A phone that won’t charge always seems to happen at the worst moment. The good news is that the cause is often something small, and you can check most of it in a few minutes without any tools.
This guide follows the official advice from Apple, Google and Samsung. Start at step 1 and try charging again after each step.
⚡ At a glance
Before You Start
🔥 Is it hot?
Heat can stop or slow charging. If your phone feels hot, let it cool first.
👀 Is there a message?
Warnings like “Unplug charger” or “Liquid or debris” tell you what to do. Jump to step 8.
🔌 Is the cable damaged?
Don’t use a cable or adapter that is broken or has bent prongs.
🔋 Is it completely flat?
A fully drained battery can take a while to show any sign of life.
Check the Cable and Charger
The most common cause, and the quickest to test
Look closely at both ends of the cable and at the charger for breaks, fraying or bent prongs. Then check that the cable is pushed in firmly at both ends.
The easiest test is to charge a different device with the same cable and charger. If that device doesn’t charge either, you’ve found the problem.
Pro tip: Samsung recommends compatible Samsung chargers and cables, and Google recommends the cable that came in the Pixel’s box. Incompatible accessories can cause charging problems.
Try a Different Power Source
Rule out the outlet
Plug the charger straight into a wall outlet. If you’re already using one, try another outlet. Apple suggests checking that the cable, adapter and outlet are all firmly connected.
Remove any extra adapters between the phone and the charger.
Let Your Phone Cool Down
Heat can pause charging
Apple, Google and Samsung all say a hot phone may charge slowly or stop charging. Move the phone and charger somewhere cooler and give it a few minutes. If you’re using USB-C headphones on a Pixel, unplug them too.
Clean the Charging Port
Pocket lint is a common culprit
Turn your phone off and shine a flashlight into the port. If you can see dust or lint:
- Samsung says to remove it without using metal objects or liquids.
- Google says not to insert anything. For a Pixel, hold the port facing down and tap the phone gently against your hand.
- Apple says to remove any debris, then plug the cable back in firmly.
Why this works: Debris can stop the plug from seating properly, so the cable never reaches the contacts inside.
Charge for 30 Minutes
Give a flat battery time
Plug the phone into a wall outlet and leave it for half an hour. Apple suggests this for iPhones, and Google suggests at least 30 minutes for a fully discharged Android phone.
Restart Your Phone
This can clear a software problem
Android: hold the power button for 5 to 7 seconds. This usually restarts the phone.
iPhone 8 or later, and iPhone SE (2nd generation or later): quickly press volume up, quickly press volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 7: hold the side button and volume down until the logo appears.
iPhone 6s or earlier: hold the side or top button and the Home button until the logo appears.
Apple then suggests charging for another half hour.
Check Your Charging Settings
Your phone may be limiting the charge on purpose
Samsung: go to Settings, then Battery. Under Charging settings, make sure Fast charging is on. Battery protection can stop charging early, so check that setting too.
iPhone: if charging stops at 80%, see the question below. This is often normal.
Deal With Warning Messages
If your phone shows a moisture or charger alert
“Liquid or debris in USB port” on Pixel: if the port is wet, turn the phone off and dry it flat at room temperature. If it’s debris, tap the phone port-down against your hand.
“Unplug charger” on Pixel: unplug everything and let the phone cool for a few minutes. Check the port, then turn the phone off for a few minutes.
Moisture alert on Samsung: shake the phone gently, wipe it with a soft dry cloth, and let it dry in a ventilated area with cool air. The port must be fully dry before charging, even on a water-resistant phone.
“Accessory not supported or certified” on iPhone: connect directly, clean the port, restart, try a different cable or charger, and update iOS.
When to Get Help
Contact the manufacturer or an authorized repair center if:
- Your phone still won’t charge after all these steps.
- A Pixel’s “Liquid or debris” message stays for two hours or more, or “Unplug charger” keeps coming back.
- The port looks burned, melted or corroded.
- Your phone rings when called but the screen stays blank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPhone stop charging at 80%?
This is often normal. Optimized Battery Charging can hold the level near 80% to slow battery aging. Software may also limit charging when the battery gets warm, so move your phone somewhere cooler. On iPhone 15 and later, check whether a Charge Limit has been set.
Can I clean the port with a pin or toothpick?
Don’t. Google says not to insert anything into the port, and Samsung warns against metal objects and liquids.
How long should I charge a dead phone before giving up?
Apple suggests 30 minutes, then a force restart, then another 30 minutes. Google suggests at least 30 minutes for a fully discharged Android phone.
Can I charge my phone if it’s wet?
Wait until the port is completely dry. Samsung says this applies to water-resistant models too.
Why is my Samsung charging so slowly?
Check that Fast charging is on under Settings, then Battery, then Charging settings. Samsung notes that fast charging may not work when connected to a computer or standard USB device.
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