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Quick answer

If your iPhone is not charging, check the power outlet, cable, adapter, and connection for visible damage. Use compatible accessories, allow enough charging time, and follow Apple's device-specific troubleshooting guidance. Stop using damaged or hot accessories and seek service if charging remains unreliable.

Choose the check that matches your symptom

Start with the row that describes what you see. You do not need to try every step.

Match your symptom to the relevant check
What you noticeWhere to start
The phone or connector is wet, damaged, swollen or unusually hotStop charging and read the safety limits.
The iPhone is dry and shows no charging responseCompare a known-working compatible power source.
The phone is dry but the battery may be deeply dischargedAllow the documented charging time before a model-specific restart.

Before you start

  • Stop charging if the phone, cable or charger is damaged, unusually hot, swollen, wet, or showing a liquid-detection warning. Arrange qualified help.
  • Use accessories compatible with your exact model. Do not force a connector, open the phone, or insert tools or liquids into the charging port.
  • If charging stops at 80 percent or a chosen limit, check Optimized Battery Charging or Charge Limit first; that behavior alone does not establish a charging fault.

Why this happens

Charging failures can originate from the outlet, cable, adapter, phone, or battery. Checking the accessories first helps narrow the cause without exposing the device to damage.

What to do, step by step

Try one step at a time. Stop when the issue is resolved. If an instruction doesn't match your device, use the official model-specific guidance instead.

1

Try a known-working power source

  1. Only if the phone and accessories are safe and undamaged, use a known-working wall outlet and a compatible charging adapter and cable.
  2. Stop if there is heat, swelling, damage, or a liquid warning.
Do not use frayed wires, damaged plugs, or accessories that smell burnt or become unusually hot.
2

Look for visible damage

  1. Check the cable ends and charging connector for obvious bending or damage.
  2. Do not insert metal tools or liquids into the phone's charging port.
Follow Apple's cleaning and handling instructions rather than attempting an improvised repair.
Hand aligning a USB-C cable with a matching undamaged phone charging port.View larger
AI-generated USB-C example. Lightning iPhones need a different connector.
3

Give the phone some charging time

  1. If there is no damage, unusual heat or liquid warning, connect compatible charging equipment and allow 30 minutes.
  2. Note whether the screen responds, shows a battery icon or remains black.
If the device becomes unusually hot, disconnect it and seek guidance.
4

Restart only if appropriate

  1. If the screen responds, restart normally and retry.
  2. If it remains unresponsive after the first 30 minutes, use Apple's force-restart instructions for your exact model, then charge for another 30 minutes.
  3. Stop if heat, damage or a liquid warning appears.
Button combinations vary by model.
5

Identify when repair is needed

  1. If multiple compatible chargers fail, the connection is loose, or damage is visible, stop experimenting and contact Apple or a qualified repair provider.
Back up the phone if possible before handing it over for service.

Still not working? Know when to stop

Stop using damaged, swollen, wet, or unusually hot equipment. If safe compatible charging and Apple’s model-specific checks do not help, contact Apple or a qualified repair provider. Do not bypass a liquid alert.

Write down the exact model and error message before contacting official support.

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Useful tools, only if they fit your situation

Try the free checks first. Compare these optional products for the specific uses below; buying equipment does not guarantee a fix.

Shopping transparency: Links labeled “paid link” may earn us a commission if you buy. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Charging testOptional

    Apple 60W USB-C charge cable (1 m)

    Eliminate a damaged or unreliable cable as the reason a phone will not charge.

    Consider only when: Only for iPhone models with USB-C and after testing that the current cable is faulty.

    Check compatibility: USB-C at both ends. For USB-C iPhones and a compatible USB-C adapter; does not fit a Lightning iPhone.

    Find on Amazon Paid link · Amazon.com
  • Charging testOptional

    Apple 20W USB-C power adapter

    Try a functioning charger when an existing adapter is suspect.

    Consider only when: When the existing charger is suspect and the device supports the specification.

    Check compatibility: Requires the cable matching your iPhone’s USB-C or Lightning port. Check the regional plug and local electrical requirements; cable sold separately.

    Find on Amazon Paid link · Amazon.com
  • For Lightning iPhonesOptional

    Apple USB-C to Lightning cable (1 m)

    A replacement cable option when a faulty Lightning cable is the likely problem.

    Consider only when: For an older iPhone with a Lightning port, if the cable is the likely fault. Choose this instead of the USB-C-to-USB-C cable.

    Check compatibility: For Lightning-port iPhones with a compatible USB-C power adapter. Does not fit USB-C iPhones; check your port first.

    Find on Amazon Paid link · Amazon.com

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy a new charging cable right away?

Only after checking compatibility and whether the existing cable or adapter is actually the cause.

Can I clean a charging port with a metal pin?

No. Avoid inserting metal tools; follow the device maker's safety instructions.

Sources and editorial transparency

Documentation checked: 2026-10-28. Our instructions are written for this guide. Interface labels can change; this is a source review, not hands-on testing of every device.

Reference titles and source dates
  • Apple — If your iPhone or iPod touch will not charge
  • Apple — If your iPhone will not turn on
  • Apple — Liquid-detection alert

Prepared by TechTweety Editorial · Source-backed troubleshooting guide.