Having a smartphone that won’t charge can be frustrating and inconvenient.
You plug in your phone, but it doesn’t seem to be charging, even though it shows the charging symbol on the screen.
This issue can occur due to various reasons, ranging from a faulty charger or cable to software glitches.
My Phone Says It’s Charging But It’s Not (What to Do)
Here are some ideas if your phone says it’s charging when it isn’t:
- Check and clean the charging port
- Try a different charger or cable
- Restart the phone
- Update the phone’s software
- Check for physical damage
- Reset settings or factory reset (as a last resort)
- Seek professional repair if necessary
Below we look deeper at the possible causes of this problem and provide you with practical solutions to resolve it.
Table of Contents
Common Causes of the Issue
Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the potential causes behind your phone not charging despite displaying the charging symbol.
Here are some common culprits:
- Defective Charger or Cable: A damaged or faulty charger or cable can prevent your phone from charging properly. It could be due to frayed wires, loose connections, or other physical damage.
- Software Glitches: Sometimes, software issues can interfere with the charging process. This can occur after a software update or due to a bug in the operating system.
- Dirty Charging Port: Dust, lint, or debris can accumulate in the charging port over time, obstructing the connection between the charger and your phone.
- Battery Issues: If your phone’s battery is old or damaged, it may not charge correctly. Over time, batteries can degrade and lose their ability to hold a charge.
- Power Source Problems: The power source you are using may not be providing enough power to charge your phone. This can happen if you are using a low-quality charger or if the power outlet is faulty.
Steps to Troubleshoot the Issue
Now that we have identified some potential causes, let’s explore the steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem:
1. Check the Charger and Cable
The first step is to inspect your charger and cable for any signs of damage. Look for frayed wires, bent connectors, or loose connections.
If you notice any issues, try using a different charger and cable to see if the problem persists.
If the new charger works, it’s likely that your original charger or cable is defective and needs to be replaced.
2. Clean the Charging Port
If your charger and cable appear to be in good condition, the next step is to clean the charging port on your phone.
Turn off your phone and use a small, soft brush or a toothpick to gently remove any debris or lint from the port.
Be careful not to damage the port while cleaning. Once the port is clean, plug in your charger and check if your phone starts charging.
3. Restart Your Phone
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve software glitches that may be causing the charging issue.
Press and hold the power button on your phone until the power options appear.
Then, select the restart option and wait for your phone to reboot.
After the restart, check if your phone is charging properly.
4. Update Your Software
If restarting your phone didn’t solve the problem, it’s worth checking if there are any software updates available.
Manufacturers often release software updates that address known issues and improve device performance.
To update your software, go to the settings menu on your phone, select “Software Update,” and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Perform a Factory Reset
If the issue persists after updating your software, you can try performing a factory reset.
This will erase all data and settings on your phone, so make sure to back up your important files before proceeding.
To perform a factory reset, go to the settings menu, select “Backup & Reset,” and choose the option to reset your phone to its factory settings.
Keep in mind that this should be considered as a last resort, as it will erase all your data.
6. Test with a Different Power Source
If none of the previous steps resolved the issue, it’s worth testing your phone with a different power source.
Try using a different power outlet or a USB port on your computer to charge your phone.
If your phone charges successfully with a different power source, it indicates that the original power source was the problem.
7. Contact Customer Support
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and your phone still won’t charge, it’s time to reach out to customer support.
Contact the manufacturer of your phone or visit an authorized service center to get professional assistance.
They will be able to diagnose the issue and provide you with the necessary solutions or repairs.
FAQs – My Phone Says It’s Charging But It’s Not (What to Do)
1. Why does my phone say it’s charging when it’s not?
There can be several reasons for this issue, including a defective charger or cable, software glitches, a dirty charging port, battery issues, or power source problems.
2. How do I know if my charger is faulty?
If your phone doesn’t charge with a specific charger and cable but charges with a different one, it indicates that the original charger is faulty.
3. Can a software update fix the charging issue?
Yes, software updates can sometimes resolve charging issues by fixing software glitches or bugs that may be interfering with the charging process.
4. Is it safe to clean the charging port with a toothpick?
Using a toothpick or a small, soft brush to clean the charging port is generally safe.
However, be gentle and avoid applying excessive force to prevent any damage to the port.
5. What should I do if my phone still won’t charge after a factory reset?
If a factory reset doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s recommended to contact customer support for further assistance.
6. Can using a low-quality charger damage my phone?
Using a low-quality charger can potentially damage your phone or its battery.
It’s advisable to use chargers and cables that are recommended by the manufacturer.
7. Why is my phone not charging even though it shows the charging symbol?
This can happen due to various reasons, such as a faulty charger or cable, software glitches, a dirty charging port, battery issues, or power source problems.
8. How long does it take for a phone to charge?
The charging time can vary depending on the phone model and battery capacity.
On average, it takes around 1-2 hours to charge a smartphone fully.
9. Can a damaged battery cause the charging issue?
Yes, a damaged or degraded battery can prevent your phone from charging properly.
If you suspect a battery issue, it’s recommended to get it replaced by a professional.
10. What should I do if my phone is under warranty?
If your phone is under warranty, contact the manufacturer or authorized service center for assistance.
They will guide you through the necessary steps to resolve the charging issue.
Summary
Dealing with a phone that says it’s charging but isn’t can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Start by checking your charger and cable for any damage, clean the charging port, and restart your phone.
Updating your software and performing a factory reset can also help.
If the problem persists, try using a different power source or contact customer support for further assistance.
By following these steps, you can increase the chances of resolving the charging issue and getting your phone back up and running.
