Charge drains when connected to charging cable

Have you tried using a cable and charger made by Apple to ensure that the issue is not the cable or the charger?

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(1) Try and Force Restart your iPhone EXACTLY as shown below and see whether that resolves the issue:

• Press and quickly release Volume UP button
• Press and quickly release Volume DOWN button
• Press and Hold the SIDE button until an Apple logo appears and then release the Side button (Can take up to 20 seconds. (DO NOT release Side Button when invited to Slide Power OFF). 

(2)  If that does not help, then take advantage of the Apple 1YR limited warranty that comes with your iPhone 16 Pro Max by contacting 👉 Official Apple Support OR you can always get your iPhone examined at the Apple Store 👉 Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options or at an Authorized Service Center for further diagnosis and evaluation.

Axel F.

I have the same problem. I bought the iPhone 16 Pro Max on December 27, 2024, and everything was fine when charging with the USB-C port. However, on January 11, I started having an issue: instead of charging the battery through the USB-C port, the battery level goes down. The only way I can charge it is wirelessly.

I contacted Apple, and they told me to bring the iPhone in for diagnostics. Did you go to the Apple Store to have your iPhone diagnosed? What did the Genius Bar team say? Did they replace it with a new iPhone?

ChristineMath Said:

"Charge drains when connected to charging cable: Two weeks ago I set up a newly purchased iPhone 16 Pro Max for my mother.: [...]The phone is new, hasn’t been in any appreciably dusty areas and we have used four new charger cables. I’m thinking it has to be something related to the phone at this point. Is this a known issue with this phone? Has anyone else experienced this issue?"

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Troubleshooting iPhone Battery Drain:

The iPhone battery will not charge, unless it is plugged in and charging. With lots installed, the charge would be slower. It would also depend on the battery health and how you are using while it is charging..  Go Here: iPhone Battery and Performance - Apple Support - Scroll down to "Your battery's maximum capacity". Unfortunately, there is no way to determine how, nor why, the battery has degraded.

View the Battery Health:

Apple recommends you get a new battery, once the Battery Health reaches 80% or lower. When the Battery Health reaches lower than 80%, it is time for a new battery.

1. Go To: Settings
2. Tap: Battery
3. Tap: Battery Health
4. View: [the percentage]
5. Is it 80% or less?  If so, it is time for a new battery.

Troubleshooting the Battery:

• iPhone Battery and Performance - Apple Support

• Charge and Monitor the iPhone Battery - Apple Support

• About the Battery Usage on your iPhone - Apple Support

• About Optimized Battery Charging on your iPhone - Apple Support

• If you see "Your iPhone Battery may Need to be Serviced" - Apple Support

• Use Low Power Mode to Save Battery Life on your iPhone - Apple Support