iPhone Charging Port Not Working? Lint And Settings To Check First

Guide 4d · Battery & Charging

Plugged in but not charging? Before you assume the port is broken, check for lint and a few settings.

Works on: Every iPhone. Charge Limit is only on iPhone 15 and newer.

Step 1: Try Another Cable, Adapter And Outlet

Look for bent prongs or frayed cables. Don't use damaged ones. Try a different wall outlet, then a different cable.

Step 2: Look For Lint In The Port

1. Turn the phone off.
2. Shine a flashlight into the port. Pocket lint often packs in at the back.
3. If you see lint, loosen it gently with a wooden toothpick. Never use metal, and don't push hard.
4. Plug the cable in firmly. It should click in snugly.

Step 3: Charge For 30 Minutes

A very empty battery can show a black screen at first. Leave it plugged in for half an hour.

Step 4: Force Restart

Use the guide for your phone: iPhone 8, SE (2nd/3rd gen) and Face ID models, iPhone 7, or iPhone 6s and older. Then charge another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Stops At 80%? Check Your Settings

Optimized Battery Charging can hold at 80% until you usually unplug. A Lock Screen note says when it will finish.

• iPhone 15 and newer: Settings > Battery > Charging. See our charge limit guide.
• iPhone 14 and older: Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.

A warm phone may also pause above 80% until it cools down.

Step 6: See A Liquid Alert?

Follow our Liquid Detected guide before you plug in again.

Still Not Charging?

The port may be worn. I can replace it, and refer main-board problems to a microsoldering specialist.

Source: If your iPhone won't charge, About Charge Limit and Optimized Battery Charging (Apple Support, checked Oct 18, 2026).

Franchitti's Fix LLC is an independent repair shop, not affiliated with Apple.