Quick answer
Most charging problems come from the cable, the adapter or lint in the port. Try a different cable and outlet, gently clean the port with a wooden toothpick, restart the phone and test a different adapter. If it still charges only at certain angles or not at all, the port or battery needs repair.
What should you check first?
- Swap the cable. Cables fail far more often than phones.
- Try a different power adapter and a different outlet.
- Look inside the charging port with a light. Pocket lint is a very common cause.
- Gently clear the port with a wooden or plastic toothpick. Never use metal, and power the phone off first.
- Restart the phone to rule out a software freeze.
- Try wireless charging if your phone supports it. If that works, the port is likely the problem.
- Let a completely drained phone charge for at least 15 to 30 minutes before deciding it is dead.
When is it the charging port?
If the cable has to sit at one angle to charge, the connection comes and goes, or the cable feels loose, the port is probably worn or damaged. This is one of the most common phone repairs and is usually quick.
When is it the battery?
If the phone charges but drains very fast, shuts off at 20 to 30 percent, or the back is bulging, the battery is the likely cause. A swollen battery is a safety risk: stop using and charging the phone and bring it in.
What should you not do?
- Do not force a cable into the port.
- Do not charge a phone that got wet until it has been checked.
- Do not use unbranded fast chargers of unknown quality.