Start with the simplest fixes first
Most chargers that seem broken are actually just disconnected, blocked, or set to the wrong power mode. Before you buy a replacement, check whether the cable is fully plugged into both the wall outlet and your device, whether dust or lint is blocking the charging port, and whether your device is in airplane mode or low-power mode (both can prevent charging from starting). These three things account for the majority of charger problems, and fixing them takes under a minute.
If your charger still does not work after checking those three things, move through the steps below in order. Each one isolates a different part of the charging system — the outlet, the cable, the adapter, and the device itself — so you will know exactly which piece is faulty.
Key Takeaways
- Most charger problems come from a loose connection, a blocked port, or a device setting like airplane mode or low-power mode that stops charging from working.
- Test your outlet by plugging in a lamp or phone charger you know works, because a dead outlet is the most common cause of a charger that appears broken.
- Clean the charging port on your device with a dry cotton swab or soft brush, because lint and dust inside the port prevent the charger from making contact.
- Try a different cable and adapter if you have one, because the cable fails more often than any other part of the charger.
- If nothing works, the problem is likely in your device itself, and you should contact the manufacturer or a repair shop.
Test the wall outlet with a device you know works
Unplug your charger from the wall. Plug in a lamp, a phone charger you know works, or any other device that needs power. If that device turns on or lights up, the outlet is fine and the problem is with your charger. If that device does not work either, the outlet itself is dead.
If the outlet is dead, try plugging your charger into a different outlet in another room. If it works there, you have a bad outlet — call an electrician or stop using that outlet. If your charger still does not work in the new outlet, move to the next step.
If you are using a power strip instead of plugging directly into the wall, unplug the power strip and plug your charger straight into the wall outlet. Power strips can fail, and testing the wall outlet directly rules that out.
Clean the charging port on your device
Lint, dust, and debris inside your device's charging port prevent the charger from making a solid connection. You can see this port on the bottom or side of your phone, tablet, or laptop — it is the slot where the charger plugs in.
Turn off your device completely. Use a dry cotton swab, a soft-bristled toothbrush, or a can of compressed air to gently clean inside the port. Do not use water, do not use a metal object, and do not force anything into the port. If you see lint or dust come out, that was blocking the connection.
Plug your charger back in and see if it works. If cleaning the port fixed the problem, you are done. If not, move to the next step.
Try a different cable and adapter
The cable is the part of the charger that fails most often. It bends, gets pinched, and wears out faster than the adapter (the brick that plugs into the wall). If you have access to another charger for your device — borrowed from a friend, a spare you have at home, or one at work — plug it in and see if it charges.
If a different charger works, your original cable or adapter is faulty. You can replace just the cable if your charger uses a removable one (like USB-C or Lightning), or you may need to replace the whole charger. Check your device's manual or the manufacturer's website to see which cables are compatible.
If you do not have another charger to test, try swapping just the cable. Many devices use standard cables like USB-C or micro-USB that work with multiple chargers. Borrow a cable from someone else's device if you can, plug it into your adapter, and see if it charges. If that works, the cable was the problem.
Check your device's power settings
Some devices have settings that prevent charging or slow it down dramatically. Check whether airplane mode is turned on — this disables all wireless connections and can prevent charging from working on some devices. Go to your device's settings and turn off airplane mode if it is on.
Also check whether low-power mode or battery saver mode is turned on. These modes reduce power consumption and sometimes prevent fast charging or charging altogether until the battery reaches a certain level. Turn off low-power mode in your settings and try charging again.
If your device is extremely hot, it may have shut down charging as a safety measure. Let it cool down for 15 to 30 minutes in a cool room, then try charging again. Charging will resume once the device temperature drops.
Inspect the cable for visible damage
Look at the entire length of your charging cable, especially near the ends where it connects to the wall adapter and your device. Bend it gently and look for cracks in the rubber coating, exposed wires, or places where the cable looks pinched or flattened.
If you see damage, the cable needs to be replaced. Do not try to repair it with tape or glue — a damaged cable can overheat or cause a short circuit. Buy a replacement cable that matches your device's connector type (USB-C, Lightning, micro-USB, or whatever your device uses).
If the cable looks fine on the outside, the damage may be inside the cable where you cannot see it. This is common in cables that get bent repeatedly or pinched in a bag. If you have another cable to test, that is the best way to know for sure.
Reset your device if nothing else works
If you have tested a different charger and it works, you know the problem is not your charger — it is your device. If a different charger does not work either, the problem may be in your device's charging system.
Before you contact the manufacturer or a repair shop, try restarting your device completely. Turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Sometimes a software glitch prevents the device from recognizing that it is plugged in.
If restarting does not work, your device may have a hardware problem with the charging port or the charging circuit inside. At this point, contact the manufacturer's support line or take your device to an authorized repair shop. They can run diagnostics to see whether the port is damaged or whether the problem is deeper inside the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my charger work sometimes but not other times?
A loose connection inside the cable or at the charging port is the most common cause. Try wiggling the charger slightly once it is plugged in — if it only charges when you hold it at a certain angle, the connection is failing. This usually means the cable needs to be replaced.
Can I use a different brand charger with my device?
It depends on the connector type. If your device uses USB-C, you can use any USB-C charger. If it uses Lightning (Apple devices), you need an Apple charger or a certified third-party one. Check your device's manual to see which chargers are compatible. Using an incompatible charger can damage your device.
Is it safe to use a charger that is slightly damaged?
No. A charger with cracks in the cable, exposed wires, or a cracked adapter can overheat, cause a short circuit, or damage your device. Stop using it and buy a replacement. A damaged charger is a fire hazard.
Why is my charger getting hot?
Chargers get warm during normal use, but if it is too hot to touch, something is wrong. Unplug it immediately. The problem could be a short circuit in the cable, a fault in the adapter, or your device drawing too much power. Do not use that charger again until you have tested it with a different device or had it inspected.
How long should a charger last?
A charger cable typically lasts one to three years depending on how often you bend it and how roughly you handle it. The adapter usually lasts longer. If your charger fails after a few months, it may be defective — contact the manufacturer to see if it is still under warranty.