If your iPhone charging port is not working, you’re not alone. It’s a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including dust and debris, software glitches, and even hardware damage.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to fix your iPhone charging port. We’ll also cover some of the most common causes of the problem, so you can avoid them in the future.
What Causes an iPhone Charging Port to Stop Working?
There are a few common reasons why an iPhone’s charging port may stop functioning:
- Dirt and Debris: Dust, lint, and other debris can accumulate in the iPhone’s charging port over time. All that debris acts as an insulator and can block the electrical contacts in the port from connecting properly with the charging cable.
- Liquid Damage: If moisture gets into the charging port, it can cause corrosion and damage to the port. Liquids like water, coffee, juice, etc can short circuit the port if they get inside.
- Broken Charging Cable: Sometimes the issue is not the port itself, but the charging cable. If the cable is frayed or damaged, it may not make a solid connection with the port. Try connecting your iPhone with a different Lightning cable.
- Software/Hardware Issue: In rarer cases, a problem with the iPhone’s software or hardware components related to charging can cause charging issues. Resetting settings or updating iOS may help.
How to Clean an iPhone Charging Port
The first step to try when your iPhone won’t charge properly is to clean the charging port. Cleaning it removes any debris that could be interrupting the connection between the cable and port.
- Use Compressed Air: Use a can of compressed air (the kind used to clean computer keyboards) to blast away any particles in the charging port. Hold the can upright and spray short bursts of air directly into the port. The compressed air will dislodge any dirt or dust.
- Try a Soft-bristled Toothbrush: Take a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush out the charging port. The soft bristles won’t damage the port and can help whisk away lint and other gunk stuck in the port.
- Use a Wooden Toothpick or SIM Eject Tool: Carefully use a toothpick or SIM eject tool to pick out any stubborn debris packed deeply in the port. Don’t force anything into the port to avoid damaging the contacts.
- Clean with Rubbing Alcohol: Use a cotton swab or soft cloth dampened slightly with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt in the port. The alcohol will also dry out any moisture that may be causing issues. Let the port fully dry before attempting to charge again.
Related article:
iPhone Charging Port Not Working: How to Fix it (2023 Guide)
1. Reset iPhone Settings to Fix Software Issues
Resetting all settings on the iPhone essentially refreshes the phone’s software and hardware settings without deleting any data. It can resolve software bugs causing charging problems.
To reset the iPhone settings:
- Go to Settings > General
- Scroll down and tap Reset
- Tap Reset All Settings
- Enter iPhone passcode if prompted
- Tap Reset All Settings again to confirm
The iPhone will reboot and restore factory settings. Try charging again after resetting to see if it fixed the charging issue.
2. Update to the Latest iOS Version
Updating your iPhone’s iOS software is always a good idea. Apple releases updates that fix bugs and improve performance. Updating to the latest iOS could potentially fix a glitch that is preventing charging.
To update iOS:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Tap Download and Install if an update is available
- Enter iPhone Passcode and agree to Terms
- Tap Install to download and install the latest iOS update
Check charging capability after updating. Make sure to keep your iPhone updated whenever Apple releases new iOS versions.
3. Inspect iPhone Charging Port for Damage
Visually inspect the charging port at the bottom of the iPhone using a flashlight. Look for any signs of damage like:
- Bent or misaligned pins in the port
- Corrosion or rust on the contacts
- Cracks or gaps in the port casing
- Missing or detached port components
Any physical damage to the charging port itself will likely require repair or replacement services to fix. Do not try to charge the iPhone if the charging port appears severely damaged.
Try Alternative to Fix iPhone Charging Port Not Working
Having an iPhone that won’t charge can be extremely frustrating. But in most cases, a non-working charging port can be fixed with some simple troubleshooting and maintenance. Here are the top techniques for getting an iPhone charging again when the Lightning port stops working.
1. Check Your Charger
The first step is to check that the issue is actually with the iPhone, not the charger itself.
- Try connecting your iPhone to a different charger, cable, wall adapter, computer USB port, or power bank.
- Test different chargers with other devices to see if they work.
- Inspect cables and connectors for any damage.
If a new charger charges your iPhone, the original charger is faulty. If the iPhone won’t charge with multiple chargers, the issue is with the device.
2. Check the Power Source
Make sure the outlet, USB port, or external battery you’re trying to charge from is providing power.
- Try plugging the charger into another outlet to test if power is flowing.
- For USB ports, check if other devices can charge using the same port.
- Check that external batteries are charged sufficiently to provide power output.
This confirms your power source is operational, and the charging problem lies with the iPhone or cable.
3. Clean the Charging Port
Debris and dirt in the Lightning port can prevent a solid connection. Clean it out with:
- Compressed air
- A soft toothbrush
- A toothpick or SIM eject tool
- Rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab
Gently brushing or blowing out any lint or gunk in the port can get power flowing again.
4. Make sure your iPhone isn’t too hot or cold
Extreme cold or heat can make an iPhone stop charging as a safety precaution.
Move your iPhone to a temperate location between 32° and 95° F (0° to 35° C) before trying to charge again if it was exposed to temperature extremes.
5. Force Restart your iPhone
Force restarting your iPhone essentially acts as a power reset for all components, which may get a stuck charging port functioning again.
To force restart:
- On models with Home button, hold Power + Home until screen goes black.
- On Face ID iPhones, quickly press Volume Up then Volume Down then hold Power.
Hopefully after the restart, the iPhone will recognize chargers again and resume charging.
6. Check if you’re using a Compatible Case
Some iPhone cases don’t properly align with the charging port, blocking access. Try removing the case and then connecting your charger directly to the iPhone port to test.
Incompatible or poorly designed cases that obstruct the Lightning port are a prime cause of charging problems. Switch to a validated MFi-certified iPhone case.
7. Stop using your iPhone while charging
Actively using the iPhone during charging generates excess heat which can sometimes interrupt charging.
Try not using the iPhone while it’s plugged in – turn off the screen and do not open any apps. This allows the phone to devote full power to charging.
8. Disable Optimized Battery Charging
The Optimized Battery Charging feature can occasionally glitch and prevent charging for prolonged periods. Disable it temporarily.
Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health and toggle off Optimized Battery Charging. Try charging after disabling this to see if it helps.
9. Keep Liquid Damage in Mind
If your iPhone was exposed to water or another liquid, it can damage the charging port and circuitry, preventing charging.
Liquid causes corrosion over time – charging may stop working days after exposure. Professional cleaning or repair may be required for liquid damage.
10. Update iOS
Installing the latest iOS update can iron out software bugs that may be affecting iPhone charging.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates. Updating iOS regularly is good practice for fixing issues.
11. Reset your iPhone
For persistent charging problems, resetting all settings on your iPhone can refresh the device and potentially resolve glitched software:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset
- Tap Reset All Settings
- Enter passcode if prompted
- Confirm reset
12. Take your iPhone for Service
For hardware issues like damaged/corroded charging ports, professional repair is required. Apple Stores and reputable repair shops can thoroughly clean, test, or replace charging components to get your iPhone charging again.
Bring your iPhone in for service if you’ve exhausted all self-troubleshooting with no success. Charging port replacements or logic board repairs may be necessary.
How to Check for Software Crashes During Charging
A software crash or glitch when you connect your iPhone for charging can cause charging issues. Plug your phone into power and watch what happens on the screen:
- Does a battery charging symbol appear?
- Does the battery percentage go up?
- Does the screen freeze or crash?
If you notice the iPhone software crashing when plugging in to charge, it’s usually a software bug. Updating iOS or resetting the phone can fix these kinds of charging crashes.
How to Replace Lightning Charging Cable
Try replacing your Lightning cable with a brand new one. Sometimes the cable itself is the problem. Fraying, bent pins, or loose connectors can prevent a solid connection with the charging port.
Inspect your existing Lightning cable for any damage or wear and tear. If the cable is torn, bent, or loose, replacing it with a new Apple MFi certified Lightning cable may resolve your charging issues.
Have Charging Port Professionally Cleaned and Tested
For charging problems that persist, it’s best to take your iPhone to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. They have the proper tools and methods to thoroughly clean out and test the iPhone charging port and hardware.
An professional cleaning and inspection of the charging components can uncover any stuck debris you can’t remove yourself, or other underlying hardware issues with the port or charging circuitry that require repair.
Most third-party electronics repair shops can also do a professional deep clean and testing of your iPhone’s charging port. Search for well-reviewed phone repair experts in your area.
When to Replace a Faulty Charging Port
If all troubleshooting steps fail to restore iPhone charging functionality, the charging port itself may need to be repaired or replaced.
Visible physical damage to the port, or professional testing that indicates hardware failure of the port itself will require repair or replacement to get charging working again.
Charging port replacement can be done at Apple or by experienced phone repair technicians. Apple may replace the whole phone unit if it is under warranty. Repair shops can often replace just the Lightning port, which is more affordable.
DIY Charging Port Repair – Not Recommended
While it’s possible to buy iPhone charging port replacement parts online and attempt repair yourself, it’s extremely challenging for amateur repairers.
The charging port is integrated into the phone’s logic board, so repair involves complete disassembly of the iPhone, desoldering the old port, then soldering the new port in place using special tools and microsoldering skills.
Unless you have professional microsoldering experience and equipment, DIY iPhone charging port replacement is not advised due to the likelihood of permanent damage. Leave it to the professionals.
Temporary Fixes for Unusable Charging Port
If you can’t get the iPhone charging port fixed or replaced immediately, there are some temporary workarounds:
- Use a wireless charging pad to power the phone.
- Use a battery case and charge the case.
- Charge wirelessly through MagSafe accessories.
- Use a dock connector adapter to route power through the dock port instead.
These can buy you some time until you can properly service the defective Lightning port.
Prevent Future Charging Port Issues
To avoid charging problems recurring, implement these charging port care tips:
- Always use Apple MFi certified Lightning cables to avoid damage from substandard cables.
- Carefully align connectors when plugging in to avoid bending pins.
- Keep charging port clean of debris by regularly blowing it out.
- Never charge phone in moist areas or immerse in liquid.
- Avoid excessive pulling or straining of charging cable.
- Consider wireless charging or battery case to reduce wear on port.
Following these guidelines will help prevent premature failure of your iPhone’s charging port and maximize its lifespan.
When to Get a New iPhone
If your iPhone’s charging port is severely damaged or fails repeatedly after servicing attempts, it may be time to consider replacing the phone entirely.
Factors like repair costs exceeding the phone’s value, very old iPhone models with discontinuation looming, or simply wanting the latest features can make replacement preferable over fixing an older unit with a worn charging port.
Apple provides trade-in and recycling options for getting a new iPhone model when your old phone is no longer serviceable. Transferring data to the new phone is easy with iCloud backups.
While repair is great for extending use, there comes a point when investing in an entirely new iPhone makes sense over sinking more money into very old technology with deteriorating parts like the charging port.
Other Possible Causes of a Charging Port Problem
In addition to the common causes listed above, there are a few other things that can cause an iPhone charging port problem, including:
- Hardware damage: If your iPhone has been dropped or damaged in another way, it’s possible that the charging port has been physically damaged. In this case, you’ll need to have your iPhone repaired by Apple or an authorized service provider.
- Water damage: If your iPhone has been exposed to water, it’s possible that the charging port has been corroded. If this is the case, you’ll need to have your iPhone repaired or replaced.
- Third-party accessories: Using third-party accessories, such as cheap knockoff charging cables, can damage your iPhone’s charging port. It’s best to use only genuine Apple accessories or accessories from trusted manufacturers.
Common Causes of iPhone Charging Port Problems
There are a few common causes of an iPhone charging port that is not working. These include:
- Dirt and debris: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in the charging port, making it difficult for the cable to connect properly.
- Damage to the charging port: If the charging port has been damaged, either physically or by liquid, it may not work properly.
- Software problems: Sometimes, a software bug can cause the charging port to malfunction.
- Faulty charging cable or charger: If the charging cable or charger is faulty, it may not be able to charge your iPhone properly.
How to Avoid Charging Port Problems
Here are a few tips to help you avoid charging port problems:
- Keep your charging port clean and free of debris.
- Use only genuine Apple accessories or accessories from trusted manufacturers.
- Avoid dropping your iPhone or exposing it to water.
- If you’re using your iPhone in a dusty or dirty environment, try to keep it in a protective case.
How to Prevent iPhone Charging Port Problems
Here are some tips for preventing iPhone charging port problems:
- Use a genuine Apple charging cable and charger.
- Avoid using your iPhone while it’s charging.
- Keep your iPhone charging port clean and dry.
- Avoid dropping your phone or getting it wet.
- Use a case to protect your iPhone from damage.
If you follow these tips, you can help to keep your iPhone charging port working properly for many years to come.
Troubleshooting Steps
If your iPhone’s charging port isn’t working, the first thing you should do is try to troubleshoot the problem yourself. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Clean the charging port. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or debris that may be blocking the port. You can also use a toothpick to gently remove any visible debris. Be careful not to damage the pins inside the port.
- Try a different charging cable and charger. If you have another charging cable and charger available, try using them to charge your iPhone. If your iPhone charges with a different cable or charger, then the problem is likely with your original cable or charger.
- Restart your iPhone. A simple restart can often fix minor software glitches that may be causing charging problems. To restart your iPhone, hold down the side button until you see the power slider. Then, slide the slider to the right to turn off your phone. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the side button again to turn your phone back on.
- Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS. Apple regularly releases software updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements. If you’re running an outdated version of iOS, it’s possible that a software bug is causing your charging port problems. To update your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Reset your iPhone to factory settings. If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your iPhone’s charging port still isn’t working, you may need to reset your iPhone to factory settings. This will erase all of your data and settings, so be sure to back up your iPhone before you do this. To reset your iPhone to factory settings, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
Conclusion
If your iPhone charging port is not working, don’t panic. There are a few things you can try to fix the problem yourself. If you’ve tried all of the above steps and the charging port is still not working, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Key Takeaways on Fixing an iPhone that Won’t Charge
- Clean charging port thoroughly using compressed air, soft-bristle brushes, toothpicks, alcohol swabs, etc.
- Reset iPhone settings and update to latest iOS software version.
- Inspect charging port for damage. Look for bent/missing pins, corrosion, cracks.
- Try charging wirelessly, with external battery case, or through dock connector.
- Have Apple or a repair shop professionally service the port if needed.
- DIY charging port replacement is extremely difficult and risky.
- Prevent issues by using high-quality cables, keeping port clean, avoiding moisture.
- When phone is old or repair costs too much, replacing iPhone may be better option.
Following proper troubleshooting steps methodically can often get an iPhone charging again, restoring full functionality. For severe port damage or hardware failure, professional repair or replacement of the iPhone itself may be necessary. With care and maintenance, you can maximize the lifespan of your iPhone’s charging abilities.