Symptoms
- No charging animation appears when the MagSafe puck is attached
- Charging is intermittent or stops when the phone is touched
- Charger attaches but charging indicator never shows
- Charging works but very slowly
Likely causes
- CommonCase too thick or contains metalNon-MagSafe cases, especially with metal parts or battery packs, block the magnetic connection or interfere with charging.
- CommonPuck not centered on the coilMagSafe needs close alignment with the coil on the back of the phone; slight offset stops charging.
- CommonPower adapter under 20WMagSafe needs at least a 20W USB-C power adapter to charge at all reliably.
- PossibleDebris on the charging surface or phone backDust or grit between the puck and phone can break contact.
- PossibleFaulty MagSafe cable or puckInternal coil or cable damage in the charger itself can prevent charging.
What to do
- Remove the case entirely and try charging directly against the phone.
- Confirm the puck snaps into place and feels centered, not off to one side.
- Check the power adapter's wattage; use an official or 20W+ USB-C adapter.
- Wipe both the puck's surface and the back of the phone with a dry, soft cloth.
- Try a different USB-C cable and adapter combination.
- Watch for the charging screen or lightning bolt on the lock screen after attaching.
- Test the same MagSafe charger on another compatible iPhone if one is available.
- If it still fails, the MagSafe accessory itself is the likely fault.
Tools and parts
- Soft cloth
20W or higher USB-C power adapterSearch: “USB-C power adapter for MagSafe charger”
When to call a pro
If a known-good MagSafe charger and adapter still won't charge the phone, have the phone's charging coil checked by Apple or an authorized repair shop.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.