iPhone Not Charging? How to Fix It, From Cables to Charge Limits
Most charging problems come down to a worn cable, lint in the port, heat or a setting that's working as designed. Here's how to find the cause.
If your iPhone isn’t charging, first try a different cable and power adapter, check the charging port for lint, and restart the phone. If it charges but stops at 80% or another number, that’s usually a battery setting such as Charge Limit or Optimized Battery Charging, or the phone pausing because it’s too warm, not a fault.
Work through the checks below in order. They start with the most common causes and end with signs that the phone needs service.
Quick checks first
- Try another cable and adapter. Cables fray inside long before they look damaged. Use one you know works with another device.
- Try another outlet. Plug the adapter directly into a wall outlet instead of a power strip, car port or computer.
- Restart the iPhone. A software glitch can stop charging from being recognized.
- Leave it plugged in for 30 minutes. A fully drained battery may take a while before the screen shows anything.
- Remove the case. Thick cases can stop the plug from seating fully and make the phone run warm.
Clean the charging port carefully
Pocket lint packs into Lightning and USB-C ports and stops the cable from clicking all the way in. A plug that feels loose or wobbly is a strong clue.
- Turn the phone off and look into the port with a flashlight.
- Gently loosen debris with a non-metal tool, such as a wooden or plastic toothpick, without scraping the contacts.
- Don’t use metal pins, compressed air at close range or liquids.
If the lint is packed tight or you’re not comfortable doing it, an Apple Store or authorized service provider can inspect and clean the port.
Check your cable and charger
iPhone 15 and later models use USB-C; iPhone 14 and earlier use Lightning. Low-quality or uncertified cables are a frequent cause of slow or intermittent charging. For Lightning, look for MFi-certified accessories. For USB-C, a reputable cable and a USB Power Delivery (PD) adapter of around 20 W or more gives you fast charging. Our explainer on USB-C cables, watts and labels helps you pick one.
It stops at 80%? Check charge settings
This is the most common “not charging” report that isn’t a problem at all.
| iPhone | Setting | Where to find it | What you’ll see |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 and later | Charge Limit (80% to 100% in 5% steps) | Settings > Battery > Charging | Charging stops at your chosen limit |
| iPhone 15 and later | Optimized Battery Charging (only when the limit is 100%) | Settings > Battery > Charging | Pauses around 80% and finishes before you usually unplug |
| iPhone 14 and earlier | Optimized Battery Charging | Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging | Pauses around 80% overnight |
If you need a full charge right now, set the limit to 100% or, when you see an optimized-charging notification on the Lock Screen, choose to charge now. Apple’s page on Charge Limit and Optimized Battery Charging explains the behavior, including that the phone may occasionally charge to 100% to keep its battery estimates accurate.
Heat: “Charging On Hold”
Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to temperature. If the iPhone gets too warm, for example in direct sun, a hot car, while gaming or during fast charging under a pillow, iOS can pause or slow charging, often above 80%, until it cools down. You may see a Charging On Hold message. Move the phone somewhere cooler, take off the case, and stop heavy use while it charges. Very cold conditions can also prevent charging until the phone warms up.
Liquid detection alert
iPhone XS and later models can detect liquid in the charging port and show an alert. While it’s showing, charging and accessories through the port are blocked to protect the pins from corrosion.
- Unplug the cable and accessory.
- Tap the phone gently against your hand with the port facing down to remove excess liquid.
- Leave it in a dry area with some airflow for at least 30 minutes, then try again. Full drying can take up to a day.
Don’t use rice, a hair dryer or cotton swabs in the port. Apple notes that in a genuine emergency you can override the alert after reconnecting, but charging a wet port risks damage. A dry Qi or MagSafe wireless charger is a safer alternative if the back of the phone is dry. See Apple’s guide to the liquid-detection alert.
Wireless and MagSafe problems
- Alignment: Off-center placement on a flat Qi pad is the usual cause. MagSafe (iPhone 12 and later) snaps into place, which helps.
- Cases: Thick cases, metal plates, card wallets and magnetic mounts block or weaken wireless charging.
- Power source: MagSafe and Qi2 chargers need an adequate USB-C power adapter; a weak adapter means very slow charging or none.
- Test wired charging. If cable charging works and wireless doesn’t, the issue is likely the pad, its adapter or the case.
If you rely on a portable battery, our guide to choosing a power bank covers which ones support fast charging.
Update iOS and check the battery
Install pending updates in Settings > General > Software Update; updates sometimes fix charging bugs. Then check the battery’s condition in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. A service message or very low maximum capacity can explain fast drain or a phone that dies suddenly. Our guide on checking iPhone battery health explains the numbers.
When to get service
Contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider if:
- The phone doesn’t charge with several known-good cables, adapters and a wireless charger.
- The port is damaged, corroded or the plug won’t stay in even after cleaning.
- The battery is swollen, the screen is lifting, or the phone gets unusually hot while charging. Stop charging it in that case.
- Battery Health shows a service recommendation.
Apple’s Diagnostics can test the battery and port, and a battery or port repair may be covered by warranty or AppleCare+.
Bottom line
Swap the cable and adapter, clean lint from the port, restart, and update iOS. If charging stops at 80% or another number, check Charge Limit or Optimized Battery Charging and make sure the phone isn’t hot. Respect liquid alerts, and get the phone checked if nothing you try works or the battery looks swollen.
FAQ
Why does my iPhone say “Not Charging” when plugged in?
It usually means the phone is paused on purpose because of temperature, optimized charging or a charge limit. It can also mean the power source is too weak, such as some computer USB ports.
Can a cheap cable damage my iPhone?
Poorly made cables and chargers can overheat or fail and are a common source of charging problems. Stick with certified cables and adapters from reputable brands.
Is it bad to leave my iPhone plugged in overnight?
No. The phone manages charging itself, and Optimized Battery Charging or a charge limit reduces time spent at 100%. Keeping it cool matters more.
Should I put a wet iPhone in rice?
No. Apple advises against it, since small particles can get into the phone. Let it air-dry in a dry place instead.
