iPhone charging port not working: what should you check?

What should you check first if your iPhone won't charge?

Start with Apple's cable and power checks, looking for damage to the cable or adapter, including breaks and bent prongs. Check that the connections fit firmly at the cable, wall adapter and outlet. Try another wall outlet. A phone that won't charge might also have a dirty or damaged charging port.¹

Look for fraying or exposed wires. Check the connector itself for damage. To test the cable, borrow one that works from a friend or coworker and see if charging changes. Test the adapter as well.³

How do you check the charging port?

Remove debris from the charging port, then firmly plug the charging cable into your iPhone. Lint may be trapped inside the port. Use a new toothbrush, toothpick or tool that doesn't conduct electricity to clear out the lint or debris.^{1, 3}

iPhone 15 and later have USB-C ports. Connect a USB-C cable to the phone and a compatible USB-C power adapter, then plug the adapter into a wall outlet.²

How long should you charge before a force restart?

Keep your iPhone plugged into power and let it charge for half an hour. If it still won't power on, or the screen shows a battery icon, force restart it. After that restart, leave the phone charging for another half hour.¹

1. Press volume up

   Quickly release the button.¹

2. Press volume down

   Quickly release this button too.¹

3. Hold the side button

   Keep holding until the Apple logo appears.¹

Why does your iPhone stop charging at 80 percent?

Optimized Battery Charging can delay charging past 80 percent until you need to use your iPhone. It works only when your phone expects a long charging session. Your iPhone learns your routine to spend less time fully charged, which slows battery aging.¹

Heat can pause charging too. If the battery gets too warm, software might limit charging above 80 percent to extend its lifespan. Charging resumes when the temperature drops.¹

On iPhone 15 models and later, a charge limit might stop charging at a set level. Change that limit if you want the phone to charge past 80 percent.¹

When should you take your iPhone to a shop?

An iPhone that still won't power on or charge after Apple's charging and restart checks might need a repair service. If cleaning hasn't helped, a malfunctioning charging port is a possible cause, and the port may need to be replaced.^{1, 3}

What does iPhone charging port repair cost?

The iPhone 16 charge port assembly is sold as a replacement part by iFixit. Prices for an iPhone battery replacement come from repair shops posting that service on their own websites in NJ, PA and DE. Check whether your quote covers a part or a completed repair.^{7, 5}