A phone that won't charge is one of the most common problems I see, and sometimes the fix is simple. Work through these checks first.
1. Try a different cable and charger
Cables wear out near the plug, especially cheap ones. Borrow a cable and wall charger you know works. If the phone charges, you just need a new cable.
2. Look inside the port
Pocket lint packs into the charging port over time, so the cable no longer clicks in fully. Shine a torch into the port. If you see grey fluff, that is very likely the problem.
To clean it, turn the phone off and gently loosen the lint with a wooden toothpick. Never use metal like pins or paper clips, which can short or bend the contacts. If it's packed in hard, I can clean it safely.
3. Restart the phone
Software can occasionally stop charging from starting. A restart costs nothing and sometimes fixes it.
4. Check for liquid warnings
iPhones may show a “liquid detected” alert and pause charging through the port. Unplug it, let it dry for a few hours, and don't put it in rice. If the alert keeps coming back, have it checked, as liquid can corrode the port over time.
5. Try wireless charging
If your phone supports it, put it on a wireless charger. If it charges wirelessly but not with a cable, the problem is almost certainly the port, not the battery.
Signs the port needs repair
- The cable only works when held at an angle.
- The plug feels loose and falls out easily.
- Charging starts and stops when you move the phone.
- Nothing works, even after cleaning and with a known-good cable.
A charging port repair is usually a quick job done at your place. For example, it's $99 for an iPhone 13 and $119 for an iPhone 15 Pro. Find your model on the price page.
When it's the battery instead
If the phone charges but drains very quickly, shuts off at 20 or 30 percent, or the battery is swelling, the battery is the issue. How to tell if your battery needs replacing.