Most iPhone owners have likely experienced the stress of attempting to fix a charging cable that was not functioning correctly. If you buy a new charger, you should expect it to work for at least a few months. Because of this, it may be difficult to accurately identify the source of the problem to find a solution.
Most iPhone owners have likely experienced the aggravation of attempting to fix a charging cable that was not functioning correctly. Eventually, wear and tear will take its toll, and problems can arise from various parts of the cord or the plug. If you buy a new charger, you should plan to use it for at least a few more months. Because of this, it may be difficult to accurately identify the source of the problem to find a solution.
Charging Cable
The most prevalent source of iPhone charging troubles seems to originate from the charging cable we pull. We twist, and we hold it more often than any other parts of our charger. Depending on the charger, the cord may also break, and non-durable plastic-covered threads break down faster. For durability, buy chargers with Kevlar or braided nylon wires. Apple’s website lists charging cables so you won’t buy a cheap one.
However, buying a charging cable won’t assist if your charger is broken. Because the wire is worn down and shorted, the charger may only work in one position. If so, replace it. Some users use electrical tape to fix the problem and continue using the cable temporarily, but you should think carefully.
The U.S. Fire Administration warns that using a shorted charging cable could damage a gadget or cause a fire, although a replacement cable is cheaper than an iPhone. Therefore, you should avoid using tape to patch the line and instead acquire a new one.
Charger Connector
The connector, which plugs into your iPhone, may also be faulty. Though rare, this condition can create several complications. This may be the case if the cable is undamaged, the outlet adapter works with other USB cords, and dirty connectors prohibit the gadget from charging.
A cotton swab and water address this problem quickly. After cleaning the connector, let it dry before putting it into the iPhone’s Lightning connector to avoid damage. If this doesn’t work, it may be the iPhone, not the cable connector. Debris in the charging port may cause issues. Our associated guide explains how to clean this port with a wooden or plastic toothpick.
Check the cable connector for damage if neither of these causes your charging issues. The connector’s little metal pins can break, damaging the charger and the device. If so, replace the cable.
Charger Plug
Finally, the USB charging plug may malfunction. Issues may arise. Switching outlets may fix the problem. If that doesn’t work, clear the plug. If the wall outlet has debris, get a professional to clean or replace it to avoid being shocked.
Tips
If the power outlet is working, clean the charging adapter’s USB port like you would your iPhone’s charger port. As with the connector, use a cotton swab or compressed air to dry the port before using the adapter. Check the USB port for damage or dirt. A broken USB requires a new charger.
If none of these work, get a new, more durable charger. If a new cable and adapter don’t fix the issue, the iPhone may need to be repaired at an Apple Store.