging Port Not Working: Possible Causes & Fixes
There are several possible causes for this issue. I’m going to list all of them along with fix solutions.
1. Dirty Charging Port
Many of us carry our phones around in our pockets and if you do not have a phone case that covers up the charging port, you are likely to get debris such as lint and dust in it. At the very least, all phones will accumulate some dust in the port over time.
Problem: Dirt or debris has accumulated in the charging port preventing the plug from properly seating inside the port or preventing the contact points from making a good connection.
Fix: The best and safest method is to use pressurized air to blow out any debris If you don’t have a spray can of pressurized air intended for cleaning electronic devices or an air compressor try a semi-soft object such as a toothpick to gently remove any debris.
Take a look at the video below to see how debris can accumulate and how you can easily remove it.
2. Bad Cord
This is an extremely common problem. Charging cords often take a beating. They get shoved in your pocket, backpack, or glove box. We sit on them, stretch them, and even step on them. It’s no wonder they wear out quite easily.
If you have a spare cord laying around, try that one to see if it works. If it does you can be pretty sure the other cord is bad
Problem: When cords wear out it is usually around the connector on either end. These are the main stress points. As they get bent, the wires inside are pulled away from the contacts inside the plug. Eventually, they are pulled loose and fail.
Fix: This is a simple fix, just buy a new one. But before you go out to purchase a new one, you might test the current cord by plugging it in and wiggling it by the connector to see if it starts and stops charging.
It is much easier to purchase a new cord but the video below showing how they can be repaired is both interesting and shows how they are often damaged internally.
3. Bad Charger
The charger that you plug into the wall could also be the culprit. Try a different one or try plugging it into your computer’s USB port to determine if it will charge.
Problem: Much like, cords, the charger can take a lot of abuse and wear out over time. The constant heating up and cooling down can cause the internal contacts to break loose and the unit eventually fails.
Fix: Use a spare charger, a computer’s USB port, or simply buy a new one.
4. Defective Wall Outlet
Make sure that the wall outlet you are plugging your charger into has not gone bad. Try another one somewhere else in the house and see if it works. If so, you may have a bad outlet.
Problem: While it’s rather uncommon, wall outlets do go bad for a number of reasons. Bad wiring, workmanship, or just heavy usage can lead to this.
Fix: Use another outlet for now and make plans to have your bad one repaired if you wish to continue using it. If other outlets and lights seem to be having problems you might also check your main circuit breaker to see if a fuse has been blown or tripped.
5. Software
It’s possible that your iPhone not charging, has nothing to do with the port, the cord, or the charger. It could be software-related.
Problem: There is a glitch in the phone’s software that could be preventing the phone from being able to detect that it really is charging.
Fix: First, try a simple restart of your phone. If you’re lucky this action will clear the problem right up. If not there apps like Amperes, which can tell you if and how well your phone really is charging.
6. Worn Out Battery
If the phone detects that the charger is plugged in but does not charge, it could be your battery.
Problem: Your battery has gone bad. Phone batteries last only so long and eventually they will stop holding a charge or even charging.
Fix: Take your phone to an Apple store to have the battery replaced. It’s also possible to change an iPhone battery yourself but you’ll need some special tools and good technical skills. See the video below if you are interested.
7. Damaged Charging Port
It could be that your charging port is damaged.
Problem: Excessive use can wear out the port. The contacts inside get bent and eventually disconnected, preventing your phone from charging.
Fix: This is another one that you might want to take to a professional to have fixed, but if you are interested in how it is done or want to possibly give it a try, see the video below for more information.
Final Words
If a simple port cleaning or restart of your phone does not fix the problem and you are not comfortable with your technical abilities, you may be best off taking your phone to a professional to repair it properly.
If that is the case, it is good for you to know the information above so that you can make sure you know what the repair person is doing and you can make decisions on how to proceed in getting your phone fixed.
Let us know if you have any questions or comments. We would love to hear from you.
