iPhone Charging Problem At Home: 4 Quick Tips To Fix

Right, your phone’s chucked a wobbly and won’t charge. Before you panic and think it’s carked it for good, let’s sort this out.

As Auckland’s go-to iPhone repair experts at SMASHED IT, we’ve seen this drama more times than we can count. Most charging issues can be sorted at home with a bit of know-how.

Why Do Phones Suddenly Stop Charging?

Your phone might stop charging for several reasons. The charging port gets gunked up with pocket fluff. Cables wear out faster than a cheap umbrella in a Wellington wind. Sometimes it’s the power adapter that’s given up the ghost.

Other times, software glitches mess with the charging process. Water damage can also cause charging chaos, especially if you’ve taken your phone for an unplanned swim at Mission Bay.

Quick Fixes When Your iPhone Stops Charging

Before you start thinking your phone needs expensive repairs, try these proven fixes first. We’ve ranked them by success rate – start with number one and work your way down. Most Aucklanders find their charging woes sorted within the first few steps.

These solutions work for iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, and pretty much any smartphone that’s stopped playing ball with its charger.

1. Check Your Charging Port First

Look closely at your charging port. See any fluff, dust, or mystery gunk? That’s your likely culprit right there.

What to do:

• Turn your phone off completely
• Use a torch or phone light to inspect the port
• Gently remove visible debris with a wooden toothpick
• Never use metal objects or you’ll damage the pins

If the port looks like it hasn’t seen daylight since the Rugby World Cup, it needs a proper clean. At SMASHED IT, we use fine tweezers and magnifying equipment – pop in for a free port clean if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.

2. Test Your Charging Cable

Your cable might look fine but be completely rooted inside. Cables cop a hiding from daily use, especially if you’re always yanking them out by the cord.

How to test it:

1. Try your cable on another iPhone or device
2. If it works elsewhere, your phone’s the problem
3. If it doesn’t work anywhere, bin the cable and get a new one
4. Always buy quality cables – cheap ones are false economy

Pro tip: Authentic Apple cables last longer than knock-offs from the $2 shop.

3. Try Wireless Charging (If Available)

Got a wireless charger lying around? Chuck your phone on it and see what happens.

If wireless charging works but cable doesn’t:

• Your charging port is likely damaged
• The internal charging components might be faulty
• You’ll need professional repair

If nothing works:

• Could be a battery issue
• Software might be playing up
• Time for expert diagnosis

4. Test Different Power Sources

Sometimes it’s not your phone or cable – it’s where you’re plugging in.

Try these options:

• Plug into your computer’s USB port instead of the wall
• Use a different wall adapter
• Test a different power point in your house
• Try charging in your car

Central Auckland offices can have dodgy old wiring that doesn’t play nice with modern chargers.

Need more detailed iPhone Charging Troubleshooting? Check our comprehensive iPhone Not Charging Problem: 9 Quick Steps to Fix It Fast guide.

When Your Phone Still Won’t Charge

If you’ve tried everything and your phone’s still being stubborn, it’s time for professional help.

Signs you need expert repair:

• Charging port looks damaged or loose
• Cable sits wonky in the port
• Phone gets hot while charging
• Battery drains faster than a leaky bucket
• Water damage indicators are triggered

What Not to Do When Your Phone Stops Charging

Don’t make these classic mistakes:

• Using metal objects to clean the port – you’ll wreck the connectors
• Forcing cables into loose ports – this makes damage worse
• Using rice for water damage – it doesn’t work and wastes time
• Ignoring overheating – this can be dangerous
• Using dodgy third-party chargers – they can fry your phone’s circuits

Ponsonby iPhone users, we’re looking at you and those market stall chargers!

Professional Diagnosis and Repair

Sometimes charging issues need expert attention. At SMASHED IT, we see three main repair scenarios:

• Professional port cleaning – removes stubborn debris safely
• Port replacement – when the charging port is physically damaged
• Logic board repair – for complex charging circuit failures

All our repairs come with solid warranties because we back our work.