Most people these days use their phones for nearly everything, so having an iPhone® that won’t charge can have a real impact in addition to being plain annoying. While a failure to hold power might point to a serious issue, some simple tricks can sometimes get a device charging without iPhone repairs. Here are a few steps to try before calling a professional tech expert.

What to Do if You Can't Charge Your iPhone

1. Hard Reset Your Phone

Charging issues are often caused by software, so try resetting the device first. If you have an iPhone 6S or older, hold down both the power and home buttons until the Apple® logo appears on the screen. For the iPhone 7, you’ll need to hold down the power and volume down buttons at the same time.

Resetting newer models is a more complex process. First, quickly press and release the volume down button, followed quickly by volume up. Then, press and hold the power button until you see the Apple logo on the screen.

2. Check the Cables

In many cases, the problem may actually be with the USB cable used to charge your phone. Apple’s Lightning® cables are prone to fraying and damage after extensive use, especially on the side that plugs into the phone. It's smart to try using a different cable, especially if you see exposed wires or broken insulation.

3. Clear Debris From the Charging Port

Pocket lint or dust in the charging port can interfere with the connection or keep electricity from flowing into your phone. Use a flashlight to inspect the port for debris or obstructions that might be preventing the device from charging.

To clean out the port, try scrubbing gently with a new toothbrush. The bristles are soft enough to avoid damaging sensitive components and won’t conduct electricity. If the device still won’t charge, you may need to take it to an iPhone repair technician.

If your Apple device isn’t holding a charge, bring it to the experts at Experimax Middleton. As your local Apple experts, they provide effective, same-day iPhone repairs to customers throughout Danvers, Peabody, and North Reading, MA. Visit their website to learn more about their iPhone repair services, call (978) 304-0134 to make an appointment, or stop by their shop at 149 South Main Street, Suite M, Middleton, MA, 01949, across the street from Richardson’s Ice Cream®.