iPhone Says It's Charging But Isn't? How to Fix it

Why Is iPhone Showing It’s Charging But Isn’t?

It's frustrating when you leave your iPhone charging but come back to find the battery percentage still stuck at the same number. My iPhone says its charging but isn’t? Why does this happen? Here are some common reasons for this issue:

• Faulty charging cable or adapter
• Dirty or damaged charging port
• False charging indication
• Don’t install the latest iOS version

In this article, whatever the reasons, we'll go over some of the best ways to fix the problem. Let’s continue to read!

Fix iPhone Charging But Not Showing Lighting Bolt (6 Best Ways)

Now, we list the 6 best ways to solve iPhone battery shows charging but isn't, let’s start to read and check!

Way 1. Force Restart Your iPhone

The first way to fix iPhone shows charging but not charging is to restart your iPhone. For different iPhone modes, there are different actions to hard reset your iPhone. According to your iPhone type, choose the right way below to force restart your iPhone.

For iPhone 6s or earlier Modes: Please press the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button at the same time > Until you see the Apple logo, release both buttons.

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus modes: Please press the Volume down button and Sleep/Wake button to realize it.

For iPhone 8 series, or later iPhone 12/13/14/15: Press the Volume Up button and release it at first > Next, press the Volume Down button and release it > Then, Press the Side button until you see the Apple logo shown on iPhone.

Way 2. Clean the Charging Port

If the device is having charging issues, check for any obstructions in the charging port of it. The port may be clogged with dust, pocket lint or debris, preventing the cable from connecting properly. Check the charging port and if you find something, clean it gently with a soft cloth.

Way 3. Charge to Another Lighting Cable

iPhone says it's charging but isn't, could also be caused by a damaged lightning cable. There is an easy way to detect the lighting cable, by charging your iPhone with another lighting cable.

If the iPhone is now charging properly, then you need to replace the original cable. If your iPhone is still showing abnormal charging, then keep looking at the next methods.

Way 4. Update Your iOS to The Latest

Older iOS systems have some glitches or bugs, so it's a good decision to get your iPhone updated with the latest iOS to fix iPhone and iPad not charging. It will eliminate the bug of iPhone showing it is charging but isn't. There are how to do that:

Step 1. Open Settings and select General > Click on Software Update.

Step 2. If there is an update available, download and install it on the iPhone.

★Tips:

If your iPhone shows the iOS 17 update install failed, you can click the link to find solutions.

Way 5. Restore Your iPhone via iTunes

Restoring iPhone with iTunes is also a good measure to eliminate iOS issues. If your iPhone still showing charging but battery percentage not increasing, try this method. But notice that, the process will erase all the contents of your device, you’d better backup iPhone data before the process.

Preparation: Backup iPhone without data loss

iTunes and iCloud are two official options to back up iOS data. But many users reported that they give the slow backup speed and have limited free space. Therefore, we recommend you a more utility backup app - FoneTool.

As a professional iPhone data backup tool, FoneTool combines more features in one:

If you need this handy app, download and install FoneTool. And then, learn how to back up your iPhone with the guide.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the PC with a USB cable.

Step 2. Run FoneTool > Click Phone Backup > We take a fully backup iPhone as an example, select the Full Backup mode > Tap Get Started to continue.

Step 3. Check Enable Backup Encryption to encrypt your private data > Decide a storage path > Then, tap Start Backup to begin.

Step 4. After fixing the process, you can go to Backup History > Select Restore dot to restore the backups.

Now, follow the guide to restore your iPhone to the latest one:

Step 1. Open iTunes on your computer > Connect the iPhone with a USB cable.

Step 2. Tap on Restore iPhone > Click Restore.

After the process is finished, your iOS device will become new with default settings. Check if the problem has been fixed.

Way 6. Contact Apple Support

After you tried all the measures we mentioned above, if the iPhone charging bug still exists, you need to contact Apple Support for help. It will provide you with professional advice. If you have enough time, you can also take the iPhone to the nearby Service Center for a check.

Conclusion

That’s all about how to fix iPhone says it's charging but isn't. With the detailed instructions above, you can try to fix this issue on your own first. If this issue is beyond your capability, seek help from Apple support. By the way, if you are worried about losing your data, then you can apply FoneTool for a quick backup of your iPhone