Easy Tips To Fix a Phone That Won’t Charge

Hello!

At some point, most of us have faced the same frustrating scenario: after a long day your phone is nearly dead, you plug it in at home, and nothing happens. The situation becomes even more irritating when you don’t know where to start troubleshooting.

Charging problems can range from a complete refusal to charge to painfully slow charging that fails to keep up with power consumption. Below you’ll find a clear, step-by-step guide to diagnose and fix the issue.

Download the Ampere app

Ampere is a reliable tool that shows whether your phone is drawing current and how much power it is actually receiving. A green reading means the device is charging; an orange or very low number indicates that power consumption exceeds the incoming charge. After completing each troubleshooting step, open the app again to see whether the reading has improved. The app is available on major app stores.

Try a different power source

Sometimes the phone or charger is not the culprit—the power outlet or USB port may be faulty. Test another wall socket, connect directly to a computer, or switch to a power bank. If the device begins charging after you change the power source, the original outlet or port needs attention; consider calling an electrician or repairing the computer port.

Inspect the charging cable

Before resetting devices or examining ports, check the two simplest components: the cable and the wall adapter. Cables endure constant bending, twisting, and awkward plugging angles, so they are the most frequent cause of charging failures. Swap in another cable you have on hand; if you don’t own a spare, borrow one before moving to more advanced steps.

Check the wall adapter

If your charger allows the cable to be detached, the USB port on the adapter itself may be damaged. Test the same cable with a different adapter or connect the phone directly to a computer. If charging works with the alternative adapter, replace the original one. You can also read our guide on fixing fast-charging issues on iOS devices.

Turn the phone off or switch to Airplane mode

Running power-hungry apps while charging can make the battery drain faster than it charges. Switching the device off, turning the screen off, or enabling Airplane mode reduces power draw and often speeds up charging. iPhone users can also try our tips on cleaning up the device to improve charging performance.

Examine the USB port

Once the cable and adapter are ruled out, inspect the phone’s USB port. A slightly bent connector or accumulated dust can prevent proper contact. Power the phone off, remove the battery if possible, and gently straighten the center pin with a thin tool. Use compressed air to clear debris. Reinsert the battery, power the device on, and test charging again.

Replace the battery

If the battery has reached the end of its lifespan, consider a replacement. Visible swelling or leakage are clear signs of a failing battery. Most modern phones have non-removable batteries, so visit an authorized service center for professional replacement.

Update or roll back the operating system

Software updates can significantly affect charging behavior. Newer Android versions usually include battery optimizations, yet older hardware may not handle the latest changes well. If charging problems began right after an update, you may roll back to a previous version—plenty of tutorials are available online. Upgrading from an older Android release can also resolve charging issues. You can also read our guide on fixing “allow access” errors on iPhone.

Thank you!
Join us on social media!
See you!