Your phone is plugged in, but the battery percentage will not move. Start with the power source and cable, then check the port, battery state, alerts, and charging settings that can stop a full charge.
Use the steps below in order so you do not waste time digging through settings when the fix is a loose cable, lint in the port, or a charger your phone will not accept.
1. Test the charger cable and outlet
Start with the full power path. A phone cannot charge from a weak outlet, loose adapter, damaged cable, or unsupported accessory.
- 1.Plug the phone into a wall outlet, powered computer, or another known-good power source.
- 2.Push the cable firmly into the phone, power adapter, and outlet.
- 3.Try a different outlet.
- 4.Inspect the cable and adapter for breakage, bent prongs, corrosion, burned areas, melted parts, or other visible damage.
- 5.Use a different compatible cable or power adapter.
Stop using damaged charging hardware. If Android shows Check charging accessory, switch to a compatible cable and charger.
2. Clear debris from the charging port
- On iPhone: Remove debris from the charging port on the bottom of the device, then plug the charging cable in firmly.
- On Samsung Galaxy: Remove dust or debris from the charging port or cable connector with a soft brush.
- On Pixel: Point the USB-C port downward and gently tap the phone against your hand when debris is inside.
Lint in the port keeps the connector from seating all the way. Unplug the phone before checking the port and cable connector.
Do not put cotton swabs, paper towels, or other objects into an iPhone connector. Do not use compressed air to dry a wet iPhone.
3. Let a dead battery wake up
A fully drained phone can look lifeless before the charging icon appears. Give it the charging time your phone maker recommends.
- 1.Plug the phone into a working cable, charger, and outlet.
- 2.For iPhone, leave it connected for 30 minutes before trying again.
- 3.For Android, wait at least one minute and look for a battery icon or red light.
- 4.If Android shows a red light, charge for at least 30 minutes before restarting.
- 5.For Samsung Galaxy, use a known-good Samsung travel charger for at least one hour. The charging indicator can take up to 10 minutes to appear when the battery is completely depleted.
4. Restart the phone while charging
- On iPhone: Restart normally, then try charging again. If it still will not power on or only shows the battery icon, force restart it.
- On Android: Hold Power for 5 to 7 seconds. If the phone still does not respond, keep it plugged in and hold Volume Down and Power for at least 20 seconds. If the Android robot and Start appear, press Volume Down until Power off appears, press Power, charge for at least 30 minutes, then restart.
- On Samsung Galaxy: Press and hold Power or Side and Volume Down until the phone restarts or the Samsung logo appears.
For iPhone 8 or later and iPhone SE 2nd generation or later, press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, hold the Side or Top button and Volume Down until the Apple logo appears. For iPhone 6s or earlier and iPhone SE 1st generation, hold the Side or Top button and Home until the Apple logo appears.
5. Handle liquid heat and accessory alerts
Charging alerts are direct instructions from the phone. Follow the alert before reconnecting the cable.
If iPhone shows a liquid-detection alert, unplug the cable from the phone and unplug the other end from the power adapter or accessory. Tap the iPhone gently against your hand with the connector facing down, then leave it in a dry area with airflow. Try charging again after at least 30 minutes. If the alert returns, let it dry for up to a day.
If Pixel shows Unplug charger or Liquid or debris in USB port, unplug the power adapter from the wall, disconnect the cable, let the phone cool, and check the USB-C port and cable for moisture or debris. If the port is wet, turn off the phone and let it dry flat at room temperature.
If iPhone or iPad shows Charging On Hold, move it away from direct sunlight when it is too hot, move it to a warmer place when it is too cold, and lock the screen or put it to sleep.
Do not put a wet iPhone in rice. Do not use external heat or compressed air. Use airflow and time.
6. Remove battery limits that stop charging early
- iPhone 15 or later: Open Settings > Battery > Charging, then choose a charge limit from 80 percent to 100 percent. Choose 100 percent for a full charge.
- iPhone 14 or earlier: Open Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging, then turn Optimized Battery Charging on or off.
- Pixel 6a or later: Open Settings > Battery > Battery health > Charging optimization, then choose a mode other than Limit to 80%. On Pixel 3 or later running Android 11 or later, Protecting your battery can also cap charging during heat or long sessions; tap Charge to full under Settings > Battery or restart the phone.
- Samsung Galaxy: Open Settings > Battery, then turn off Protect Battery or Battery Protection.
Your phone can stop below 100 percent because a battery protection feature is active.
On iPhone, touch and hold the Lock Screen charging notification, then tap Charge Now. On Pixel, open Settings > Battery and tap Charge to full when Protecting your battery or Charging optimized to protect your battery appears.
7. Fix wireless charging alignment
Wireless charging needs the right phone, the right charger, and clean contact between the phone and pad.
- 1.Confirm the phone supports wireless charging. Samsung says Galaxy A series, XCover series, and Galaxy Tab series devices do not support wireless charging.
- 2.Place the phone in the center of the charging pad or stand.
- 3.Remove cases, skins, protectors, metallic stickers, magnetic objects, ring holders, Apple MagSafe accessories, and PopSockets from the back of the phone.
- 4.Disconnect wired headphones, USB cables, and charging cables from Samsung Galaxy phones before wireless charging.
- 5.Use the approved wireless charger for your device.
Pixel Stand does not work with Pixel 6a, Pixel Fold, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, or the Pixel 10 series (Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold); use a compatible Qi wireless charger for those models. For Pixel Stand errors on supported phones, reposition the phone, remove the case, and remove metallic stickers. If Pixel Stand 2nd generation slow-blinks amber, use a power adapter rated 12W or higher.
8. Run software checks and diagnostics
- On iPhone: Open Settings > General > Software Update. If an update appears, tap Download and Install and follow the onscreen instructions.
- On Android: Open Settings > System > Software updates, then follow the update status shown on screen.
- On Samsung Galaxy: For wireless charging issues, open Settings > Software update > Download and install or Check for updates. Then open the Members app > Support > Get started and run Battery status, Cable charging, or Wireless charging diagnostics.
On Android, use Safe mode to test for app interference. Restart in Safe mode using your phone maker's steps, use the phone normally, exit Safe mode, then remove recently downloaded apps one by one. Restart normally after each removal and check charging again.
On supported Pixel 6 and later phones, Advanced Protection Mode's USB Protection turns on when Device protection is enabled. Charging still works while the screen is locked, but in some cases fast charging may not begin until you unlock the screen.
If the phone still will not charge, arrange service through the phone maker or an authorized repair center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a phone show it is plugged in but not charge?
Yes. The phone can detect a connected cable while the outlet, adapter, cable, charging port, temperature alert, liquid alert, or battery protection setting prevents charging.
Why does my phone only charge after I move the cable?
Check the cable, adapter, and charging port for visible damage, dust, debris, corrosion, bent pins, or a loose connection. Stop using damaged charging hardware and try a compatible replacement cable or charger.
What should I do if my Pixel says the USB port has liquid or debris?
Unplug the adapter from the wall, disconnect the cable, let the phone cool, and check the USB-C port and cable. If the port is wet, turn off the phone and let it dry flat at room temperature.
Does draining the battery to zero fix charging problems?
No. Google says Pixel phones do not need full discharge and full charge cycles to learn battery capacity. Use the charger, port, restart, alert, settings, and service steps instead.
