Phone Won't Charge? Causes & How to Fix It

Plugged in but nothing's happening? A phone that won't charge is one of the most common faults we see – and the cause is usually one of a handful of things. Here's how to find out what's wrong and fix it.

First, the 60-second checks

• Try a different cable and plug. Cables fail far more often than phones – swap both.
• Use a wall socket rather than a laptop or car USB.
• Clean the charging port. Pocket lint packs in and blocks the connection – gently hook it out with a wooden toothpick (never metal), phone switched off.
• Restart the phone to clear software glitches.

If a new cable in a wall socket still won't charge after a clean and restart, it's likely a hardware fault.

The common causes (and the fix)

1. A damaged charging port

The most common culprit. If your cable has to be held at an angle to charge, the port is worn or has bent pins. The fix is a charging port replacement – quick and inexpensive. We cover Samsung, iPhone, tablets and more.

2. A worn-out battery

An old battery can refuse to hold or take charge. If your phone is a few years old, a battery replacement often brings it back to life.

3. The charging IC (power-management chip)

If the port and battery are fine but it still won't charge – or it boot-loops – the charging IC may have failed. This needs micro-soldering: our charging IC replacement service handles it.

4. A faulty cable or charger

If swapping the cable fixed it, just replace the cable – cheap or damaged cables are a frequent cause.

How we fix it

Pop into our Sheffield store for a same-day diagnosis, or use our UK-wide mail-in service. We tell you exactly what's wrong before any work starts – no fix, no fee.

FAQs

Why is my phone not charging when plugged in?
Usually a faulty cable, a dirty or damaged charging port, or a worn battery. Try a new cable in a wall socket and clean the port first; if it still won't charge, it's likely the port or battery.

How do I know if it's the charging port or the battery?
If the cable has to be wiggled or held at an angle, it's the port. If it charges but drains fast, it's the battery. Unsure? We'll diagnose it free.

Can a charging port be repaired rather than replacing the phone?
Yes – a charging port replacement is quick and far cheaper than a new phone.

Does putting a phone in rice help?
No – rice does little and leaves dust in the port. If charging issues followed water exposure, get it checked properly.

Still won't charge? Get a free repair quote – walk-in or UK-wide mail-in. Most charging faults are fixed the same day.