Phone Won't Charge? What to Check Before a Port Repair

You plug your phone in at night, and in the morning it is sitting at the same low number, or worse, it is dead. A phone that will not charge is stressful, but it is not always a broken charging port. In fact, a lot of the time the fix is free and takes a few minutes.

Here is what to check, in the order we would check it.

1. Look inside the charging port

This is the most common cause we see, by far. Pockets and purses are full of lint, and every time you slide your phone in, a little more gets packed into the bottom of the port. Over time it forms a firm layer that keeps the cable from seating all the way.

Signs of lint buildup:

• The cable feels loose or does not click in firmly
• You have to hold the cable at an angle to get it to charge
• Charging starts and stops when you move the phone

How to check and clean it safely:

1. Turn the phone off.
2. Shine a flashlight into the port and look for gray or dark fuzz at the bottom.
3. Gently loosen debris with a wooden or plastic toothpick. Work slowly and lightly, and avoid scraping the contacts.
4. Tip the phone port-down and tap it lightly to let the lint fall out.

What not to use: metal pins, paper clips, needles or anything sharp and metal. They can scratch the contacts or short something out. Also skip blowing hard into the port with your mouth, since that adds moisture. If the lint is packed in tightly, it is better to let us clean it with the right tools.

2. Try a different cable

Cables wear out faster than people think. They get bent at the ends, pinched in car doors and wrapped tightly around chargers. Look for fraying, kinks or exposed wire near the plugs. Then try a cable you know works with another device. If the phone charges with the second cable, you have found your problem.

3. Try a different adapter and outlet

The wall adapter can fail too, and so can an outlet or power strip. Try:

• A different wall adapter
• A different outlet in another room
• A computer USB port, just to test

Be cautious with very cheap, no-name chargers. Poorly made chargers can charge slowly, run hot or, in the worst cases, damage the phone.

4. Restart the phone

Sometimes the phone's software simply stops recognizing the charger. A restart clears that up surprisingly often. If the phone is completely dead, leave it plugged in with a known-good cable and adapter for at least 30 minutes before trying to turn it on, because a fully drained battery may need time before it shows any sign of life.

5. Check for software updates and settings

Once the phone is on, make sure the software is up to date. Some phones also include charging features that intentionally pause charging, such as optimized or adaptive charging that holds the battery at a certain level overnight. Those features are normal and actually help the battery, but they can look like a problem if you are not expecting them.

6. Check for a moisture warning

Some phones will refuse to charge through the port if they detect moisture. If you see a moisture alert, unplug the cable and let the phone dry in a cool, dry place with the port facing down. Do not try to override the warning or speed things up with a hair dryer. If the phone has been in water, read our guide on what to do first, and do not keep plugging it in.

When it is time to bring it in

If you have cleaned the port, tried a known-good cable and adapter, and restarted the phone, and it still will not charge, the problem is likely inside the phone. Common causes include:

• A damaged or worn charging port
• A battery that has failed
• Corrosion from moisture
• A problem with the charging circuit on the board

Also bring it in right away if the port looks burned, smells like burning plastic, or the phone gets hot when plugged in. Unplug it and stop trying to charge it.

Need a hand?

If your phone still will not charge, bring it to Alpha Computers at 4280 Hickory Flat Hwy in Canton. We repair charging ports on iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola and LG phones, and we will start by checking whether a simple cleaning does the trick. Our No Fix – No Fee promise means you are not out anything if we cannot fix it, and every repair includes a 1-year warranty. Walk in, call us at 678-899-6800, or request a free quote. You can also learn more about our smartphone repair services.