A phone that won't charge is stressful, because once the battery runs out everything stops: maps, payments, messages and work apps. The good news is that charging faults are often simple to fix. Here is how to narrow it down.

Quick checks to try first

Try another cable and adapter that you know works. Cables fail far more often than phones.
Look in the charging port with a torch. Pocket lint packs down at the bottom of the port and stops the plug going in fully. If the plug feels loose or doesn't click in, this is a likely cause.
Restart the phone. Occasionally a software glitch stops charging.
Try wireless charging if your phone supports it. If wireless works but the cable doesn't, the problem is almost certainly the port.

Please don't dig into the port with metal objects like pins or paper clips. They can bend the pins or short the connector.

Common causes

Lint or dirt in the port: the most common cause, fixed with a careful clean.
A worn or damaged port: bent pins, a loose connector or corrosion. The port needs replacing.
Liquid damage: the phone may show "moisture detected" or "liquid detected". Corrosion can build up even after the phone looks dry.
A failing battery: the phone charges very slowly, jumps in percentage, or shuts down while still showing charge.
A board fault: less common, but possible after a drop or liquid damage.

What a charging assessment checks

When you bring your phone in for a charging problem, we:

inspect and clean the port, and check the pins for damage or corrosion
test with known good cables and chargers
measure whether the phone is actually drawing current while charging
check battery health where the phone reports it
test data connection to a computer and, on many phones, the bottom microphone, which shares the same part

Then we tell you what we found and the price, before any repair goes ahead.

Charging port and microphone

On many phones, the charging port and the bottom microphone are one part. If callers have also been saying you sound muffled, a charging port replacement often fixes both.

How long it takes

A clean takes a few minutes. Most charging port replacements take 30 minutes to 2 hours once your phone is with us and the part is in stock. Check the price and time for your model on our price list.

Common questions

Why does my phone say "moisture detected"?

Samsung and many Android phones show this warning when they sense liquid or residue in the charging port. Unplug the cable and let the phone dry in open air. If the warning stays when the port is definitely dry, the port may be corroded or damaged and needs checking.

Why does my iPhone say "accessory may not be supported"?

This can mean a damaged or uncertified cable, or dirt or damage in the Lightning or USB-C port. Try a known good Apple or certified cable first. If the message continues, the port likely needs cleaning or replacing.

My phone charges, but very slowly. Is that the port?

It can be. A worn port or a weak cable connection limits fast charging. A worn-out battery, a low-power adapter or using the phone heavily while charging can also slow it down.

It only charges if I hold the cable at an angle. Can that be fixed?

Yes. That is a classic sign of lint packed into the port or a worn connector. A clean often fixes it straight away; if not, the port is replaced.

Can I use my phone while the charging port is broken?

If your phone supports wireless charging, you can use a wireless charger in the meantime. Otherwise you will need the port fixed before the battery runs out.

Is it safe to keep using a cheap charger?

Poor-quality chargers and cables can overheat, charge unevenly and wear out the port faster. It is worth using a charger from a known brand that matches your phone's charging standard.

Will fixing the charging port delete my data?

A charging port repair doesn't normally affect your photos, messages or apps. As with any repair, back up first if the phone still has charge.

Need help tonight?

Charging problems rarely happen at a convenient time. You can book a repair any hour, at our Lakemba workshop after hours or with a call-out.

Phone Not Charging? What We Check and How to Fix It