Dealing with an iPhone charger (or iPad charger) that is broken or not working properly can be irritating, especially if you need a charge right away and don’t have a backup charger on hand. However, there are some quick fixes you may try to address typical iPhone charging problems before you run out and buy a new charger. In most cases, it will be simpler to simply purchase a replacement, but in this piece, we’ll walk you through troubleshooting techniques to repair your iPhone charger and restore it back to working order.
- Verify the Power Source: The first step is to make sure the power supply is not the issue. To rule out a bad power source, insert your charger into a separate outlet or USB port. Sometimes, rather than the charger itself, the problem may be with the outlet or adaptor.
- Verify that the brick is inoperative
This can occasionally be the problem since the retractable brick’s prongs might not be entirely opened, meaning they won’t be fully inserted into the power outlet. Occasionally you could not be making full contact with an extension or surge protector. Be sure the power rating and wattage of the charger are compatible with your device if it is new or has never been used before. - Check the Charging Cable: Look for any obvious evidence of damage, such as frayed wires or bent connections. If there is any visible physical damage, the cable is probably at blame. In this situation, a new cable will need to be installed. For the best compatibility and performance, choose cables that have received the Apple certification. You can use the “Electrical Tape” approach, in which you wrap the exposed part of the wire with electrical tape, to quickly and temporarily fix a frayed lightning or USB-C cable. Although it normally stabilizes the chord and restores its functionality, we do not advise using this as a long-term fix.
- Clean the Charging Port: Debris, dust, or lint can build up in your iPhone’s charging port over time, obstructing a secure connection to the charger. Turn off your iPhone and use a small, non-metallic instrument (such a toothpick or a soft brush) to carefully remove any dirt from the charging port. During cleaning, take care not to harm the port.
- Restart your iPhone: Software errors might occasionally prevent your iPhone from charging. Holding down the power button while sliding the “Power Off” slider can help your iPhone restart. Check to see whether the problem is fixed by turning on the device again and reconnecting it to the charger once it has been completely switched off.
- Reset Settings: If the previous procedures weren’t successful in fixing the issue, you can attempt resetting the iPhone’s settings. Choose “General,” then “Reset,” and finally “Reset All Settings” from the “Settings” app. Remember that while your customized settings will be reset, no data or media will be removed from your device. Reconnect your iPhone to the charger after the reset, then check to see if it charges properly.
- iOS update: Verify that the most recent iOS version is installed on your iPhone. Updates to software frequently contain fixes and enhancements for bugs that affect charging. Install any available updates by connecting your iPhone to a reliable Wi-Fi network, going to “Settings,” choosing “General,” then “Software Update,” and following the on-screen instructions.
- Drop by a GadgetMates location; we can quickly and gratis examine your charger. If it’s functioning, that can be a sign that there’s a problem with your phone, which we can check out as well.
Never attempt to repair or identify an internal problem with the charging brick by opening it. The danger is not worthwhile.
Conclusion:
Although having issues with your iPhone charger might be annoying, there are a number of troubleshooting techniques you can use to address typical problems. You may frequently fix charger-related issues by examining the power source, verifying the charging cord, cleaning the charging port, restarting your iPhone, resetting the settings, and updating iOS. Nonetheless, it’s recommended to get expert advice from a licensed service provider if the problem continues.

Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com. You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.
When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.
Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.