Android phone not charging? Safe checks to try

Before you start

• The phone shows no signs of swelling, cracks around the charging port, burning smells or unusual heat.
• You have a second cable and plug that you know work, ideally the ones that came with the phone or from a reputable brand.
• You have a soft, dry brush or a wooden or plastic toothpick for the port check.
• Your important photos and contacts are backed up, in case the phone needs a repair later.

0 of 4 done. Ticking just helps you keep track; nothing is saved or sent.

Steps

1. 1

   Try a different plug socket

   Plug the charger into a different wall socket rather than an extension lead or a laptop USB port. Laptop ports often charge slowly.

2. 2

   Swap the cable, then the plug

   Change one thing at a time so you know which part is faulty. Cables wear out at the ends, especially if they have been bent sharply. If a cable is frayed, split or shows bare wire, stop using it and recycle it.

3. 3

   Look for a charging sign

   When you connect the charger, the screen should light up and show a charging icon or percentage. A completely flat battery may need 15 to 30 minutes on charge before the phone responds.

4. 4

   Check the port

   Switch the phone off. Shine a torch into the charging port. Pocket fluff often packs into the back of the port and stops the plug going in fully. Gently loosen it with a soft dry brush or a wooden or plastic toothpick. Never use a pin, paperclip, needle or anything metal, and never use liquids or compressed air at close range.

5. 5

   Restart the phone

   Hold the power button (on some phones, power and volume down together) and choose Restart. A software glitch can stop charging from being detected.

6. 6

   Check for a moisture warning

   Some phones, including many Samsung models, show a message if moisture is detected in the port and stop charging until it is dry. Leave the phone switched off in a dry, room-temperature place. Do not use a hairdryer, oven or radiator to dry it.

7. 7

   Try Safe Mode

   If the phone charges in Safe Mode but not normally, a recently installed app may be causing the problem. The way to start Safe Mode varies by manufacturer, so check your phone maker's help pages.

If this happens, try this

• If it only charges at certain angles

  The cable or the port is worn or loose. Try a new cable first. If the problem stays, the port may need repairing.

• If it charges very slowly

  Check you are using a wall plug rather than a computer, and that the plug is powerful enough for your phone. Using the phone heavily while charging also slows things down.

• If it says "charging" but the percentage does not rise

  Restart the phone, then try a different plug. If it continues, the battery may be wearing out.

• If it charges wirelessly but not with a cable

  The port is the likely cause, not the battery.

Things to be careful about

• Use chargers and cables from reputable brands. Very cheap, unbranded chargers can be unsafe.

• Do not charge a phone under a pillow, on a bed or anywhere heat cannot escape.

• Do not try to replace a battery yourself. Phone batteries are glued in and can catch fire if punctured.

• If the phone has been dropped in water, do not charge it until it is completely dry.