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Solutions for Slow or Non-existent Charging on Your iPhone, iPad or iPod

Encountering problems charging your iPhone or iPod touch? Frustrated by the slow or non-existent charge? Or perhaps an alert message keeps popping up?

Updated: June 8th, 2023

Solutions for Slow or Non-existent Charging on Your iPhone, iPad or iPod

We understand the inconvenience, and we’re here to guide you through the necessary steps to get your device back on track!

Connecting Your Device to Power

The first step in troubleshooting is connecting your device to power. Follow these steps:

  • Use the USB cable that comes with your device.
  • Plug into one of these power sources:
    • Wall power outlet: Use a USB power adapter and plug the adapter into the wall.
    • Computer: Connect your charging cable to a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port on a computer that’s on and not in sleep mode. Remember not to use the USB ports on your keyboard.
    • Power accessory: Use a powered USB hub, docking station, or other Apple-certified accessory.

Note: For wireless charging on an iPhone 8 or later, ensure wired charging works first. Always check third-party accessories for Apple certification.

While charging, a lightning bolt will appear inside the battery icon on the status bar, or a large battery icon will be displayed on your Lock Screen.

What to Do if Your Device Charges Slowly or Won’t Charge

If the device charges slowly or doesn’t charge at all, follow these troubleshooting steps:

  • Check your charging cable and USB adapter for signs of damage. Don’t use damaged accessories.
  • Ensure firm connections between your charging cable, USB wall adapter, and wall outlet. Try different outlets if necessary.
  • Remove any debris from the charging port on your device, and then plug your charging cable in firmly. A damaged charging port may indicate a need for service.
  • Allow your device to charge for a half hour, and if it’s still unresponsive, force restart your device:
    • For iPhone 8 or later and iPhone SE (2nd generation): Press and quickly release the volume up button, then do the same with the volume down button. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
    • For iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch (7th generation): Press and hold both the side (or top) button and the volume down button until the Apple logo appears.
    • For iPhone 6s or earlier, iPhone SE (1st generation), and iPod touch (6th generation) or earlier: Press and hold both the side (or top) button and the Home button until the Apple logo appears.
  • Allow your device to charge for another half hour. If it still doesn’t power on or charge, visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for evaluation, or contact Apple Support.

Is Your Device Stopping Charge at 80 Percent?

If your iPhone is getting warm while charging and stops charging at 80 percent, this is a software measure to extend the lifespan of your battery. Your iPhone will resume charging when the temperature drops, or you can try moving your device and charger to a cooler location.

Additionally, iOS 13 and later versions use Optimized Battery Charging to slow the rate of battery aging. This feature understands your daily charging routine and waits to finish charging past 80 percent until you need to use your iPhone. This is a proactive measure to ensure the longevity of your device.

Troubleshooting Unsupported or Uncertified Accessory Alerts

If an alert pops up stating that your accessory isn’t supported or certified, it could be due to:

In such cases, follow these steps:

  • Remove any debris from the charging port on the bottom of your device.
  • Restart your iPhone or iPod touch.
  • Try a different USB cable or charger.
  • Ensure that you have the latest version of iOS.
  • Contact Apple Support to set up service if needed.

FAQ

Why won’t my iPhone charge even when it’s plugged in?

Your iPhone might not charge due to a variety of reasons, including a faulty cable, a dirty or damaged charging port, or problems with the power source. Try using a different cable, cleaning your charging port, or connecting your iPhone to a different power source.

What does it mean when my iPhone charges slowly?

Slow charging can be caused by a range of factors, such as a damaged cable or adapter, a problem with the power source, or debris in your iPhone’s charging port. It could also be due to your iPhone’s settings if you have optimized battery charging enabled.

Why does my iPhone stop charging at 80%?

If your iPhone stops charging at 80%, it may be due to a software feature designed to extend your battery’s lifespan. This feature, known as Optimized Battery Charging, is available on iOS 13 and later. It slows the rate of battery aging by waiting to finish charging up to 100% until you need to use your iPhone.

What do I do if I get an unsupported accessory alert?

This alert typically appears when you’re using a non-Apple certified accessory, or if your charging port is dirty or damaged. You can try cleaning your port, using a different accessory, or updating your iOS version.

What should I do if my iPhone still won’t charge after troubleshooting?

If your device still won’t charge after trying all troubleshooting steps, it’s recommended to contact Apple Support if you’re under warranty, or visit a third-party repair shop like Gophermods for support.

Is it safe to use non-Apple charging accessories?

It’s generally recommended to use Apple-certified accessories for your device. Non-Apple or non-certified accessories may not work as expected and could potentially harm your device. If you receive an alert about an unsupported or uncertified accessory, it’s best to replace it with an Apple-certified one.

How can I extend the lifespan of my iPhone’s battery?

One way is to enable the Optimized Battery Charging feature on your iPhone, which is designed to slow down battery aging. Additionally, avoiding extreme ambient temperatures, removing certain cases during charging, and keeping your iPhone half-charged when it’s stored for the long term can help extend your battery’s lifespan.

Final Thoughts

Remember, your device is a precious asset, and it’s crucial to treat it with care. If you are facing any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We are always ready to provide the best service to ensure you can enjoy the full functionality of your iPhone, iPad or iPod.

As always, we recommend using Apple-certified accessories and maintaining regular software updates to ensure a smooth and optimal performance from your device. Your device is designed to serve you well, and with proper care and maintenance, it will do just that.