iPhone SE will only charge from Computer

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iPhone SE will only charge from Computer

An iPhone SE will only charge from a computer.

No matter how many different original chargers and cables are being tried(that works on multiple other devices) we've tried results are the same. - My wife now has her laptop next to her bed in order to charge the phone at night.

MacBooks won't charge it either, only Lenovo Laptop have been confirmed working.

There are no dirt/lint in the charging plug. - All the chargers/cables have been confirmed working and are all original Apple products.

"Hard reset" (hold down home+sidebutton)(also whole sitting in chargers/computer), backing up , restoring phone and restoring backup has been tried. Phone running latest iOS version.

Internet hits suggested charging regulator, and that the capacity(amps) of the charger could be it, that it would disconnect when going above ,5A. But checked the current running from the Lenovo laptop shows that it charges with approx 1,2A. - So this theory seems gone as well.

We are simply out of luck and have no clue how to move further? - Any help would be appreciated!

It seems impossible to contact Apple when the device is more than 1 year old. - No information as to how to fix problems on defective items. - My only change is trying to find other people who had similar experience. - Apparently there are not many "out there" with similar case.

iPhone SE, iOS 11.3.1

Posted on May 21, 2018 1:10 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Lawrence Finch

Community+ 2026

Level 10

231,314 points

May 21, 2018 2:48 PM in response to BulldozerDK

It is not the capacity of the power source. As long as it is greater than 0.5 amps it should charge. I could be 1,000 amps and it wouldn't matter, because the phone uses only what it needs. Have you ever used a USB power source that was not Apple's or certified as Made for iPhone? If so it may have damaged the U2 (Tristar) charging microcircuit. It's pretty clear that it is a hardware problem, however. If you make a genius bar appointment (Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple) and take it in they can run a diagnostic and tell you your options, which will most likely be a heavily discounted replacement.

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Answer 2

ProustGiulio

Level 10

209,928 points

May 21, 2018 1:55 PM in response to BulldozerDK

BulldozerDK wrote:

.......

MacBooks won't charge it either, only Lenovo Laptop have been confirmed working

I would try a different USB port on your MacBooks... (without using any USB multiport hubs)

But what you're describing is really weird.

And, reading your attempts, it's difficult to guess / suggest different troubleshooting steps.

The only thing I have in mind is: What's the maximum capacity percentage of your SE battery?

Settings>Battery>Battery Health (Beta)... then tap on it and read the %. If it is less than 85%, the battery is reaching the critical point of its life (could suddendly start acting strangely), and I would have it replaced before it completely dies (don't forget to make a full backup before you have your battery replaced). Here's the list of your most convenient Apple Stores or Authorized Service Providers: contact them and make an appointment: Apple - Find Locations - Location Selector

In the meanwhile, I would try to talk to a friend of mine, more competent than me, that (if I remember well) had a similar case some months ago.

I'll let you know his answer.

And please, if you find another solution, keep me informed. I'm curious.

Regards

Giulio

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Answer 3

May 22, 2018 1:45 PM in response to BulldozerDK

Hi

You need to make an appointment at Apple store.

Before you take iPhone in go to iCloud make sure iCloud back up is on Then backup now over your wifi.

Cheers

Brian 🇬-1F1E7;

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Answer 4

BulldozerDK Author

Level 1

17 points

May 22, 2018 1:12 PM in response to ProustGiulio

I have tried multiple USB ports, all of them on 3 different Macbooks without any luck. - Only Lenovo Laptops.

I find it very very weird, I usually am able to find solutions myself, but in this case I am completely lost. Beta Batteryhealth is at 95% - I would suggest that that should be ok.

When following your link I get to the same thing, when choosing the device I am told to justify an exception to Apple policies as to why I should be offered assistance. - I cannot find any kind of Apple Authorized service Providers. - I simply does not get beyond trying to justify the exception by me having "just installed OSX) or something other completely irrelevant.

I think my only options are going to an unauthorized dealership(even though I would hate to do so) and ask them for a suggestion. - I just fear that they would just suggest a new unoriginal battery or similar in the lack of better solutions for an unknown problem.

If I ever find a solution I will make sure to post it in here. - And please talk to you friend, I am gettign close to despereate and is cnsidering trying to talk my wife into using my previous phone, an iPhone 7 instead.

Thank you for your time anyway!

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Answer 5

BulldozerDK Author

Level 1

17 points

May 23, 2018 2:42 PM in response to Briansyddall

Hi Brian

Thank you for your try.

Unfirtunately, as you can read in my other comments, this is not an option. - Apple do not want me to get in touch unless I can justify that they should by telling them I have just installed OSX and the problem is caused by that.

So unfortunately I have to go to an unlicensed dealership.

As I have try backing up the phone and restoring it I have a very recent backup that would just need to add delta to it. - Its a short deal to do that and is, as I believe a standard thing to do for all of us.

Thank you for trying anyway.

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Answer 6

ProustGiulio

Level 10

209,928 points

May 22, 2018 2:13 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

Thanks Larry for your assistance.

Giulio

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Answer 7

May 22, 2018 2:32 AM in response to BulldozerDK

Hi

Does iPhone charge from the wall socket,

Buy a battery power bank from EBay /Amazon

Cheers

Brian 🇬-1F1E7;

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Answer 8

BulldozerDK Author

Level 1

17 points

May 22, 2018 1:05 PM in response to Briansyddall

No, as stated originally it will only charge from a Lenovo laptop, not any of our Macbooks, none of our chargers, none of our Mophie or Belkin powerbanks. - Only this Lenovo laptops

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Answer 9

BulldozerDK Author

Level 1

17 points

May 22, 2018 1:01 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

I, like you found it very funny that people are suggesting the charger issue. But as this seemed to be the only suggestion available, I believe I have to consider it anyway. - The idea was that the charging circuit should be using more than ,5 amps when offered and thus making it fail.

The beta battery evaluation is at 95%.

We only have original equipment as we have plenty of devices and wont risk that.

The problem with contacting Apple is that the device is more than 2 years old and when I try to click through the link I am told to come up with an exception as to why Apple should consider my case even though I am out of service. I see two options, "Did you just buy OSX and is trying to connect" and some other that also make no sense.

I think my only option is to find a repair shop, probably not-apple certified and ask them if they know of the problem.

- I just fear that they wont be able to assist me as noone seems to have any experience with this issue.

Apple certified stores seems to not be able to assist me when product is older than 1 year - No matter that I would liketo pay for the repair.

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iPhone SE will only charge from Computer

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