Why Won't My Phone Charge?

Is your phone plugged in but not charging? That can feel scary. Many people saw this problem after phone updates or after small drops. A phone that will not charge means you cannot call, map, or use apps. This question has been asked a lot in the last six months because phone makers pushed software updates and people shared problems online. This guide will show easy steps you can do at home. Each step uses safe tools. Take your time and follow the steps one by one.

Quick Answer

Most of the time a bad cable, dirty port, or a small software bug stops charging. Try a new cable, clean the port gently, and restart the phone. If that does not work, check the charger, try another power source, or contact the phone maker's support.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Check the cable and charger. Look for bent pins, breaks, or frays in the cable. Try a spare cable and a different wall adapter. Some chargers are weak. Use the charger that came with the phone if you can.
2. Try a different power source. Plug into a different wall outlet, or try a USB port on a laptop. Some computer ports offer low power and do not charge well. A wall adapter usually gives more power than a computer.
3. Inspect and clean the charging port. Use a bright light and look inside. Lint from pockets can get stuck. Use a soft brush, a small wooden toothpick, or canned air to clear dust. Be gentle. Do not push hard or use metal tools.
4. Restart or force restart the phone. Hold the power button and reboot. If the phone is frozen, do a force restart: on many phones hold power and a volume button for 10–20 seconds. This can clear a small software error that stops charging.
5. Remove the case and try again. Some phone cases push the cable out or stop it from fitting. Take the case off and plug in. Also look at the plug and see if the cable sits straight.
6. Check for water or moisture damage. If the phone got wet, it might stop charging to protect its parts. Look for a tiny white or red dot in the SIM tray or near the port (many phones have a moisture indicator). If wet, do not try to charge it. Dry it and take it to a pro.
7. Try wireless charging if you have it. If your phone supports wireless charging, try that. If the phone charges wirelessly, the wired port is likely the problem.
8. Update or reset phone settings. Go to Settings and look for a system update. Sometimes a bug stops charging and the maker releases a fix. If nothing works, back up your data and do a factory reset. This can fix deep software bugs but it erases your data, so backup first.

Troubleshooting & Extra Tips

• Use certified cables. Cheap or fake cables may not meet power rules. Buy cables from known brands or the phone maker.
• Check the adapter wattage. Fast chargers need more watts. A low-watt adapter may charge very slowly or not at all.
• Look for app drain. Some apps use a lot of power while the phone is plugged in. Close heavy apps like games or video apps while charging.
• Avoid heat. Charging when the phone is hot can slow or stop charging. Let the phone cool down if it feels warm.
• If the phone changed after an update. Sometimes an update can change how the phone charges. Visit the phone maker's support page for known issues and fixes.
• Do not use metal objects. Use wooden or plastic tools to clean the port. Metal can bend pins or short the port.
• Try charging with the phone off. Turn the phone off and plug in. This can help if a running app stops charging.

Useful sources

Here are helpful official pages and guides that explain charging fixes in more detail:

• Google Support — Fix an Android device that won't charge or turn on
• Samsung Support — What to do if your phone is not charging
• Android Authority — Your phone won't charge? Try these simple fixes

Who This Helps

This guide helps people whose phone is plugged in but not taking power. It works for kids, parents, and anyone who wants a quick and safe fix at home.

FAQ

Q: My phone shows it is charging but the percent does not go up. Why?
A: The phone may use more power than the charger gives. Try a stronger wall adapter or a new cable. Also close apps and let it charge with the screen off.
Q: Can lint in the port stop charging?
A: Yes. Lint and dust can block the metal pins. Clean it gently with a small brush or toothpick.
Q: Is it safe to use wireless charge if wired fails?
A: Yes if your phone supports it. It is a good test. If wireless works, the wired port may be the problem.
Q: My phone died after getting wet. Should I charge it?
A: No. Turn it off and do not charge. Let it dry and get help from a repair shop.
Q: When should I see a repair shop?
A: Go to a shop if the phone will not charge after trying a good cable, adapter, and cleaning the port. Also visit a shop if there is water damage or if you see bent pins.

Conclusion

A phone that will not charge can often be fixed with a few small steps. Start with the cable, charger, and port. Restart the phone and try a new power source. If you still have trouble, follow the phone maker's official help pages or take the phone to a trusted repair shop. Keep good cables and a clean port to avoid this problem again.