You've tried plugging your Google Pixel 4 in to charge, but the power just keeps decreasing. When your cell phone won't charge, the gradually shrinking power icon can add a significant level of stress to your day. Here's everything you can try if your Google Pixel 4's not charging!
Force Restart Your Pixel 4
A good place to start whenever your personal technology's not functioning properly is to restart it. Minor software crashes can cause issues like a black screen or the inability to charge. If your screen's currently black and unresponsive when plugged in, it's possible that your phone is still on and charging but experiencing a glitch interfering with its display.
Try Restarting Your Google Pixel 4 Normally
If your screen's working but your Google Pixel 4 still won't charge, press the Power button to activate the display. Once your screen lights up, press the button again, but keep holding it this time. Shortly after you start holding the button, your screen will display several options: Power Off, Restart and Enable Emergency Mode. Select Restart and your phone should begin powering off.
What If My Screen Won't Work?
If your screen's currently unresponsive, press and hold the volume down and power buttons simultaneously. Continue holding both buttons for at least seven seconds and your Google Pixel 4 should restart automatically.
If your Pixel 4 start's working again, great! However, you'll still want to be mindful of the fact that there's a problem occurring with your phone. Properly functioning smartphones won't just crash for no reason. Continue on to the next steps to keep troubleshooting why your Pixel 4's malfunctioning!
Backup Your Google Pixel 4
Before continuing with your home repair process, you'll want to backup your Google Pixel 4. Since we still don't know what's causing your phone not to work properly, you never know when a more serious problem will arise. Backing up your personal data will ensure that you can access any essential information you have stored on your device should the problem get any worse.
Your Pixel 4 has an automatic back up feature which you can turn on or off by opening the Settings app, selecting System, then Backup. If you'd rather backup manually, note that anything that's been backed up automatically prior to you disabling the feature will be deleted from your Google account. If you've never used automatic backup, this is the simplest way to make sure your data's secure in case your device crashes.
If you allow it, Google will automatically backup most of your data. This includes contacts, photos, videos, calendar entries, messages, settings and many apps.
You can also manually backup any files saved on your Pixel 4 to Google Drive. To backup these files, open Google Drive and select Add. Tap Upload, then Upload Files. When prompted, select all of the files you would like to backup. You'll be able to view all backed up files on your personal Drive account from there.
Check Your Charging Cable
Another helpful troubleshooting step you can take is to make sure that your charging cable is working as it should. Take a close look at your charging cable, do you see any fraying or visible damage? If you find anything, your cable might just be the culprit preventing your Pixel 4 from charging.
You can also try another charging cable if you have access to one nearby. If your phone charges on a different cable and not your own, it's safe to assume your cable's not working properly. If you know anyone else with an Android compatible with your Pixel 4's charger, you could also ask them to try plugging into your charger to see if it works on a different phone.
Clean Out Your Pixel's Charging Port
A common reason that prevents smartphones from charging is that their charging port is being obstructed by something. Small materials like lint and dirt can easily get lodged in charging ports and block chargers from making successful connections to their device.
Shine a flashlight into your charging port, do you notice anything in there that shouldn't be? If you see something, grab an antistatic brush (a new toothbrush works perfectly!) and use it to gently clean out your port.
Factory Restore Your Pixel 4
This is the last home repair step we recommend if you want to be sure if it's a software issue keeping your Pixel from charging. You'll want to be sure that your Pixel 4 is fully backed up before completing this step, as the restore will completely erase your personal data from the device.
The first thing you'll want to do is make sure your phone's connected to a WiFi or cellular network, otherwise you won't be able to sign back in when the reset's finished.
After you've connected your phone to a network, open the Settings app and tap System. Select Advanced, then Reset Options. Select Erase all data (factory reset), then tap Reset phone. Enter your PIN or password if your Pixel prompts you to.
Select Erase everything to get rid of all personal data stored on your Pixel 4. Once it's finished erasing, select Restart. Once your phone restarts, set it up for use and log in to your Google account. Once you're logged in, all data you've backed up to your account before the reset should return to your Google Pixel 4.
Get Your Pixel Repaired
If you've completely restored your Pixel 4 and it still isn't charging, it's most likely a hardware issue that you'll want to have a technician repair it. For more information about how you can best get your Google Pixel 4 up and running again, consult Google's Repair Center. At the repair center you can get in contact with Google technicians and find out what the best next step to take is for fixing your phone!
Lead The Charge!
The battery life of a smart phone that won't charge is like a doomsday countdown clock to your social and professional connections. Luckily, there are many simple steps you can take from home to try and get your Pixel charging. If your Google Pixel 4's not charging, back it up while you can and then start troubleshooting from there. Good luck!
