My iPhone 5 won't charge

I got my iPhone 5 on Wednesday, it charged once but when I went to charge it last night it did not work, has anyone got any ideas?

iPhone 5, iOS 6

Posted on Sep 27, 2012 9:32 AM

Reply
158 replies

Aug 14, 2013 8:58 AM in response to RedDecember

Anyone whos Lightning cable doesn't appear to fit very well or they have to wiggle to get it working, you have compressed fluff in the socket! Remove it with a paperclip (a plastic coated one is probably best from a non-conductive point of view) or any other small pointy object. You'll be surprised how much comes out! You should not be able to see any of the metal of the connector between the phone and the connector plastic. I have to clean mine out about every 3 months (I have the phone in my pocket upside down). 🙂


This thread is more about people who's phone isn't charging even with a good connection. If you have tried another cable, another charger, another mains socket, charging from USB, then Holding both buttons down for 20 seconds may sort your issue.


If you have tried all of the above, raising a ticket should get you a swift callback from Apple Support (my phone rang as soon as I clicked to submit my ticket!)


Thanks


Stu

Sep 2, 2013 10:34 AM in response to taffles

I have this same problem. I have tried different chargers, different USB cables, different outlets, nothing works. It looks like it's charged (the battery icon looks full) then it immediately switches to red and stays at 2%. I've seen messages in the past to the effect that "this device cannot be charged with this accessory" but I'm using the cable and adapter from the iPhone 5 box!


Help!

Sep 12, 2013 3:35 PM in response to taffles

Same general problem. My phone charge went to zero and shut down because of use. When I insert the cable, whether from a wall adapter or a laptop USB port it initially shows the electric bolt and a charging battery, then goes dark. Normally when it shuts down due to depleted battery, after the charger is connected for about four minutes, the Apple logo appears and the phone turns on. Hoever, now the screen remains dark and nothing appears to happen as if the phone is not charging.


I tried a hard reset to no avail.


Has anyone had a similar problem of the phone not charging after the initial lightening bolt and battery image when connected to the charging cable?

Sep 13, 2013 3:45 PM in response to cyberbiker

The lightning bolt "charging indicator" should always go away after a short period of time. If you tap the power or home-screen button you should still see the charging indicator appear on the screen momentarily. If it doesn't appear, then it's the same thing as your phone being disconnected from a charger.


Many people are having intermittent charging issues. To sum up this whole thread, here is the short run of popular solutions:


  1. Carefully clean the charging port with a very thin device - a small paperclip should suffice. Again, be very careful and try to get out any lint or debris.
  2. Make sure you are using a official Apple charger. If it cost less than $20, it's probably not official. If you didn't buy it from an Apple store, it's probably not official. I have had mobile repair shops tell me cables were "official" when they weren't.
  3. (this one worked for me, but it's nuts) - plug the charger into your computer and launch iTunes - yes, luanching iTunes caused my phone to start charging. I know this sounds nuts, but someone else in this thread suggested it and it worked for me. iTunes cannot be open when you connect your device.
  4. Switch to another phone


~Ryan

Sep 23, 2013 1:09 AM in response to taffles

Good day I had a similar problem. My iPhone 5 worked good for about 2 months

Then I recently updated it and realize it wasn't charging . Upon my investigation what

I found out was, my phone don't charge now with the auto lock on. Once I took off the auto lock

It. Began to charge. Next thing for the charger to work effective and all, I have to insert it

To my iPhone the plug it into the wall. If I plug it into the wall then the phone I does get

A message about Accessory may not work and it doesn't charge. Hope this may help someone

Oct 7, 2013 8:10 AM in response to taffles

I was in the same situation until 1 minute ago. A week ago my iphone 5 (updated the day before to IOS7) started stopped taking a charge. I assumed it was IOS7 fault so have been waiting to get to apple store.

Reading the posts above I tried each one in turn (update itunes, make sure I have original cable, etc). Finally, in disbelief, I cleaned out the charging port very carefully with a safety pin. My charging cable was wobbling ever so slightly in there due to compressed lint. What came out would have covered half of my small fingernail but was heavily compressed.

Long story short - phone is now charging on the wall charger that previously wasn't working. I will post back to confirm that it takes a full charge.


On battery draining issues I plan to conduct a full restore from new to get rid of any previous gremlins.

Oct 15, 2013 9:24 PM in response to taffles

I have the same problem with my brand new iPhone 5S. I plug it in to the factory Apple cable it came with to charge, and it won't charge until I unplug it from the wall and plug it back in while the other end is plugged in to my phone. Really Apple? I have no problem using the non Apple cable that's attached to my car stereo. It charges every time wth that cord. I'm taking my cord in to Apple.

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My iPhone 5 won't charge

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