Why your iPhone charger stops working and what you can do about it

An iPhone charger fails for one of a few concrete reasons: the cable is damaged, the power adapter is broken, the charging port on your phone is dirty or blocked, or the charger is incompatible with your phone model. Most of these you can fix yourself in minutes. A few require a replacement part. The fastest way to know which one you have is to test with a different charger first — if a borrowed charger works, your original one is the problem; if it doesn't, your phone's port likely is.

This guide walks you through testing your charger, cleaning your phone's port, and knowing when to replace parts instead of troubleshooting further.

Key Takeaways

  • Test with a different charger before assuming yours is broken — if the borrowed one works, your original charger needs replacement.
  • Dirt, lint, and debris in your phone's charging port are the most common cause of charging failure and can be cleared with a wooden toothpick or plastic pick.
  • Check that your cable isn't bent, cracked, or frayed at the connector ends, and that the power adapter isn't warm to the touch or visibly damaged.
  • iPhone chargers are model-specific: older iPhones use Lightning connectors, iPhone 15 and newer use USB-C, so a charger from a different model may not work.
  • If your phone charges with a different charger, replace the cable or adapter rather than continuing to use a damaged one, which can overheat.

Test with a borrowed charger first

Before you troubleshoot, plug your phone into a different charger you know works — ideally one from another iPhone, but a USB-C charger from a laptop or tablet will work if your phone uses USB-C. Leave it plugged in for two minutes. If your phone shows a charging symbol and the battery percentage rises, your original charger is the problem. If nothing happens, your phone's charging port or battery is the issue.

This single test saves you time because it tells you whether to focus on the charger itself or the phone. If you don't have access to another charger, ask a friend or family member, or visit an Apple Store where staff can test your phone with their equipment.

Clean the charging port on your phone

Lint, dust, and debris collect inside your phone's charging port over months of use. This buildup blocks the metal contacts from making a solid connection, and your phone won't charge even if the charger is fine. You can clear this yourself with a wooden toothpick or a plastic phone cleaning pick — never use metal, which can damage the contacts.

Turn off your phone first. Gently insert the toothpick into the port and scrape the sides and bottom with light pressure. You'll see lint and dust come out. Blow into the port or use a can of compressed air held upright to push out loose debris. Repeat if needed. Then plug in your charger and test. This fixes the problem in roughly half of all charging failures.

If you're uncomfortable doing this yourself, an Apple Store can clean the port for you, usually at no cost if the phone is under warranty or if the port isn't physically damaged.

Inspect the cable for visible damage

Look at the entire length of the charging cable, especially near the connectors where the cable enters the plug and the phone. Bend it gently along its length. You're looking for cracks in the rubber coating, exposed wires, kinks that don't straighten out, or fraying at either end. Any of these means the cable has failed and needs replacement.

If the cable looks intact, try wiggling it gently while it's plugged into your phone. If your phone only charges when the cable is bent at a certain angle, the internal wires are damaged even if the outside looks fine. This is a sign to replace the cable.

Apple's official Lightning and USB-C cables are more durable than many third-party options, but any cable can fail with age or rough handling. Replacement cables are available from Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers. Make sure you buy the correct connector type for your phone model.

Check the power adapter for damage and heat

The power adapter — the brick that plugs into the wall — can fail separately from the cable. Inspect it for cracks, burn marks, or discoloration. Plug it into the wall and touch it lightly after 30 seconds. It should be warm but not hot. If it's too hot to hold comfortably, unplug it immediately and replace it. A dangerously hot adapter can damage your phone or pose a fire risk.

If the adapter looks fine and isn't overheating, try plugging a different cable into it. If that cable charges your phone, the original cable was the problem. If it doesn't, the adapter itself has failed and needs replacement.

Match the charger to your iPhone model

iPhone models use different charging connectors, and a charger with the wrong connector won't work. iPhones from the iPhone 6 through iPhone 14 use a Lightning connector — an eight-pin port. iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max use USB-C, a larger oval-shaped port. If you're using a charger from a different phone or an older iPad, check that the connector matches your phone's port.

You can use a USB-C charger from a laptop, tablet, or other device with an iPhone 15 or newer, as long as the cable is USB-C to USB-C. For older iPhones, you need a Lightning cable and a compatible power adapter. If you're unsure which type your phone uses, look at the port on the bottom of your phone or check your phone's model in Settings > General > About.

When to replace parts instead of troubleshooting further

If you've tested with a different charger and your phone charged successfully, buy a replacement cable or adapter — whichever one failed the test. Don't continue using a damaged charger, even if it seems to work sometimes. A frayed cable or failing adapter can overheat, damage your phone's battery, or create a safety hazard.

Apple's official chargers and cables carry a one-year warranty and are replaced free if they fail during that time. Third-party chargers from reputable brands like Anker, Belkin, and Amazon Basics are cheaper and often reliable, but check the reviews and make sure they're certified for your phone model. Avoid extremely cheap chargers from unknown sellers, which may not meet safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any USB-C charger with my iPhone 15?

Yes, any USB-C power adapter will work with iPhone 15 and newer models, as long as you use a USB-C to USB-C cable. You don't need an Apple-branded charger. However, higher-wattage adapters (20W or more) charge faster than lower-wattage ones, so check the wattage if speed matters to you.

Is it safe to use a charger that gets warm?

Chargers get warm during normal use, and that's fine. If it's too hot to hold comfortably or you smell burning plastic, unplug it immediately and replace it. A charger that overheats can damage your phone's battery or create a fire risk.

Why does my phone charge slowly with one charger but fast with another?

Power adapters have different wattages. A 5W adapter charges slower than a 20W or 30W adapter. If you want faster charging, use a higher-wattage adapter. Your phone will only draw the power it needs, so a more powerful adapter won't damage it.

What if cleaning the port doesn't fix the charging problem?

If the port is clean and a different charger doesn't work, your phone's charging circuitry or battery may have failed. Visit an Apple Store or an authorized repair shop to have the phone diagnosed. They can test the battery and charging port with specialized equipment.

Can I charge my iPhone with a charger from an Android phone?

Only if both phones use the same connector. If your iPhone 15 and an Android phone both have USB-C ports, you can use the same charger and cable. If your iPhone has Lightning and the Android phone has USB-C, the chargers are not compatible.