Stop for swelling, leakage, liquid, burning smell, smoke, sparks, severe heat or a damaged battery. Otherwise verify a working outlet, undamaged compatible adapter and cable, and a clean dry port; remove accessories that block the connection, let an overheated or very cold device return to a safe temperature, and follow the exact manufacturer's restart and charging guidance. Do not probe the port with metal or open a built-in battery.
Stop immediately for a safety symptom
- Swollen case, lifted screen or battery deformation
- Leaking, punctured or crushed device or battery
- Smoke, sparks, burning smell or crackling
- Liquid in the port, cable, adapter or device
- Severe or rapidly increasing heat
- Exposed wires, bent pins or damaged insulation
Classify what the phone actually does
| Symptom | Observe | Safe next check |
|---|---|---|
| No charging indicator | Outlet, adapter, cable, port and display response | Test one known-compatible external path without forcing the connector |
| Charging is intermittent | Cable angle, loose fit, debris or moisture warning | Stop moving the cable; visually inspect and seek service for a damaged port |
| Very slow charging | Screen use, heat, adapter/cable capability and background load | Test while idle with documented compatible equipment |
| Indicator appears, percentage does not rise | Temperature, heavy use, restart and battery behavior | Reduce load, allow safe temperature recovery and follow manufacturer diagnostics |
| Phone may be on but screen is black | Sound, vibration, calls or computer detection | Treat display/power diagnosis separately; avoid repeated forced restarts |
Safe external checklist
- Use a verified wall outlet and inspect the adapter and cable for damage.
- Confirm that the adapter, cable, connector and charging protocol are documented for the exact device.
- Remove a case or accessory only if it prevents the connector from seating normally.
- With power disconnected, inspect the port in good light; do not insert metal, liquid or an improvised tool.
- If the device is unusually hot or cold, stop charging and let it return to the manufacturer's permitted conditions.
- Follow the exact device manufacturer's restart and charging-duration guidance; controls differ by model.
- Back up data as soon as the phone operates normally again.
When service is the responsible next step
Seek service when multiple known-compatible external accessories fail, the port is loose or damaged, the device reports moisture after drying, charging stops at safe temperatures, the battery behaves abnormally or the phone contains important inaccessible data.
Bring the phone and the adapter/cable normally used. State any fall, liquid exposure, recent repair, heat event and backup status before a reset or part replacement is considered.
Sources and further reading
Technical statements were reviewed against these references. External pages may change after our review date.
- Fix an Android device that won't charge or turn on — Android Help
- If your iPhone or iPod touch won't charge — Apple Support
- Safety and regulatory guide for Pixel phones — Google Pixel Help
- USB Type-C Cable and Connector Language Guidelines — USB Implementers Forum