What does the lightning bolt symbol on iPhone mean?

Although that is technically possible, I think unlikely as the reason I bought the new cable was because this problem was occurring. I tried the new cable once, saw that it made no difference, then went back to the cable that was supplied with the phone. Part of your reply however, that the socket is damaged, is apparent.

Thanks for the info on getting assessed, will do. They could fix the lock button as well (actually I checked and would have to pay for that lol)

Hey thanks for the response 🙂

So I'm just being impatient then, sometimes after several hours no change. I jiggle it, wait a while, no change etc. This can go on for several hours. Eventually, jiggling the cable and waiting and leaving it, as I have just done, it comes up as charged.

At least now I know which position to leave it on. Thanks.

The Apple cable that came with the phone. I bought a new cable but that made no difference so have gone back to the original cable. If I move the cable slightly the lightning bolt appears/disappears. What I have found is if I place it carefully down and click the home button to check the lightning bolt is there it should be ok. I just have to check every time. I was just jiggling it randomly without knowing which setting meant "charging" because the battery symbol was appearing as well, so I assumed that meant it was charging. Now I understand what they both man I should be fine. Thanks again 🙂