If your device isn't charging, try these quick fixes from our in-house experts.
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Check your charger and troubleshoot your device
Restore your device to factory settings
Check your charger and troubleshoot your device
For all devices
Follow the steps below to check your phone charger:
- Plug your phone into a power source.
- Connect your smartphone to your USB cable.
- Plug it into one of these power sources:
- Wall power socket: Plug your charging cable into a power adapter, then plug it into the wall.
- A computer: Plug your charging cable into a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port on a computer or laptop — make sure the device is turned on.
If your phone charges very slowly or doesn’t charge at all:
- Double-check that your USB adapter and charging cable aren’t damaged — you should never use damaged accessories.
- Make sure that your USB wall adapter, cable, and plug are firmly in place and are plugged into a working outlet.
- The issue could stem from a faulty socket, so try a few different outlets.
- Check that there isn’t any debris blocking the charging port at the bottom of your smartphone, then try plugging your charging cable again. If the issue persists, your charging port probably needs to be replaced.
- Allow your phone to charge for at least 30 minutes.
| Phone charging | Phone not charging |
Android devices
Test your cable, outlet, charger, and case:
- Make sure that your charger and your cable are functional by testing them with another phone.
- Double-check that your cable is firmly connected to your phone and the charger.
- Make sure your phone’s charging port is clean and free of debris.
- Verify that the outlet works.
- Plug your charger into a few different working outlets.
- Try charging other devices like an ebook to test the cable.
- If using a charging case, make sure that no other accessories are blocking the charging sensors and double-check that there isn’t anything pressing the phone’s buttons.
Check your battery charge:
- Charge your phone with a working cable, charger and outlet, then wait a few minutes.
- If you can see a battery icon, your phone is turned off but charging.
- If you see a red light, you've run completely out of battery. If the light begins to flash, your phone doesn’t have enough battery to turn on. We recommend that you charge your phone for at least an hour before you turn it on again.
Clean your device
For all devices
The best tool to clean your device’s charging/headphones port is a toothpick. Carefully insert it into the port and gently move it along the interior. Remove the toothpick after you’ve gone over it once to check for any debris. Wipe it off using a paper towel or cloth and then repeat the process until the toothpick comes out clean.
| Carefully insert and move along interior | Remove debris |
| Before | After |
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Tips to cool your device
For all devices
We generally recommend that you use your phone when the temperature is between 0º and 35ºC (or 32º to 95ºF). If you aren’t using your phone, store it in a place where the temperature is around -20º and 45ºC (-4º to 113ºF). Below are some things that you should never do:
- Never leave your device in your car when it’s hot outside.
- Never keep your phone in direct sunlight for too long.
- Never use features like GPS, navigation, augmented reality apps, or games in particularly hot conditions.
My phone heats up when certain features and apps are running, is this normal?
Don’t worry, this is totally normal! Your device can become warmer than usual when you:
- Set it up for the first time
- Restore it after a backup
- Use it while it’s charging
- Charge it wirelessly
- Use apps that require a lot from your phone such as augmented reality apps and games with intense graphics
- Use your hotspot
- Stream videos, especially in high quality
Your phone will return to its normal temperature when you finish what you’re doing. If you have an Android or Apple device, your phone features built-in protections to keep it from overheating. If a temperature warning doesn’t pop up, you can use your device as usual.
Update your software
iOS devices
- Back up your device with iCloud or on your computer
- Plug your device into a power source and make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
- Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update".
- You may see two software updates, pick the one you want to install.
Android devices
- Go to "Settings" > "System" > "System update".
- You’ll be able to see your update status — follow the steps that appear on the screen.
Restore your device to factory settings
Restore factory settings from your Mac
First — be sure to back up your data! Then, follow these steps on your Mac:
- If you have a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open the Finder app.
- If your Mac has macOS Mojave or earlier, or your device is a different PC, open the iTunes app.
- Connect your smartphone to your computer.
- If you see a pop-up message that asks for a passcode or says “Trust This Computer,” follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
- Select your smartphone when it shows on your computer or laptop.
- Select “Restore [device]” — if you’re still logged in to "Find my", make sure that you sign out first.
- Select “Restore” once more to confirm.
- Your computer will erase your phone and install the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or iPod software.
- After your phone is restored to factory settings, it will automatically restart.