A phone not charging can be frustrating, especially when you need it most. Whether you’re dealing with an Android phone or an iPhone, charging issues can arise for various reasons.
If you’re wondering, “why is my phone not charging?”, this guide will help you identify the possible causes and solutions.
1. Faulty Charging Cable or Adapter
One of the most common reasons for a phone not charging even when plugged in is a damaged or defective charging cable or adapter. Over time, cables can fray, and adapters may stop functioning properly.
Solution: Try using a different cable and adapter to see if your phone starts charging. If it does, replace the faulty accessories with high-quality, certified ones.
2. Dirt or Debris in the Charging Port
A clogged charging port can prevent proper contact between your charger and phone, stopping the charge from being delivered.
Solution: Inspect the charging port and gently remove any dust, lint, or debris using a toothpick or compressed air. Be careful not to damage the connectors inside. If your charging port is damaged, consider our charging port replacement services.
3. Water or Moisture in the Charging Port
If your phone is not charging because it is wet, many modern smartphones, especially iPhones, have safety mechanisms that disable charging when moisture is detected.

Solution: Let your phone dry completely before attempting to charge it. Avoid using a hairdryer or heat source, as excessive heat can damage internal components.
4. Software Issues or Glitches
Sometimes, a phone not charging may be caused by software bugs that prevent it from recognizing the charger.
Solution: Restart your phone or perform a software update if available. If the issue persists, try charging in Safe Mode to rule out problematic apps.
5. Battery Issues
If your phone is charging but not increasing battery percentage, the battery may be deteriorating or faulty.

Solution: Check your battery health (on iPhones, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health). If your battery is significantly degraded, consider getting a battery replacement.
6. Damaged Charging Port
A loose or broken charging port can lead to inconsistent or failed charging attempts, especially if the phone was dropped or frequently plugged and unplugged.
Solution: If wiggling the cable temporarily restores charging, the port may need professional repair. Consider visiting us for a professional mobile phone repair in Ottawa.
7. Third-Party Apps Draining Power
Some third-party apps can interfere with charging by consuming excessive battery power in the background.

Solution: Restart your phone in Safe Mode and charge it. If the phone charges properly, uninstall any recently installed or suspicious apps that might be causing the issue.
8. Overheating Prevention
Modern smartphones stop charging if they detect overheating to prevent damage. If your phone gets too hot, charging may be disabled until it cools down.
Solution: Remove any phone case that may be trapping heat, place the phone in a cooler area, and avoid using it while charging.