Symptoms
- Phone shows no charging icon when plugged in
- Charging is intermittent unless you hold the cable
- No response even after several minutes plugged in
- Charges from one charger but not another
Likely causes
- CommonDamaged or worn charging cableCables fail internally at the connector from bending and are the most common cause.
- CommonLint or debris in the charging portPocket lint packs into the port and blocks the pins from making contact.
- PossibleWeak or faulty wall adapter or USB portSome adapters or computer USB ports don't supply enough power to start charging.
- PossibleSoftware or charging chip glitchA frozen phone can fail to recognize power even when the connection is fine.
- Less commonFailing battery or charging port hardwareAfter years of use the port or battery itself can wear out.
What to do
- Try a different, known-good cable with the same phone first.
- Inspect the cable for cuts, fraying, or a loose connector and replace it if damaged.
- Power off the phone, then look into the charging port with a flashlight for lint or debris.
- Gently clean the port with a dry soft-bristle brush or a wooden toothpick; never insert anything metal or wet.
- Try a different wall adapter and a different wall outlet to rule out the power source.
- Restart the phone, since a software freeze can block charging detection.
- If it charges from a computer but not the wall, or vice versa, that narrows it to the adapter.
Tools and parts
- Flashlight
- Soft-bristle brush or wooden toothpick
- Spare charging cable
Replacement charging cableSearch: “phone charging cable replacement”
Wall charger adapterSearch: “USB wall charger adapter”
When to call a pro
See a phone repair shop if cleaning the port and swapping cable/adapter don't help, since that points to internal port or battery damage.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.