Charger works in one outlet but not another

Symptoms

• Charger works fine in most rooms but not in one specific outlet
• Nothing else plugged into that outlet works either
• Outlet is near a kitchen, bathroom, or garage (common GFCI locations)
• Problem started suddenly rather than being long-standing

Likely causes

• CommonTripped GFCI outlet upstream on the same circuitOne GFCI outlet can cut power to several other outlets on the same circuit when tripped, even in another room.
• CommonTripped circuit breaker for that specific areaA breaker can trip without affecting the rest of the house if circuits are separated by room or zone.
• PossibleOutlet is wired to a wall switch that's turned offSome outlets, especially near light switches, are intentionally switched.
• PossibleThe specific outlet itself has failedOutlets do wear out and can fail individually over time.

What to do

1. Test another device, like a lamp, in the same outlet to confirm it's not just the charger.
2. Look for any GFCI outlets in the kitchen, bathroom, garage, or outdoors and press their reset button, since one can control several other outlets.
3. Check your home's breaker panel for a tripped breaker and reset it if found.
4. Check nearby wall switches, since some outlets are controlled by a switch.
5. If none of that restores power, the outlet itself may have failed and should be inspected by an electrician.

Tools and parts

• None required

When to call a pro

If resetting GFCIs and breakers doesn't restore power to the outlet, call an electrician to inspect and replace it.

Safety