Every iPhone or iPad owner uses a Lightning cable, USB-C cable, or wireless charger to juice up their device on a near-daily basis. But sometimes, instead of the usual tone to confirm that charging has begun, your iPhone won't charge.

After a few more tries plugging in the cable or using the wireless charger to no success, it’s time to look for a solution.

While being unable to charge your device is definitely frustrating, you can take a number of different steps to help diagnose the issue and get everything back to normal. We'll take a look at some of the best ways to solve the problem.

1. Force Restart Your Device

The first step you should take if your device won't charge is to do a force restart. This is akin to pulling the plug and making the device start again. It's also part of the process to enter recovery mode and reinstall iOS or iPadOS if necessary.

Depending on your device, there's a specific way to force restart.

  • With the iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release the volume up button, then immediately do the same with the volume down button. Finally, hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
  • On the iPhone 7/iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the side and volume down buttons until you see the Apple logo.
  • For iPhone 6s and older: Press and hold the home and lock buttons until the Apple logo appears.

The process for the iPad is similar. For any tablet without a home button, press and release the volume up button followed by the volume down button. Then press the side button until the Apple logo appears.

For any iPad with a Home button, press and hold the top button and home button at the same time until the Apple logo appears.

2. Use a Different Cable or Wireless Charger

Next, it's time to take a closer look at your charging setup.

If you’re using a Lightning or USB-C cable, make sure that your charging brick is firmly plugged into an electrical outlet. Then it's time to examine the cable itself. The USB end of the cable must be completely inserted into the port of the charging brick or computer.

If all that checks out, and you're still not able to charge your device, try to find another charging brick and cable. Alternatively, if you charge using a USB port on your computer, switch to another port.

Frayed Lightning Cable

Apple's official Lightning or USB-C cable included with a new iPhone or iPad isn't particularly well-made. It's thus prone to a number of issues, including frayed ends that render the cable completely useless.

Replacing Apple's Cable With a Third-Party Alternative

Even if you don't have any current issues with Apple's cable, it's always a good idea to have a third-party cable replacement as a backup. Because Apple devices are so popular, other options offer unique features like a flat design that won't twist or tangle. Make sure to take a look at some best Lightning cables available.

Make sure that any third-party cable carries the MFi-certified label. That designation is provided by Apple and lets you know that the cable shouldn't cause any problems while charging your device.

It's best to try a few different USB ports on your computer or charging bricks with the new cable. That's also something you can try if your iPhone or iPad is charging more slowly than normal.

If you have an iPhone that supports wireless or MagSafe charging, try using that method to juice up your handset. If that works, it will narrow down the issue to just the plug itself.

iPhone wireless charging

For anyone who usually takes advantage of an iPhone wireless charger, try removing any phone case and then placing the handset back on the charger. You can also try another wireless charger or cable.

With continued issues, grab a Lightning or USB-C cable and see if you can charge that way.

3. Clear Debris From the iPhone or iPad Port

iphone-lightning-port-1

If you're still unable to charge your iPhone or iPad, flip your device over and take a look at the Lightning or USB-C port. Look for any debris, like pocket lint or other small bits of dirt or dust, in the port itself. If anything is visible, it's time to clean your charging port.

Most importantly, make sure you turn off the device's power first. Try an old reliable staple—a cotton swab—and gently move it around the port to pick up any debris. Another option if you can see something still stuck in the port is to very gently use a toothpick to remove the obstruction.

Once nothing is visible, try charging your iPhone or iPad again with a cable.

4. Update iOS or iPadOS Software

Update iPhone Software
Image Credit: Apple

A final step, if you have enough power remaining on your device, is to update your iPhone or iPad to the newest software version available.

To do that on your iPhone or iPad, head to Settings > General > Software Update. If you have an update available, follow the on-screen instructions.

Updating your iPhone or iPad to the most recent software available will make sure that any charging issues weren’t caused by issues in the iOS or iPadOS software.

If All Else Fails...

After trying all these steps, it's probably time to contact Apple about servicing your iPhone or iPad. Before doing that, make sure to check the warranty status of your device online.

Hopefully, your device is under the standard one-year warranty, or still covered by AppleCare. There's a good chance you'll have little or no out-of-pocket cost for Apple to repair your device in this case.

You can then contact Apple Support online to start the repair process. You may need to send in your device. If you live near an Apple Store location, it may be quicker to make an appointment at a Genius Bar. Another great way to contact Apple is to get tech support with the Apple support app.

For older devices that aren't covered by Apple's warranty, another option is to look for a well-rated third-party repair center near you. Many times they can repair the charging issue for substantially less than going through Apple.

Troubleshoot Why Your iPhone Won't Charge

Finding that your iPhone or iPad won’t charge can definitely be concerning.

For many of us, the devices play a big part in our daily digital life. But hopefully, one of these steps can cure the problem and get your iPhone or iPad back to charging normally.