Phone won't charge? Try this before booking a repair
Cable, charger, port, software: the four-step elimination that solves half of 'dead charging port' cases at home.
Last updated 2026-06-12 · 3 minute read · Applies to: iPhone, Samsung, Android, iPad
About half the 'broken charging port' phones we see don't have a broken charging port. Before you book anything, run this four-step elimination. It takes five minutes and might save you a trip. (If the phone got wet recently, skip straight to water damage first aid.)
1. Swap the cable, then the adapter
Cables fail far more often than ports. Try a different known-good cable, then a different wall adapter, then a different power point. USB-C and Lightning cables both die invisibly, no fraying required.
2. Look in the port with a torch
Pocket lint compacts at the bottom of the port until the cable can't seat. If the cable doesn't 'click' or sits loose, lint is the prime suspect. Gently (and we mean *gently*) tease it out with a wooden toothpick or a dry soft brush. Never metal, never pins.
3. Force-restart and check for software hangs
A crashed phone can look like a charging fault. iPhone: press volume up, volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo. Most Androids: hold power + volume down ~10 seconds. Then leave it on charge for 30 minutes; a deeply flat battery shows nothing at first.
4. Test wireless charging if you have it
If wireless charges but the cable doesn't, that confirms a port/cable-path problem and rules out the battery. Useful information to bring us.
5. Still dead? It's a port or board job
Loose port, charges-at-an-angle, or no response on any cable usually means the port assembly needs replacing, typically same-day. If nothing charges at all (wired or wireless), it can be board-level; assessment is free and any diagnostic fee rolls into the repair.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my cable only work at a certain angle?
Either compacted lint holding the plug out, or worn port contacts. Try the lint clean first; if it persists, the port assembly is on the way out.
Can a bad charger damage the phone?
Cheap, uncertified adapters can deliver unstable voltage that kills charging circuits over time. If your phone died right after using a bargain-bin charger, mention it at assessment. It points us at the likely fault.
How much is a charging port repair?
It varies by model. Check your device on the device list for current pricing, or contact us for a free quote.
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