Is your iPhone charging port not working? Here’s what you can do to fix it.
An iPhone charging port that won’t work can be quite unsettling. Luckily, though, most issues with iPhone charging port can be resolved without mailing in your device to Apple for a specialized repair.
There is nothing new about the problem of iPhone not sending or receiving text messages as it has existed on almost all iPhone models. The issue has affected many iPhone models, including iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, XS Max, iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone SE. Thankfully, this troubleshooting guide will show you what to do if your iPhone charging port isn’t working.
Getting a good hang of the problem is key to discovering the cause and finding a possible solution. Hence, we have first talked about what could be the possible reason why some iPhone’s charging port is not working before learning the different ways to resolve the issue.
Possible reasons why your iPhone’s charging port isn’t working
From moisture to lint, there are plenty of reasons why your iPhone’s charging port won’t work. Luckily, most of these are short-lived events, which means you should be able to get up and running with a few simple fixes.
That said, repeated plugging and unplugging over time could also irreversibly wear out the charging port. If that’s the case, your only option will be to replace it with a new one. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves — here are a few things you can try if your iPhone charging port is not working.
6 ways to fix iPhone charging port problem
1. Check your iPhone’s charging port for debris
Over years of regular use, it’s common for sand, lint, and dust to build up in crevices like the iPhone’s charging port. Needless to say, debris can prevent the iPhone’s charging port from conducting electricity. In some cases, it can also block the iPhone from being able to communicate with the charging accessory, limiting fast charging. Luckily, fixing this issue is rather straightforward.
Use a magnifying glass and flashlight to take a closer look at the insides of your iPhone’s charging port.
If you see dust or other foreign objects, use a fine toothpick to clear them away. Be as gentle as possible since it’s possible to damage the lightening port permanently. Alternatively, use a can of compressed air if you’re unsure of causing damage.
Plug in your iPhone and check if the charging port is working.
2. Force your iPhone to restart
If your iPhone’s charging port worked just fine recently but it’s no longer working, the iOS may be experiencing a minor glitch. To fix the issue, simply force restart your iPhone by following the steps below:
- Press and quickly release the volume up button.
- Press and quickly release the volume down button.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Release the Side button once the Apple logo appears.
Once the iPhone boots up successfully, plug it in immediately and check if the charging port is working.
3. Use a different adapter, cable, and outlet
If neither of the above solutions worked for you, your charging adapter or charging cable might be faulty. Topping up your iPhone’s battery multiple times a day can chew through the cable’s lifespan pretty quickly. Lightening ports and plugs can only withstand so many insertion cycles, after all. And that’s not even considering any damage or corrosion that could have built up over time.
Simply plug in your iPhone using a different charging adapter and lightening cable. And while you’re at it, ensure that there’s nothing wrong with your wall socket either.
4. Try wireless charging if your iPhone supports it
If you own recent iPhone models like the iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, or iPhone X, don’t forget that you can also charge your device wirelessly. Any Qi wireless charger should do the trick, provided it’s from a reputable brand. Simply place your iPhone on the charging pad and wait a few seconds for the charging indicator to show up. If your phone can charge wirelessly, the charging port might be faulty and you should get it repaired.
5. Dry your iPhone if it was exposed to water
Many iPhone models feature IP67 or IP68 water resistance rating. In other words, they can withstand accidental spills and splashes as well as light rain. However, that doesn’t mean your iPhone is immune to water.
If water is detected inside the iPhone’s charging port, iOS automatically blocks charging as a precaution. So if your device was recently exposed to water, set it aside to dry out completely before plugging it in again.
6. Replace the charge port or battery
As we alluded to earlier, iPhone batteries and charging ports don’t last forever. It’s common for these components to degrade over three or more years of use — especially if you’re a heavy user. But that doesn’t mean you need to buy a new phone.
If your iPhone is still under warranty, Apple will replace the battery or charging port for free. If your iPhone is out of warranty, the repair cost is just a few dollars. That’s a good deal taking into account a new iPhone will cost you several times that amount.
Successfully fixed iPhone charging port problem
I hope your iPhone charging port problem is now resolved. Next time you find your iPhone charging port not working, keep in mind to check the port for debris or moisture and try charging with a different adapter and cable. If neither of those solutions work, you may have to replace the iPhone’s charging port.
Which of the above solutions worked for you? Drop a comment and let us know.