Your iPhone is charging intermittently, but not fully? Before you rush off to the repair shop, try to identify what's wrong. A dirty iPhone charger or cable, minor software glitches, etc. are usually to blame. Our DIY guide shows you how to fix it yourself.
Could Your iPhone Be Charging Incorrectly?
There's a variety of reasons your iPhone might be having charging issues. It is important to diagnose any problem before you take drastic action.
List of possible causes
Physical Issues
Debris blocking the charging port. Lint or dust may block the connection.
Cables or Adapters Damaged: A frayed cord or faulty adapter could cause charging issues.
If the charger port is worn out or loose, it can be damaged.
Software Issues
Glitches & bugs: A minor bug in iOS or an update can prevent iPhones from recognizing chargers.
Battery: When the iPhone battery is low you may find it difficult to charge your iPhone, even when using DC Power Cables.
Additional Issues
Water Damage: Internal components such as the charger port can be damaged if exposed to moisture.
The incorrect charging accessories: non-Apple certified chargers can interfere with the iPhone’s charging process.
How to repair iPhone charger step by Step
Do these fixes yourself before heading to your local repair shop. If you are surprised at the simplicity of the fix, you might want to try it.
1. Turn Off Your iPhone
Switch off your iPhone. By cleaning or inspecting the charging connector, you will protect internal components and prevent short-circuits.
2. Charge Port Inspection
Use the flashlight to inspect the charging plug. Does the port show signs of dirt, lint and damage? When you notice debris, it's time to clean the charging slot.
Cleaning The Charging Port
Lint and dirt are usually to blame. Remove the debris using a toothpick made of wood or a soft, clean toothbrush. Don't push particles farther into the charger port.
Air Compressor is used to blow off any loose particles. The can should be held away from port at least by several inches in order to prevent excessive force or moisture from damaging components.
Test with another cable and adapter
Test your adapter and cable against an Apple-certified cable.
5. Restart your iPhone
A simple reboot will often resolve any software issues preventing your iPhone from being recognized by the charger. Test to see if your charging resumes once you have restarted your phone.
Battery Health Check
If you are unable to charge your iPhone, the battery might need replacing.
7. Optimised Battery Charging
Use the Optimized Battery Charging feature to protect the battery. This feature learns how you charge your phone and will reduce the rate of charging as the battery gets closer to its end.
8. Install a software update
Sometimes an outdated iOS update can cause problems charging. Install any available updates by going Settings > General Software Upgrade.
9. Factory Reset your iPhone (as Last Resort)
A factory reset can be used to resolve software-related charging problems. Backup your data before resetting the device. A factory-reset will erase any content.
When to seek professional Help
A professional may be required if your problem persists even after you've tried all the steps above, cleaned the port, and changed cables.
Charger connector that is loose, or wobbly.
Visible damages: Broken plastics, bent or corroded pins within the port can all be signs of hardware failure.
Water exposure: Your phone's internal components may have corroded if exposed to water. This requires professional help.
To repair your charging plug, visit an Apple Store.
How to prevent damage from your charging port
These are some helpful tips.
Use a iPhone USB dust plug. These accessories protect the charging port of your iPhone from dust and lint when it is not in use.
Do not store your iPhone in bags that contain fabric. Lint can fall out.
Examine cables periodically: Look out for frayed wiring and damaged connectors. These can cause your ports to wear out.
Monthly cleaning is a good practice. Use a soft, squeegee-like brush to remove any buildup. This can cause charging problems.
Final Thoughts
Follow the steps in this article to fix your iPhone's charging problem. The QUECOO site offers a variety of components that can be used to fix your iPhone adapter. This will save you the cost of paying for a professional repair.