Phone Won't Charge? 8 Fixes to Try

Before you buy a new charger or phone, try these simple checks — the fix is often free.

Editorial TeamNovember 4, 20261 min read

A phone that won't charge is stressful, but the cause is often simple. Work through these steps before assuming the worst.

8 fixes to try

Try a different cable. Cables wear out and break inside.
Try a different plug or USB port.
Clean the charging port. Lint from pockets often blocks the connection. Turn the phone off and gently remove debris with a wooden toothpick — never metal.
Restart the phone. A software glitch can stop charging.
Remove the case in case it blocks the cable or causes overheating.
Let it cool down. Phones may pause charging when too hot.
Update the software.
Try wireless charging if your phone supports it, to check whether the port is the problem.

Most common causePocket lint packed into the charging port is a very common reason phones stop charging properly.

Check for water

Some phones block charging if moisture is detected in the port. Let the phone dry completely and don't use heat to speed it up.

When to get it repaired

If none of these work, the battery or charging port may need replacing. An authorised repair shop can test it. Using a damaged or swollen battery is unsafe — stop using the phone if the case bulges.