Why Is My Phone Not Charging?
Your phone is plugged in, but nothing happens. Or the battery percentage doesn’t increase. Maybe it’s stuck at 80% and won’t go higher. Charging issues can be hardware-related, software-based, or just a setting you forgot you enabled.
This guide walks through every scenario, with specific fixes for iPhones and Android devices.
Phone Not Charging Even When Plugged In
If your phone won’t charge at all, even though it’s connected:
Common Causes:
- Faulty or frayed charging cable
- Damaged charging port (debris or wear)
- Wall adapter or power source is underpowered
- Battery health is degraded
- Software glitch or firmware bug
- Background apps overheating your phone
- Charging is paused due to temperature limits
Try these quick steps:
- Test a different cable and adapter
- Plug into a wall outlet, not a laptop or power strip
- Restart your phone
- Check for a case or accessory interfering with the port
- Inspect and clean your charging port using a wooden toothpick or soft brush
If you see “Charging slowly” or no battery symbol at all, proceed to the section for your device below.
Why is My iPhone Not Charging?
iPhone Not Charging Even When Plugged In
If your iPhone doesn’t respond when plugged in:
- Try a certified Lightning cable and Apple 20W+ USB-C adapter
- Look for moisture warnings ("Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector")
- Clean out lint or debris from the Lightning port
- Force restart the phone (Volume Up > Volume Down > hold Side button)
If it vibrates or wakes but doesn't show the charging symbol, your cable or port might be damaged.
iPhone Not Charging Past 80 Percent?
Apple limits charging under certain conditions to preserve battery health:
- Optimized Battery Charging is on
Go to: Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging > Turn Off Optimized Charging - Phone is overheating
If your phone feels warm, charging will pause at 80%. Let it cool down first naturally. Do not use ice towels and the likes as extreme change of temperature could further damage your battery. - Low Power Mode settings
Low Power Mode reduces background activity but doesn’t override charging limits.
iPhone Battery Not Increasing?
If it's stuck at the same percentage:
- Check that the charger isn’t low-power (like USB ports on planes or hotel TVs)
- Reset all settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset All Settings)
- Update iOS to the latest version
If none of that works, run a battery diagnostics check at Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If "Service" is listed, your battery may need to be replaced.
Why is My Android Not Charging?
Android Not Charging Even When Plugged In
For Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus and others, start here:
- Try a USB-C PD charger (18W+) and a fast-charging cable
- Restart into Safe Mode to rule out third-party app interference
- Clear the cache partition (varies by device, but usually via Recovery Mode)
- Enable USB Debugging, then disable it again. This can sometimes reset charging behavior
You should also inspect for bent pins in the charging port using a flashlight.
Android Phone Not Charging Past 80?
Many Android phones mimic Apple by stopping at 80% in certain modes:
- Battery Protection Mode
Samsung: Settings > Battery and Device Care > Battery > More battery settings > Protect battery
Disable it to charge past 80%. - Thermal throttling
If your phone is hot, Android will pause charging. Remove the case and move it to a naturally cool surface. - Background sync or high CPU usage
Streaming, gaming, and navigation while charging increases heat. Lock your phone and let it sit.
Android Battery Percentage Not Increasing?
When it’s plugged in but stays stuck:
- Replace the cable/adapter combo
- Use a proper USB-C to USB-C cable, not USB-A to USB-C
- Disable Adaptive Charging (Pixel): Settings > Battery > Adaptive Charging
Also check: Settings > Battery > Usage to spot any app draining it faster than it’s charging.
Wireless Charging Not Working?
Wireless charging is slower and more sensitive:
- Ensure alignment: Misplaced phones won’t charge
- Remove magnetic cases or pop sockets
- Avoid overheating: Heat interferes with the wireless coil
- Use a 10W or 15W certified charger as cheap pads may not work reliably
Always test with wired charging if wireless fails.
Could It Be a Battery Health Issue?
If your phone has been through 500+ cycles or is more than 2 years old, the battery itself could be the issue. Signs:
- Phone heats up while charging
- Battery drains unusually fast after unplugging
- “Service Battery” messages (iPhone)
- Your phone only charges when turned off
Get a professional battery health report if in doubt. Most batteries can be replaced for far less than a new phone.
Why Charging Can Be Unreliable Abroad
If this happens while traveling, blame power output and adapters first. Many hotel USB ports max out at 5W. Way too weak for modern fast-charging phones.
Pair that with weak mobile signals, frequent app syncing (Maps, WhatsApp, etc.), and your phone ends up overheating or charging erratically. Visiting a local mobile phone store is still best. Get the experts to look into your problem. It might disrupt your travel a little, but think of it like an F1 car taking a pit stop. It's a momentary pause for the greater good.
One thing that we can help: don’t rely on patchy roaming connections that keep your phone straining to reconnect. Instead, use a global eSIM with steady, top-notch coverage.
Stay Charged With Eskimo eSIM
Having a working battery abroad is a start; but a reliable overseas connection is equally important. Eskimo eSIM gives you more than just data. It helps your phone stay stable:
- Instant activation, anywhere you land digitally. No physical SIM switch needed.
- 2-year validity on all data plans
- No throttling or speed caps on fixed data plans, even when tethering
- Starts only when you connect, not when you install
- One eSIM for 130+ countries, no need to reinstall
That means fewer dropped signals, less overheating, and a more efficient charge, especially while navigating, messaging and more.
New users can try it free with 500MB of global data. Get your free eSIM here and stop worrying about signal drops or stuck chargers abroad.
FAQs
Why won’t my phone charge even with a new charger?
Try a new cable, not just the brick. Also check your charging port for lint or damage.
Why is my battery percentage stuck?
Background apps, heat, or software bugs can stall charging. Restart and test with another charger.
Why does my phone stop charging at 80%?
Battery protection settings or heat management often cap charging at 80%. Disable Optimized Charging or equivalent.
Can heat stop my phone from charging?
Yes. Both iOS and Android will slow or pause charging if the phone gets too hot.
Should I charge overnight if my phone won’t reach 100%?
It’s safe, but won’t help if settings are blocking full charge. Disable optimization modes and try again.