Phone Not Charging? Try These Tips

A phone malfunction is a heart-stopping moment for anyone, especially with the rising cost of handsets. Unfortunately, a common issue that almost all phones exhibit at some point is a fault in the delicate charger port. Although frustrating, there could be some solutions that aren’t too costly if you act fast and try to rectify the problem quickly and knowing what to do could help put your mind at ease.

In this article, Protect Your Bubble explains the potential reasons why a phone isn’t charging and gives some examples of things you could try to get your phone working properly as quickly as possible.

 

Protect Your Bubble does not guarantee any steps detailed in this guide will fix your device(s). Any steps followed are done so at your own risk, Protect Your Bubble is not liable for any damages arising from any action or decision taken from reading this content. Damage or breakdown occurring before an insurance policy start date is not covered.

Sometimes a phone may stop charging with no clear reason why. A phone can stop charging for any number of reasons and it’s important to diagnose a problem as soon as possible. Some of the reasons why a phone may stop charging include:

Damaged Charging Cable, Adapter or Socket

First port of call should be to try another charger and socket to identify which has the issue.

If the phone starts charging again with an alternative charger or socket then the problem is unlikely to be with the mobile and you can simply buy a new charger. However, be mindful of aftermarket chargers as different voltage specifications or lower manufacturing standards can damage your battery and even be a fire risk.

 

Dirty Port

If a charger doesn’t seem to be working, it could be because the port is clogged with dirt or other debris. A buildup of dirt and grime can get in the way of the connection points that let your phone power up.

Sometimes, you may be able to see what is causing the blockage and a gentle cleaning could solve the problem, so it’s always best to check before seeking an unnecessary or expensive fix.

Faulty Port

If a charger sits loose in the port, or the phone won’t charge when it’s plugged in, the problem could be a faulty charging port. Faulty ports need to be replaced. Damaged ports open the door to debris or water damaging the delicate circuitry inside, so it pays to act fast.

 

Water Damage

If the phone has evidence of water damage behind the screen (dried markings), or visible corrosion marks on or in the phone port, then water damage may be an issue. 

Rust and corrosion can begin to oxidise metal components inside, preventing the phone from charging so, it’s important to keep an eye out for blueish-grey marks or powdery buildups of material in the port. This can happen if your phone has been dropped in water or even left in a damp environment for too long.

 

Software Problems

Sometimes a phone may not charge because it’s not running the latest version of its operating system. 

Software issues are actually a common culprit a simple phone update, reboot, or factory reset could fix the problem. Before factory resetting any phone, remember to back up all your data on the cloud so that you do not lose any contacts, photos, apps or other data stored on your phone.

 

If a phone is put on charge and it doesn’t work, it could indicate one of several problems. Luckily, many avenues can be explored to find the culprit.

If you’re phone charging port is playing up or has stopped working completely here are some  simple tips that may help you find a solution

Reboot Your Phone

Minor software issues can sometimes cause a phone to not charge. This can happen after an operating system update. 

Simply turning your phone off and on again can correct any software issues the phone might have. If the problem persists, the problem could be deeper than a simple software issue.

 

Reboot To Safe Mode

Sometimes, rebooting the phone isn’t enough and it may need to be rebooted in safe mode instead. Safe mode helps users better diagnose and correct any software errors that may have occurred on the phone. 

Safe Mode for Android: To activate safe mode on Android, hold down the power key while the device is on until a popup menu appears. Next, tap and hold ‘Power Off’. Hold until the option to reboot in safe mode appears.

Safe Mode for IOS: Turn off the iPhone, then turn it back on again by holding the power button. Once the device lights up, hold the volume down button until the Apple logo appears. When the iPhone fully boots, it’ll be in safe mode. 

 

Switch To a Different Adapter or Socket

If the phone is still experiencing charging issues, then the problem is likely faulty components, not software. 

First, start by checking the charging cable. Look for any visible damage to the cable itself and switch both the charger and socket one at a time. If the phone starts charging, then it’s likely one of these pieces components was the issue.

Identify If It’s a Software Bug Through Ampere

If it’s still hard to determine the cause of the issue, and you still have a bit of juice left in your device, downloading the Ampere app may be the best course of action. The Ampere app tests charge speeds and flags issues with external components like wires, chargers and electrical outlets. This can give you the peace of mind of knowing what the problem is and saving money on unneeded diagnostics and unnecessary repairs.

 

Clean The Charging Port

Sometimes nothing’s broken at all the port just needs a good clean. Buildups of grime can affect a charger's ability to power your battery, so it’s important to keep on top of it. To clean your charging port effectively, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Turn off the phone and wait for up to 15 seconds before starting to clean.

Step 2: Gently use a phone port cleaner to dislodge debris from the charging port. Port cleaners can be purchased from a variety of online stores at very reasonable prices. If you are struggling to see the debris, use a light to get a better view.

Step 3: Use a cotton bud to gently sweep the loose debris from the opening of the port.

Step 4: Turn the phone back on and insert the charging cable to see if the phone now charges properly.

Step 5: Repeat when needed.

 

Identify Water Damage

Water damage is another possible way in which a charging port could be damaged. Water damage doesn’t just occur from dropping a phone in water, but also from being kept in an environment with too much moisture in the air. The tell-tale signs of water damage include:

A visual presence of water, or dried water markings behind the screen.

Visible corrosion marks at the charging port opening or inside it.

The liquid damage indicator (LDI) often found below the SIM frame is discoloured.

 

Visit a Service/Repair Centre

If you’re concerned about damaging your phone while cleaning or are unable to diagnose the problem at home there is nothing wrong with getting a professional to examine your device. A technician from a reputable repair centre such as Pocket Geek Tech Repair may be able to diagnose a charging port in an instant, a huge relief, meaning you won’t experience the daunting cost of replacing your handset.

 

It’s an unfortunate reality that batteries naturally become less able to hold their charge over time and this can be a hindrance when you’re constantly worried about charging your devices. 

There are several ways to save battery for when a charging point may not be available. Here is how:

Never let the battery drop below 10% or go above 90%.

 

Mechanical breakdown of your device, such as it no longer charging may be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If your mobile phone is outside of the manufacturer’s warranty you may look to claim on your insurance if, and only if you already have it in place. 

Charge port issues would be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and whether the issue is covered by Protect Your Bubble’s policy will be assessed in line with the full terms and conditions. If a claim is successful, an excess will be payable. Cosmetic or deliberate damage is not covered.

Protect Your Bubble phone insurance offers worldwide cover from theft, accidental damage, and mechanical breakdown outside the manufacturer's warranty* 

You can insure an iPhone 15 128GB for £5.99p/m or £7.49p/m** with loss cover. A monthly premium payment and an excess could be more affordable than having to pay out to replace or repair your mobile phone all in one go.

When you have a new mobile device you can save on the price of our insurance. If you have purchased your mobile phone in the last 30 days you will get a 20% discount off insuring that device which is automatically applied at the checkout. Offer is only valid when insuring 2 items or less.

* Underwriter Assurant General Insurance Limited. Gadget age restrictions, T&Cs and excesses apply. Customer UK 18+.

**Prices are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.