A charger not working can mean the phone may show no charging sign, charge only when the cable is held at an angle, charge very slowly, or lose its fast charging speed. The chain has four parts: wall socket, adapter, cable and the phone's port. Each can fail, and the cable is the one that fails most.
Test with a different part of the chain at a time and you will usually find the broken one in minutes. The same steps help with a charging port not working, fast charging not working, and a wireless pad that stops. If the phone will not turn on at all after charging, see phone not working, and for a stuck power key read power button not working. If the phone charges but the picture is missing, try phone display not working.
Common causes
1Worn or damaged cable
How to tellCharges only when the cable is bent or wiggled, or the ends look frayed
What fixes itTry another good cable that suits your phone
2Faulty adapter or wall socket
How to tellNothing charges from that plug, even with a second phone
What fixes itTry another adapter and another socket
3Lint or dirt in the charging port
How to tellCable feels loose in the port, charges on and off
What fixes itClean the port gently with a dry wooden or plastic pick and switch the phone off first
4Cheap or mismatched charger
How to tellCharges slowly, gets hot, or says slow charging
What fixes itUse the charger and cable made for your phone
5Software fault or battery protection
How to tellCharging stops at a set level, or a restart makes it start
What fixes itRestart, update, and check battery care settings
6Overheated phone
How to tellPhone is hot and shows a temperature warning
What fixes itUnplug, let it cool in a shaded place, then charge again
7Damaged port or aged battery
How to tellFails with every cable and adapter, or drains quickly and shuts off
What fixes itVisit a service centre for port or battery repair
How to fix it, step by step
Try a different socket and adapter
Plug the adapter into another wall socket. If you use an extension board, plug directly into the wall. Check the switch of the socket is on.
Swap the cable
Use a cable you know works with another phone. Cables wear out at the ends, especially near the plug. A cable that fits but only supplies data is also common with cheap ones.
Look for a charging sign and a clean connection
When you plug in, the screen should light a charging icon or a light should glow. A message such as moisture detected means the phone found water in the port, and it stops charging until the port dries.
Clean the charging port
Switch the phone off. Use a wooden toothpick, a plastic pick or a small soft brush to lift lint from the port, working slowly. Never use metal pins, which can short the pins or bend them.
Restart the phone while on the charger
A software hang can stop the charging screen. Restart, and check if the icon appears. Leave it on for ten minutes before judging.
Use the original or a certified charger
Fast charging needs a matching adapter, a cable that supports the power level and a phone setting that allows it. A different brand of adapter may charge, but only at a normal speed.
Check fast charging and battery settings
Look in Settings, then Battery, for options such as fast charging, adaptive charging or an 80 percent limit. A limit that stops at a set level is a feature, not a fault. Cover and heavy use while charging also slow it down.
Update the software
Install any update, since charging bugs are often fixed in them. Keep the phone plugged in only if it has enough battery for the update.
How to tell which part is the weak link
Use the swap method. If the same phone charges with another cable and adapter, one of your old parts was the fault. If a different phone also fails on your charger, the charger is dead. If your phone fails with every good charger, the port, the battery or the software is the issue. This is cheaper than guessing.
Your phone shows a charging sign only when the cable is held up at an angle. The cable end is bent, or the port is full of fluff. Clean the port, and if it still happens, change the cable first.
Slow charging and fast charging not working
| Cause | Clue | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Weak adapter | Says charging, but battery moves slowly | Use the adapter made for the phone |
| Thin or old cable | Fast icon never shows | Use a cable that supports fast charging |
| Heat | Phone is warm, speed drops | Remove the case, charge in a cool room |
| Heavy use | Playing games while plugged in | Pause use while charging |
| Battery protection | Stops at a set percentage | Change the battery care setting |
iPhone charging port not working
On an iPhone, a charging port that looks fine often just holds pocket lint packed tight, so the cable no longer clicks fully in. Clean it carefully as above. Check that the cable is a good quality one, and that the phone does not show a message that the accessory is not supported. Wireless charging, where available, can keep you going while you arrange repair, though it is slower.
When a charger not working means repair
If every cable, adapter and socket fails, the port is loose, the phone gets very hot while charging, the battery bulges, or the phone shuts off at a high percentage, stop and go to a service centre. A swollen battery is a safety risk.
Stop using a charger that smells burnt, sparks or gets too hot to touch. Never open a charger, and do not charge a phone that is wet. Repair cost depends on whether the port, the battery or the board needs work.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my charger not working but the phone is fine?
The cable or adapter has probably failed. Try another cable and adapter before suspecting the phone.
Why is fast charging not working on my phone?
Fast charging needs a matching adapter and cable, and heat or a battery care limit can slow it. Use the original set and a cool room.
What to do if my charging port is not working?
Switch the phone off, clean the port gently with a wooden pick, and test with a good cable. If it still fails, a technician can replace the port.
Why does my phone charge only at certain angles?
The cable end is worn or the port holds lint or has loose pins. Clean the port and change the cable, then see a technician if it persists.
Why is my iPhone charger not working?
Check the cable for damage, try another adapter, and clean the lightning or USB-C port with a soft pick. A damaged port needs service.