How to Fix Your iPhone That Won't Charge or Turn On

Troubleshooting your iPhone can be a daunting task, but with the right steps, you can often resolve issues without having to seek out professional repair. This guide will walk you through the most common problems and their solutions, helping your iPhone get back to functioning smoothly. If your iPhone fails to charge or turn on, these troubleshooting steps can be your first line of defense.

Steps to Fix an iPhone That Won't Charge

When your iPhone won't charge, a series of quick checks can often resolve the issue. Follow these steps and you might be able to get your device back on track.

Check the Charging Port for Debris

Often, the charging port can accumulate dust, lint, or other debris, which can prevent your phone from charging. Here’s how to clean your iPhone's charging port:

Unplug the charging cable from your iPhone and unplug the other end from the power source. Gently clean the charging port with a soft brush or compressed air. Be sure not to use liquids or sharp objects. Check if the issue has been resolved before plugging back in.

Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart can often resolve the issue if your iPhone won't charge. Here’s how to do it:

Press the Home button until the "slide to power off" slider appears. Slide the slider to power off your iPhone. Press and hold the Home button. Once the "slide to power off" slider appears, slide to power off. After it turns off, press the Power button to turn it back on.

Try a Different Charging Cable or Adapter

If the cleaning and restarting didn't work, the issue may be with your charging cable or adapter. Here’s what to do:

Remove the charger from the power source and pop out the charging cable from your iPhone. Replace the charging cable and try plugging in a different cable. If possible, use an Apple-certified cable and adapter.

Ensure You Have the Latest iOS Version

Your iPhone might be running an outdated version of iOS, which can cause charging issues. Here’s how to check your iOS version and update:

Go to Settings General Software Update. Download and install any available updates.

Steps to Fix an iPhone That Won't Turn On

If your iPhone won't turn on, here are some troubleshooting steps to consider:

Check the Charging Cable and Adapter

Your iPhone might have issues with its charging port or the charging cable. Here’s what you can do:

Ensure you are using an Apple-certified cable and adapter. Inspect the charging cable for visible damage, such as frayed wires or visible cracks. Use a different charging cable and adapter to see if the issue persists.

Inspect the Charging Port

Inspect the charging port for any lint, debris, or signs of damage:

Turn off your iPhone and unplug the charging cable. Clean the port with a soft brush or compressed air if necessary. Check if the issue has been resolved after cleaning.

Force Restart Your iPhone

A force restart can help resolve several minor issues:

iPhone 8 and Later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

iPhone 6s and Earlier: Press and hold the Home button and the Top or Side button until the Apple logo appears.

Charge Your iPhone

After force restarting, try charging your iPhone:

Connect your iPhone to a power source using a working cable and adapter. Let it charge for at least 15-30 minutes. If your iPhone shows the charging screen, it may have been too depleted to turn on immediately.

Check for Signs of Life

Check for any signs of life after charging:

If the screen remains black, listen for notifications or vibrations when you press buttons.

Enter Recovery Mode

If you still can't get your iPhone to turn on, you might need to enter recovery mode:

Connect your iPhone to a computer. Open iTunes or Finder on macOS Catalina and later. Put your device into recovery mode and follow the force restart steps, holding the buttons until you see the recovery mode screen. Follow the prompts on your computer to restore or update your iPhone.

Seek Professional Help

If none of these steps work, it might be a hardware issue. Contact Apple Support, visit an Apple Store, or an authorized service provider for further assistance:

Visit the Apple Support website. Enter your device information and search for troubleshooting tips or contact support.

These steps should help you diagnose and potentially fix the issue with your iPhone. However, if the problem persists, online forums, videos, and professional repairs may be necessary. Stay tuned for more helpful tips and guides.