iPhone Not Charging or Charging Slowly Fix

Quick Answer

When an iPhone will not charge or charges unusually slowly, start by testing the power outlet, cable, and adapter. Check every connection for damage or looseness, restart the iPhone, and leave it connected to power for at least 30 minutes.

Possible causes include a damaged cable, an incompatible or low-power adapter, debris or damage in the charging port, temperature-related charging limits, wireless-charger alignment, or a worn battery. A charging-port or cable problem is possible, but the symptom alone does not confirm the cause.

Safety Check

Disconnect the charger and stop troubleshooting when you notice:

• A swollen battery
• A lifting screen or back panel
• Smoke, sparks, or a burning smell
• Extreme or rapidly increasing heat
• A melted or discolored cable connector
• Bent adapter prongs
• Liquid inside the charging port
• Visible corrosion
• A damaged or exposed battery
• Repeated shutdowns accompanied by heat or odor

Do not continue charging a visibly damaged iPhone, cable, or adapter. Do not insert metal tools, cotton swabs, paper towels, pins, or other objects into the charging port. Do not use heat, compressed air, cleaning liquids, or rice to dry the connector.

Choose the Symptom That Matches

What you see	What it may suggest	Next safe step
No charging icon appears	Outlet, adapter, cable, port, battery, or phone problem	Cross-test the power accessories
The charging icon appears and disappears	Loose cable, damaged connector, debris, or port damage	Inspect connections and test another cable
The iPhone charges only at a certain cable angle	Cable or charging-port damage becomes more plausible	Stop bending the cable and arrange inspection
Battery percentage increases very slowly	Low-power charger, heavy phone use, heat, or battery condition	Check charger power and temperature
Charging stops near 80 percent	Charge Limit, Optimized Battery Charging, or temperature protection	Check Battery settings and temperature
“Slow Charger” appears	The connected charger is not delivering optimal power	Use a compatible higher-power charger
“Accessory Not Supported” appears	Damaged, incompatible, dirty, or defective accessory	Connect directly and test another accessory
“Liquid Detected” appears	Moisture is present in the connector or accessory	Disconnect the cable and allow it to dry
Wired charging works but wireless does not	Alignment, case, charger, or wireless system problem	Remove the case and reposition the phone
Wireless charging works but wired does not	Cable, adapter, or charging port becomes more likely	Cross-test the wired accessories and inspect the port
The screen stays black while charging	The battery may be deeply discharged, or the phone may not be starting	Charge for 30 minutes and force restart

1-Minute Safe Checks

Complete these checks before changing settings or arranging repair:

1. Plug the charger directly into a working wall outlet.
2. Confirm that the cable is fully inserted at both ends.
3. Remove adapters, hubs, extension accessories, and pass-through devices.
4. Check the cable and adapter for cracks, fraying, bent pins, or discoloration.
5. Try another wall outlet.
6. Restart the iPhone.
7. Remove a thick case if it interferes with the connector or wireless charger.
8. Stop using demanding applications while testing charging speed.
9. Move the phone to a room-temperature location.
10. Leave the phone connected for at least 30 minutes.

Stop after any step that restores stable charging.

Fix 1: Test the Power Outlet and Connections

SAFE FIRST CHECK

Use This When

Use this first when the iPhone does not show a charging icon or repeatedly connects and disconnects.

Why It May Help

A loose connection, failed wall outlet, power strip, extension cable, or adapter can prevent stable power delivery even when the charging cable appears connected.

Steps

1. Disconnect the charger from the iPhone.
2. Disconnect the cable from the power adapter.
3. Inspect both cable ends for damage.
4. Reconnect the cable firmly to the adapter.
5. Plug the adapter directly into a wall outlet.
6. Connect the cable firmly to the iPhone.
7. Check for the charging icon.
8. Leave the phone connected for several minutes.
9. If it does not charge, try a different wall outlet.
10. Avoid testing through a keyboard, unpowered hub, or an inactive computer.

Apple recommends using a wall outlet, checking every connection, and testing another outlet when an iPhone will not charge.

Expected Result

The charging icon should appear and the battery percentage should begin increasing.

What the Result Means

• If charging works from another outlet, the original outlet or connected power equipment may be responsible.
• If the iPhone still does not charge, continue by cross-testing the cable and adapter.

Fix 2: Cross-Test the Cable and Power Adapter

DIAGNOSTIC TEST

Use This When

Use this when:

• The charging icon does not appear.
• Charging repeatedly starts and stops.
• Charging works only when the cable is moved.
• The phone reports an unsupported accessory.
• Charging is much slower than expected.

Why It May Help

The cable and adapter are separate failure points. Testing known-working accessories individually helps identify which part of the charging setup is affected.

Steps

1. Stop using any cable with:
   • Frayed insulation
   • Exposed wiring
   • A bent connector
   • Burn marks
   • Loose connector ends
2. Stop using an adapter with:
   • Bent prongs
   • Cracks
   • Rattling components
   • Heat damage
3. Test the iPhone with another compatible, undamaged cable.
4. Keep the original adapter for the first test.
5. If charging still fails, test another compatible power adapter.
6. Use the same working wall outlet for each comparison.
7. Allow several minutes for each test.
8. Note which cable-and-adapter combination works.

Apple advises checking cables and USB adapters for damage and not using damaged accessories. It also recommends trying a different cable or charger when an accessory alert appears.

What the Results Mean

Test result	What it suggests	Next step
A different cable works	The original cable becomes more likely	Replace the damaged or unreliable cable
A different adapter works	The original adapter becomes more likely	Stop using the affected adapter
Every cable fails with one adapter	The adapter or outlet becomes more likely	Test another adapter and outlet
Every wired combination fails	The charging port or iPhone becomes more likely	Inspect the port and test wireless charging if supported
Charging works but remains slow	Charger power, temperature, usage, or battery condition may be involved	Continue with the slow-charging checks

A successful comparison identifies the accessory that behaves differently, but it does not prove why that accessory failed.

Fix 3: Charge for 30 Minutes and Force Restart

OFFICIALLY DOCUMENTED STEP

Use This When

Use this when the iPhone:

• Shows a black screen
• Displays a low-battery symbol
• Does not respond immediately after being connected
• May have been left with an empty battery
• Shows a charging symbol but will not start

Why It May Help

A deeply discharged iPhone may require time on a stable power source before it can start. Apple recommends charging for 30 minutes, force restarting the device when necessary, and then allowing it to charge for another 30 minutes.

Steps

1. Connect the iPhone to a verified working cable, adapter, and wall outlet.
2. Leave it connected for 30 minutes.
3. Perform the correct force restart.

For iPhone 8 or Later

This includes iPhone SE models from the second generation onward.

1. Press and quickly release Volume Up.
2. Press and quickly release Volume Down.
3. Press and hold the Side button.
4. Release the button when the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus

1. Press and hold the Side button.
2. At the same time, press and hold Volume Down.
3. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 6s or Earlier

This includes the first-generation iPhone SE.

1. Press and hold the Home button.
2. At the same time, press and hold the Side or Top button.
3. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

After the Restart Attempt

1. Keep the iPhone connected to power.
2. Allow it to charge for another 30 minutes.
3. Check whether the battery percentage increases.
4. If the phone starts, avoid heavy use while evaluating charging speed.

What the Result Means

• If the iPhone starts and continues charging, the battery may have been deeply discharged or the phone may have been temporarily unresponsive.
• If the iPhone starts but the percentage does not rise, continue testing the cable, adapter, temperature, and charging port.
• If it remains unresponsive after verified accessories and one hour of charging, service may be required.

Fix 4: Inspect the Charging Port Safely

DIAGNOSTIC TEST

Use This When

Use this when:

• The cable does not insert completely.
• Charging works only at an angle.
• Multiple cables feel loose.
• Wired charging fails but wireless charging works.
• The phone frequently reports an unsupported accessory.
• The port was exposed to dust, liquid, or physical impact.

Why It May Help

Compacted debris or physical damage can prevent the cable connector from making proper contact. However, probing or scraping the port can bend internal pins and make the problem worse.

Steps

1. Disconnect the charging cable.
2. Turn the iPhone off.
3. Use a bright light to look into the port.
4. Check for:
   • Compacted lint
   • Dirt
   • Corrosion
   • Bent or recessed contacts
   • A loose internal component
   • Signs of liquid
5. Check whether the cable connector itself is clean and undamaged.
6. Do not insert anything into the port.
7. Do not spray liquid or cleaner into the connector.
8. If debris is compacted, arrange professional cleaning.
9. If pins appear bent, recessed, corroded, or damaged, arrange service.

Apple’s charging guidance says debris in the port can interfere with charging. Apple’s handling guidance also warns against forcing connectors and recommends stopping use of damaged cables.

Expected Result

A normal port should allow the correct cable to insert securely without excessive force or unusual movement.

What the Result Means

• If professional cleaning restores charging, debris was interfering with the connection.
• If several known-working cables remain loose or must be held at an angle, physical port damage becomes more plausible.
• Do not assume the internal port requires replacement until it has been inspected.

Fix 5: Respond Safely to a Liquid-Detection Alert

OFFICIALLY DOCUMENTED STEP

Use This When

Use this when the iPhone displays:

• Liquid Detected
• Liquid Detected in USB-C Connector
• Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector
• Charging Not Available

Why It May Help

Supported iPhones can suspend wired charging when liquid is detected in the connector, cable, or accessory. Charging while the connector is wet can cause corrosion or permanent damage.

Steps

1. Disconnect the cable immediately.
2. Disconnect the other end from the adapter.
3. Hold the iPhone with the connector facing downward.
4. Tap it gently against your hand to remove excess liquid.
5. Leave it in a dry area with airflow.
6. Wait at least 30 minutes before testing the cable again.
7. If the warning returns, disconnect it again.
8. Allow up to 24 hours for complete drying when necessary.
9. Make sure the cable ends and adapter are also dry.

Do Not

• Use a hair dryer or other heat source.
• Use compressed air.
• Insert cotton swabs, tissues, or paper towels.
• Insert any tool into the port.
• Put the iPhone in rice.
• Repeatedly override the warning for normal charging.

Apple states that wireless charging may still be used when the back of the phone is completely dry and the iPhone supports wireless charging.

What the Result Means

• If the alert disappears after drying, moisture was detected during the earlier attempts.
• If the alert appears repeatedly with one particular dry cable, that cable may be damaged.
• If it appears with multiple dry Apple or compatible accessories, the iPhone may require service.

Fix 6: Identify Why the iPhone Is Charging Slowly

DIAGNOSTIC TEST

Use This When

Use this when charging is stable but the battery percentage rises more slowly than expected.

Possible Explanations

Charging can be slower when:

• The power adapter delivers limited power.
• The cable or adapter does not support the phone’s faster charging capabilities.
• The phone is connected to a low-power computer port.
• Graphics-intensive apps or games are running.
• High-quality video is streaming.
• The display remains bright.
• The iPhone is too warm or too cold.
• Charging has reached approximately 80 percent.
• A charge limit is enabled.
• Wireless charging is poorly aligned.
• A thick or metal case interferes with wireless charging.

Apple notes that active use can increase charging time. Current iOS versions may also show a Slow Charger message in Settings > Battery when the connected charger cannot deliver optimal power.

Steps

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Battery.
3. Check for:
   • Slow Charger
   • Charging On Hold
   • An active charge limit
   • A charging-time estimate, when supported
4. Lock the screen.
5. Stop games, video streaming, navigation, and camera use.
6. Connect directly to a wall adapter.
7. Use a compatible cable and power adapter.
8. Leave the iPhone unused for 15 to 30 minutes.
9. Compare the percentage increase with the screen locked.

For Faster Wired Charging

Use a compatible USB-C Power Delivery charger and the correct cable for the iPhone:

• USB-C cable for USB-C iPhone models
• USB-C-to-Lightning cable for compatible Lightning models

For iPhone 15 and later, Apple documents charging with a USB-C-compliant adapter and says a 20W or higher USB-C adapter can provide faster charging. Exact charging speed varies by iPhone model, charger, cable, battery level, usage, and temperature.

What the Result Means

• If charging speeds up while the phone is locked and unused, active applications or display use were consuming part of the incoming power.
• If another compatible charger is clearly faster, the original charger may provide less power or may not support the appropriate charging standard.
• Slow charging alone does not confirm battery or charging-port failure.

Fix 7: Check Temperature and Charging Limits

CONDITIONAL STEP

Use This When

Use this when:

• Charging pauses unexpectedly.
• Charging slows significantly.
• The battery remains near 80 percent.
• “Charging On Hold” appears.
• The phone feels unusually warm.
• Charging resumes after the phone cools.

Why It May Help

The iPhone can automatically slow or pause charging when its temperature is outside the normal range. It can also delay charging beyond 80 percent through Optimized Battery Charging or stop near a selected Charge Limit.

Steps

1. Disconnect the charger if the phone is excessively hot.
2. Move the iPhone away from direct sunlight.
3. Move it out of a hot vehicle or enclosed space.
4. Stop games, video recording, navigation, and other demanding tasks.
5. Remove the case if it appears to trap heat.
6. Allow the phone to return gradually to room temperature.
7. Do not place it in a refrigerator or freezer.
8. Reconnect the charger after the temperature normalizes.
9. Open Settings > Battery.
10. Check the charging status and configured limit.

Charge Limit and Optimized Charging

On iPhone 15 and later, available charging settings can include a limit between 80 and 100 percent. The iPhone may stop near the selected limit and resume after the level drops.

On earlier supported models, Optimized Battery Charging may delay charging beyond 80 percent when the phone predicts that it will remain connected for an extended period.

What the Result Means

• If charging resumes after the phone cools, temperature protection was active.
• If the phone stops at the configured limit, this is expected behavior rather than a charging failure.
• Do not routinely disable battery-protection features merely to make the phone remain at 100 percent longer.

Fix 8: Troubleshoot Wireless Charging Separately

CONDITIONAL STEP

Use This When

Use this when an iPhone 8 or later will not charge or charges slowly on a Qi, Qi2, or MagSafe charger.

Why It May Help

Wireless charging depends on correct placement, compatible equipment, sufficient charger power, and the absence of interfering objects.

Steps

1. Connect the wireless charger to its recommended adapter.
2. Place the charger on a flat, stable surface.
3. Remove:
   • Thick cases
   • Metal cases
   • Battery cases
   • Cards
   • Magnetic mounts
   • Metal plates
4. Place the iPhone face up.
5. Center it on the charger or align it with the MagSafe connection.
6. Wait several seconds for the charging icon.
7. Confirm that the phone has not shifted after vibrating.
8. Disconnect any wired USB cable from the iPhone.
9. Test another compatible wireless charger when available.
10. Test wired charging separately.

Apple states that iPhone 8 and later support Qi wireless charging. Apple also recommends removing thick or metal cases, centering the phone, and avoiding objects between the phone and charger.

What the Results Mean

Result	What it suggests	Next step
Wireless charging works after removing the case	The case or an attached object was interfering	Use a compatible case
Another wireless charger works	The original charger or adapter becomes more likely	Inspect or replace the affected accessory
Wired works but wireless does not	Alignment, case, wireless charger, or phone hardware may be involved	Cross-test another wireless charger
Wireless works but wired does not	Cable, adapter, or charging port becomes more likely	Inspect the wired charging path
Neither wired nor wireless charging works	Battery, software, temperature, or internal hardware remains possible	Arrange service after completing safe checks

Fix 9: Update iOS When the Phone Still Operates Normally

CONDITIONAL STEP

Use This When

Use this only when the iPhone can start normally and the charging problem is intermittent or accompanied by repeated accessory warnings.

Why It May Help

Apple includes installing the latest iOS version among its troubleshooting steps for unsupported or uncertified accessory alerts. An update will not repair a broken cable, adapter, port, or battery.

Before Updating

1. Back up the iPhone.
2. Ensure the phone has enough charge to remain powered.
3. Use stable Wi-Fi.
4. Keep it connected to a reliable charger.

Steps

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap Software Update.
4. Install an available supported update.
5. Restart the iPhone after installation.
6. Test the original and known-working charging accessories again.

What the Result Means

• If the accessory warning stops after the update, software compatibility may have contributed.
• If charging remains unstable with multiple known-working accessories, do not keep reinstalling or resetting iOS. Arrange hardware inspection.

When the Problem May Be Hardware-Related

Professional inspection becomes reasonable when:

• Several known-working cables and adapters fail.
• Wired charging works only at a specific angle.
• The port is visibly loose, corroded, or damaged.
• Wireless charging works but every wired setup fails.
• Neither wired nor wireless charging works.
• The phone does not respond after an hour on verified charging equipment.
• Charging began failing after a drop or liquid exposure.
• The phone becomes abnormally hot while charging.
• The battery is swollen.
• The phone repeatedly shuts down while connected.
• Charging remains extremely slow even when the phone is cool, locked, and connected to suitable equipment.

These signs support a hardware possibility but do not identify whether the battery, charging port, power-management system, cable, or another component is responsible.

Apple advises obtaining service when an iPhone still will not charge after the documented charging, restart, accessory, and port checks.

When to Stop DIY Troubleshooting

Stop and arrange professional service when:

• The battery or case is swollen.
• The phone emits smoke, sparks, or odor.
• The charging connector has melted or burned.
• The phone is dangerously hot.
• Liquid exposure is confirmed.
• Internal charging-port contacts appear damaged.
• The port requires force to accept the cable.
• Important unbacked-up data may be at risk.
• Repeated accessory testing produces the same failure.
• The iPhone is under warranty or an active service plan.

Do not open a sealed iPhone or attempt charging-port, battery, or board-level repairs as routine beginner troubleshooting.

Do Not Factory Reset the iPhone

A factory reset is not a standard fix for an iPhone that will not charge or charges slowly.

It will not repair:

• A damaged cable
• A failed power adapter
• A faulty wall outlet
• A blocked or damaged charging port
• Liquid corrosion
• A worn or swollen battery
• An incompatible low-power charger
• Wireless-charger alignment problems
• Temperature-related charging protection

Because a reset erases data and does not repair physical charging components, accessory comparison and professional diagnosis should come first.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming the charging port is faulty before testing another cable and adapter
• Continuing to use a frayed or heat-damaged cable
• Forcing a connector into the port
• Scraping the port with a pin or metal tool
• Using cotton swabs or paper inside the connector
• Applying alcohol or cleaning liquid inside the port
• Drying a wet iPhone with heat or compressed air
• Putting the phone in rice
• Pressing the router-style reset button on an unrelated charger or power accessory
• Testing charging while running games or video applications
• Mistaking an 80-percent charge limit for a defect
• Buying a replacement battery before completing accessory tests
• Factory-resetting the phone for a physical charging problem

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources

Official sources checked: July 25, 2026

Apple

Page: If your iPhone or iPod touch won’t charge

Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-ph/108805

URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026

Supports:

• Testing power sources and wall outlets
• Restarting the iPhone
• Checking cables and adapters for damage
• Allowing the phone to charge for 30 minutes
• Force-restart procedures
• Checking the charging port
• Handling accessory warnings
• Charging limits near 80 percent
• Seeking service when charging still fails

Scope limitation:
Applies broadly to supported iPhones. Connector type and accessory compatibility vary by model.

Apple

Page: Charge the iPhone battery

Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/charge-the-battery-iph63eecc618/ios

URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026

Supports:

• Wired, computer, and wireless charging methods
• Slow Charger information
• Factors that reduce charging speed
• Charging behavior above approximately 80 percent
• Temperature-related charging limits
• Warning against wired charging when liquid may be present

Scope limitation:
Available features and Battery settings depend on the iPhone model and iOS version.

Apple

Page: About Charge Limit and Optimized Battery Charging on iPhone

Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-ph/108055

URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026

Supports:

• Optimized Battery Charging behavior
• Charge Limit settings on iPhone 15 and later
• Expected charging behavior near a selected limit
• Model-specific Battery settings

Scope limitation:
Charge Limit settings vary by iPhone model.

Apple

Page: If you see a liquid-detection alert on your iPhone

Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-ph/102643

URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026

Supports:

• Disconnecting a cable after a liquid alert
• Drying the connector with airflow
• Waiting before reconnecting
• Allowing up to 24 hours when needed
• Avoiding heat, compressed air, foreign objects, and rice
• Using wireless charging only when the phone’s back is dry

Scope limitation:
Liquid-detection alerts are available only on supported iPhone models.

Apple

Page: How to wirelessly charge your iPhone

Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-ph/108377

URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026

Supports:

• Wireless charging support on iPhone 8 and later
• Correct charger placement and alignment
• Removing thick, metal, or battery cases
• Avoiding objects between the iPhone and charger
• Temperature-related wireless charging limitations

Scope limitation:
Charging speed and compatibility depend on the iPhone, wireless standard, charger, adapter, alignment, and case.

Apple

Page: Charge and connect with the USB-C connector on your iPhone

Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-ph/105099

URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026

Supports:

• USB-C charging on iPhone 15 and later
• Use of USB-C-compliant cables and adapters
• Faster charging with a compatible 20W or higher USB-C adapter
• Direct charging through a USB-C power adapter

Scope limitation:
Applies to iPhone models with a USB-C connector.

How This Guide Was Verified

Last technically checked: July 25, 2026

Research method:
Current Apple charging, battery, USB-C, wireless charging, liquid-detection, and handling documentation was opened. Page titles, procedures, warnings, model limitations, and clean direct URLs were checked before output.

Physically tested:
No—documentation reviewed.

Applies to:
Supported iPhones using Lightning, USB-C, Qi, Qi2, or MagSafe charging. Exact charging speed, connector type, available Battery settings, and accessory requirements vary by model.

Important limitation:
Remote troubleshooting cannot confirm whether a cable, adapter, charging port, battery, or internal power component has failed. Comparison testing and physical inspection may be required.

Data-loss risk:
None for the recommended charging checks. No factory reset or data-erasing procedure is included.

Final Steps

Start by testing the wall outlet, cable, and adapter separately. Leave the iPhone connected to verified equipment for 30 minutes, then force restart it if the screen remains blank.

When charging works but remains slow, lock the screen, stop demanding applications, move the phone to a normal-temperature location, and verify that the charger provides suitable power.

When wireless charging works but wired charging does not, focus on the cable, adapter, and charging port. When several known-working accessories fail, or when swelling, liquid, heat, corrosion, or physical damage is present, stop DIY troubleshooting and arrange professional service.