Why your charger stopped working and what to check first

A charger that won't work usually fails for one of five reasons: a loose connection, a bent or dirty charging port, a frayed cable, a tripped safety circuit, or a dead charging brick. Before you buy a replacement, spend five minutes checking each one — most of these problems are fixable without spending money.

Start by looking at the cable itself. Run your fingers along the entire length, especially where it connects to the brick and where it plugs into your device. If you feel cracks, exposed wires, or stiff sections, the cable is damaged and needs to be replaced. A damaged cable is a fire risk and should not be used.

Next, look at the charging port on your device — the slot where the cable plugs in. Use a flashlight and look inside. If you see lint, dust, or corrosion (green or white buildup), that is blocking the connection. A dry toothbrush or a wooden toothpick can gently remove lint. Do not use metal, which can short the port.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the cable for cracks or stiff sections, and inspect the charging port with a flashlight for lint or corrosion before assuming the charger is broken.
  • Plug the charger into a different outlet and try a different device to figure out whether the problem is the cable, the brick, or your device.
  • If the cable is frayed or the port is corroded, the charger needs to be replaced — these problems cannot be safely repaired at home.
  • Some chargers have a reset button or require you to unplug them for 30 seconds to clear an internal safety circuit that may have tripped.
  • Buying a replacement charger from the device manufacturer or a certified third-party seller reduces the risk of damage to your device.

Test the outlet and try a different device

Plug the charger into a different electrical outlet in your home. Many outlets have a switch or a tripped circuit breaker, and you may not notice it is off. If the charger works in the new outlet, the problem was the outlet, not the charger.

If you have access to another device that uses the same charger type, plug the charger into that device instead. If it charges the other device, your original device has a port problem or an internal battery issue — not a charger problem. If it does not charge the other device either, the charger itself is the problem.

If you do not have another device to test, try borrowing a charger of the same type from a friend or family member. This is the fastest way to know whether you need to replace the cable, the brick, or neither.

Clean the charging port safely

If you saw dust or lint inside the port, remove it before plugging the charger back in. Turn off your device first. Use a dry toothbrush with soft bristles and gently brush inside the port, or use a wooden toothpick to carefully scrape away buildup. Work slowly — the port contains small metal contacts that can bend if you push too hard.

If you see green or white corrosion (usually from moisture or salt), the port may not be salvageable without professional repair. Do not try to clean corrosion with water or liquid — this can spread it further. If corrosion is present, the device may need to be serviced by the manufacturer or a repair shop.

After cleaning, wait a few minutes before plugging in the charger. This gives any remaining moisture time to evaporate. Then plug the charger in and see if it works.

Reset the charger if it has a reset button

Some chargers, especially larger ones for laptops, have a small reset button on the brick itself. If your charger stopped working suddenly and the cable and port look fine, press and hold this button for three to five seconds. This clears an internal safety circuit that may have tripped if the charger got too hot or detected a power surge.

If your charger does not have a visible reset button, unplug it from the wall outlet and leave it unplugged for 30 seconds. Then plug it back in and try charging again. This achieves the same reset for chargers without a button.

If the charger still does not work after a reset, the internal circuitry has likely failed and the charger needs to be replaced.

When to replace the cable versus the whole charger

If the cable is visibly damaged — frayed, cracked, or stiff — you can sometimes buy a replacement cable alone instead of a whole new charger. Check the connector type on your device. Common types include USB-C, Lightning (Apple), Micro-USB, and proprietary connectors for laptops. Once you know the type, you can search for a replacement cable that matches.

Buy cables from the device manufacturer or from certified third-party sellers. Cheap cables from unknown sellers can damage your device's battery or port. If you are unsure whether a cable is safe, buy from the manufacturer — it costs more but protects your device.

If the brick itself is damaged, cracked, or hot to the touch, do not try to repair it. Replace the entire charger. A damaged brick is a fire and electrical hazard.

Buying a replacement charger that will work

Before you buy, write down three things: the device brand and model, the connector type (USB-C, Lightning, Micro-USB, or the specific laptop connector), and the wattage if you can find it. The wattage is usually printed on the old charger brick — it looks like "5W", "18W", or "65W".

You have two safe options: buy from the device manufacturer's official store, or buy from a third-party seller that is certified by the manufacturer. Apple certifies MagSafe and Lightning chargers; Samsung certifies USB-C chargers; most laptop makers certify their own chargers. These certified chargers have been tested to work safely with your device.

Avoid chargers from unknown sellers, especially if the price is much lower than the manufacturer's version. A cheap charger may charge slowly, overheat, or damage your device's battery. The cost difference is usually not worth the risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a charger from a different brand if it has the same connector?

Sometimes, but not always safely. A USB-C charger from one brand may work with a USB-C device from another brand, but the wattage has to match or be higher. If the wattage is too low, the device will charge very slowly or not at all. If you are unsure, use the original charger or a certified replacement from the device manufacturer.

Why does my charger get hot?

Chargers get warm during use, which is normal. If it is too hot to touch comfortably, unplug it immediately. Heat means the internal circuitry is working too hard, usually because the wattage is wrong for your device or the charger is damaged. Let it cool for an hour, then try a different outlet. If it gets hot again, replace the charger.

Is it safe to leave my device plugged in overnight?

Modern devices have built-in circuits that stop charging once the battery is full, so leaving it plugged in overnight will not damage the battery. However, the charger will stay warm all night. If you charge overnight regularly, unplug the charger during the day to let it cool and extend its lifespan.

What does it mean if the charger works but charges very slowly?

Slow charging usually means the wattage is too low for your device, the cable is damaged, or the port is partially blocked. Try a different cable first. If that does not help, clean the port. If it still charges slowly, you may need a higher-wattage charger — check the original charger's wattage and buy a replacement with the same or higher wattage.

Can I repair a frayed charger cable with tape?

No. Tape is not a safe fix for a frayed cable. Exposed wires can cause electrical shock or fire, especially if the cable gets wet. A frayed cable must be replaced. Buying a new cable costs less than the risk of damage to your device or injury to yourself.