Phone Not Charging? 8 Fixes to Try Before Paying for Repair
You plug in your phone before bed, wake up, and it's still at 4%. Annoying doesn't even cover it. The good news is that most charging problems aren't as serious as they look. Plenty of them are fixed with a toothpick, a different cable or a quick restart. Work through the list below in order, and if nothing helps, we'll tell you when it's time to bring it in.
Quick answer: why won't my phone charge?
The most common cause is dirt or lint packed into the charging port. After that, the usual suspects are a worn-out cable, a weak adapter, a software glitch or an ageing battery. If none of those fixes it, the charging port itself may be damaged and need replacing.
8 fixes to try first
1. Swap the cable and the plug
Cables wear out faster than people think, especially near the ends where they bend. Try a different cable, then a different adapter, then a different wall socket. If your phone suddenly charges, you've just saved yourself a repair bill.
2. Look inside the charging port
Shine a torch into the port. Pockets and bags are brilliant at filling it with fluff, and that fluff gets squashed flat every time you plug in until the cable can't reach the contacts properly.
3. Clean it out gently
Switch the phone off first. Then use a wooden or plastic toothpick to lift out the packed lint, going slowly and keeping it away from the metal contacts. Never use a pin, needle or anything metal, because it's easy to bend the contacts and turn a small problem into a big one. Don't blow into the port either, as moisture from your breath doesn't help.
4. Restart the phone
It sounds too simple, but a restart clears small software glitches that can stop a phone recognising a charger. Hold the power button, restart, then try again.
5. Check for a software update
Occasionally a bug in the system software affects charging. Head to your settings and install any pending update. Just make sure you have a little battery left first.
6. Try a different charging method
If your phone supports wireless charging, put it on a pad for a few minutes. If it charges that way but not with a cable, that points to the port or cable rather than the battery.
7. Look for a liquid warning
Some phones show a message when moisture is detected in the port. If you see one, unplug everything and let the phone dry before trying again. Our guide on what to do with a water damaged phone walks you through the steps.
8. Let it rest, then try again
A fully drained battery can take a few minutes on the charger before the screen shows any sign of life. Leave it plugged in for at least 15 minutes before you give up.
Signs the charging port is damaged
If you've tried everything above and nothing's changed, look for these clues:
- The cable feels loose or wobbles in the port
- It only charges when you hold the cable at a certain angle
- It connects and disconnects on its own
- You can see bent, dark or green-tinged contacts inside
- Your phone gets hot while plugged in
Any of these usually means the port has worn out or been damaged, and cleaning won't be enough.
Is it the port or the battery?
This is where a lot of people get stuck, so here's a simple way to tell. If the phone won't charge at all, or only charges at an angle, it's usually the port. If it charges fine but the percentage drops quickly, shuts down at 30% or feels hot, the battery is more likely to be the culprit. A swollen battery is a different story and needs urgent attention, so have a read of our guide on a swollen phone battery if your screen is lifting or the back is bulging.
What if it's just slow?
Slow charging is annoying but it usually has an easy explanation. A low-power adapter, a damaged cable or a dirty port can all cut the speed. Heavy apps running in the background will also slow things down. Try a certified charger and close what you're not using. If it still crawls, the battery may be tired, and a replacement will bring it back to life.
Dealing with specific phones
iPhone
If your iPhone not charging problem started after a drop or a splash, the port or the battery is a likely cause. iPhone ports are small and collect lint easily, so the toothpick method is worth a go. Take a look at our iPhone repair options for every model we cover.
Samsung and other Android phones
When a Samsung not charging issue shows up, a restart in safe mode can help work out whether an app is behind it. If the problem stays, the port is the next thing to check. You can see what we fix on our Samsung repair page.
Tablets and laptops
Same story, different size. Dust and wear affect tablets and laptops too, so try the cable, adapter and socket first.
What does a charging port repair involve?
A technician will open the phone, check the port and the board around it, and test whether the battery is healthy. If the port is just dirty, a proper clean can solve it. If it's worn or damaged, it gets replaced with a new one and everything is tested before you get the phone back. The work is quick and, in most cases, ready the same day. If you want to see how repair prices and screen options compare, our guide on screen repair vs replacement is worth a read too.
How to stop it happening again
- Use good-quality, certified cables and chargers.
- Don't yank the cable out by the wire. Hold the plug.
- Give the port a quick check every couple of months.
- Keep your phone in a pocket with nothing else loose in it, or use a port cover.
- Don't charge a phone that's been in the rain or the sink.
More everyday habits are in our post on making your phone last twice as long.
Need a hand? Visit FonePro
If the fixes didn't work, we're happy to take a look. Walk into one of our stores in Rotherham, Middlesbrough or Darlington, or use our mail-in service if you're further away. You can find your nearest store or get in touch and ask us anything first.
Every repair comes with our 90-day warranty and our no fix, no fee promise. Don't just take our word for it, our customer reviews speak for themselves. When you're ready, book a free diagnostic online and we'll tell you honestly what's wrong. No pressure, no upselling.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my phone plugged in but not charging?
Most often it's lint in the port or a worn cable. Try another cable and adapter, clean the port gently, then restart the phone.
Can I clean the charging port myself?
Yes, if you're careful. Switch the phone off and use a wooden or plastic toothpick to lift out the lint. Avoid metal tools, which can damage the contacts.
How much does a charging port repair cost?
It depends on the model. Contact your nearest FonePro store for a quick quote, or book a free diagnostic.
How long does the repair take?
In most cases it can be done on the same day.
Could a new battery fix it instead?
Sometimes. If the phone charges but drains quickly or shuts down early, the battery is more likely to be the issue. A technician can test both so you only pay for what's needed.
Is it safe to keep using a phone that charges only at an angle?
It's best not to. Wiggling the cable can damage the port further and may cause overheating, so get it checked soon.