You've tried plugging your iPhone in to charge, but it just doesn't seem to want to power up. Until today, your phone was charging fine — or maybe it’s been getting worse over the last few weeks. Either way, don't panic! Here's every fix you can try if your iPhone 12 won't charge.
A Common Misconception
When their cell phone stops charging, a lot of people assume it's the device's battery that's causing the problem. Most of the time, an iPhone 12 won't charge because of a software problem, not a hardware problem. Before rushing to get the battery replaced, follow the troubleshooting steps below!
Hard Reset Your iPhone 12
So many problems that occur on an iPhone can be temporarily fixed by a hard reset. A variety of minor software glitches can cause the display of an iPhone 12 to turn black or become frozen.
A hard reset will force your iPhone 12 to turn off and back on abruptly. It's possible that your iPhone 12 is charging, but a software problem has made the screen black.
To perform a hard reset on the iPhone 12, press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down, then press and hold the side button until your screen displays the Apple logo. After you can see the Apple logo, let go of the side button. Your iPhone 12 will turn back on shortly after.
It's important to keep in mind that we haven't actually resolved the problem that prevented your iPhone 12 from charging. If a hard reset fixed the problem, back up your iPhone immediately, then keep following the steps below.
Look Over Your Lightning Cable
If your Lightning cable is damaged, this could very well be the reason why your iPhone 12 won't charge. Take a close look along the length of your Lightning cable, paying special attention to either end. If you see any fraying, exposed wires, or other visible damage, this might be the problem.
It might also help to switch up the USB charging port that you typically charge with. If you usually charge from a specific port on your computer, try a different USB port instead. If you normally use a wall charger, try plugging into your computer and see if that has a different result.
Grab another Lightning cable or borrow one from a friend. If your iPhone 12 charges with one Lightning cable and not another, it was probably the cable keeping your phone from charging the whole time.
Replacement Lightning Cable Options
Apple will usually replace your Lightning cable if your iPhone is still under warranty. You can also purchase a great MFi-certified cable on Amazon for less than $10!
Try A Different Charger
Just like with Lightning cables, it's a good idea to test multiple chargers. Try charging your iPhone 12 in your car, using a wall charging, and using the USB port on your computer. If your iPhone 12 charges with some chargers but not others, the issue is with the charger.
Clean Out Your Charging Port
It's pretty easy for small materials like dirt and lint to get stuck in the charging port of your iPhone 12. When this happens, it can interfere with your phone's ability to connect to a Lightning cable. Cleaning out your port might clear up any obstructive matter causing this interference.
Grab a flashlight and shine it into the charging port. If you see anything in there that shouldn't be, take a small, non-conductive brush and carefully clean out your port. A great tool to use for this step is a brand new toothbrush.
DFU Restore Your iPhone 12
The last at-home fix we recommend is the Device Firmware Update (DFU) restore. A DFU restore is a complete factory reset of your iPhone 12. Every line of code get erased and rewritten, and your iPhone gets updated to the latest version of iOS.
It's very important to back up your iPhone 12 before putting it in DFU mode! If you don't, you'll lose all your photos, contacts, and the other important data you care about.
When you're ready, check out our other article to learn how to put your iPhone in DFU mode. This is the last step you can take to rule out a software problem as the reason why your iPhone 12 won't charge. If a DFU restore doesn't fix the problem, come back here to learn about repair options.
Repair Options For iPhone 12
It's time to get your iPhone 12 if it still won't charge. There might be a problem with the battery or charging port. If your iPhone is still covered under warranty or by AppleCare+, it's likely that Apple will be willing to repair your device free of charge. However, if your phone's not covered or damaged, repair fees might add up pretty quickly.
Apple has a lot of great support options. You can help over the phone, through live chat, or by mailing in your device. If you plan to go into your local Apple Store, make sure to schedule an appointment first.
iPhone 12: Charging Again!
You've fixed the problem and your iPhone 12 is charging again. Make to share this article with your friends and family if their iPhone 12 is not charging. Have any other questions? Leave them in the comments section down below!
