In today’s fast-paced, digital world, relying on our smartphones for various tasks is inevitable. However, it can be incredibly frustrating when our iPhones suddenly become completely unresponsive and refuse to charge. This troubleshooting guide aims to shed light on the possible causes behind this inconvenience and provide effective solutions to revive a seemingly dead iPhone. Whether it’s a hardware issue or a simple software glitch, understanding the root cause is essential in getting your iPhone up and running again.
Checking The Charging Cable And Power Source
One of the first troubleshooting steps when your iPhone is completely dead and won’t charge is to check the charging cable and power source. Start by inspecting the cable for any visible damage or frayed wires. Ensure that it is fully plugged into both your iPhone and the power adapter or USB port. If you are using a power adapter, make sure it is securely plugged into a functioning power outlet.
Next, try using a different charging cable or power adapter to eliminate the possibility of a faulty accessory causing the issue. Borrow a cable or adapter from a friend or use one from another device to test if the original accessories are the problem.
In addition, ensure that both the charging cable and power source are working correctly. You can do this by attempting to charge another device using the same cable and power source. If the other device charges without any issues, it implies that the charging cable and power source are functioning properly.
If after checking the charging cable and power source your iPhone still doesn’t charge, proceed to the next troubleshooting step to inspect the charging port for debris or damage.
Inspecting The Charging Port For Debris Or Damage
When your iPhone is completely dead and won’t charge, one of the common culprits is a blocked or damaged charging port. Over time, lint, dust, and other debris can accumulate in the port, preventing the charging cable from making proper contact. Additionally, physical damage to the charging port can also hinder the charging process.
To troubleshoot this issue, start by visually inspecting the charging port. If you notice any debris, gently remove it using a wooden toothpick or a small brush. Avoid using anything metal that could damage the delicate pins inside the port. Once the port is clear of debris, try connecting your iPhone to the charger again.
If the port appears to be physically damaged, such as bent pins or a loose connector, it may require professional repair. In such cases, it is advisable to seek assistance from an authorized service provider or contact Apple Support for further guidance.
By inspecting and cleaning the charging port, you can potentially resolve the issue of your iPhone being completely dead and not charging.
Resetting The IPhone Using A Hard Reboot
A hard reboot, also known as a force restart, is a simple yet effective method to resolve many iPhone issues, including a completely dead device that won’t charge. To perform a hard reboot on your iPhone, follow these steps:
1. For iPhone 6s or older models: Press and hold both the Home button and the Power button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
2. For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Power button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
3. For iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button, and finally, press and hold the Side (or Power) button until the Apple logo appears.
Performing a hard reboot can often resolve charging issues caused by minor software glitches. This is because a hard reboot cuts off power to all running processes and restarts the iPhone from scratch, allowing it to start fresh. If your iPhone was just temporarily frozen or experiencing a software hiccup, this method should bring it back to life and restore its ability to charge normally.
Verifying If The Battery Is Completely Drained
If your iPhone is completely dead and not charging, it’s possible that the battery has been drained completely. To verify if this is the case, follow these steps:
1. Connect your iPhone to a power source using a charging cable and adapter that you know to be working properly.
2. Leave your iPhone connected to the power source for at least 15-30 minutes.
3. While it’s connected, check for any signs of life such as an Apple logo or a low battery icon. If you see any of these, it means that the battery was indeed completely drained and is now charging.
4. If there are no signs of life after the given time, try a different charging cable and adapter to rule out any issues with the previous ones.
5. If the new cable and adapter still don’t show any signs of life, move on to the remaining troubleshooting steps.
It’s important to note that if the battery is completely drained, it may take some time for your iPhone to regain enough power to display anything on the screen. Be patient and give it enough time to charge before proceeding to other troubleshooting steps.
Checking For Software Issues Causing The Charging Problem
Software issues can sometimes be the culprit behind an iPhone that won’t charge. To check for software issues, try the following troubleshooting steps:
1. Update the software: Ensure that your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network and go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for any available updates. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
2. Force restart your iPhone: Performing a force restart can help resolve software glitches. For iPhone 12 models, press and quickly release the volume up button, then press and quickly release the volume down button, and finally press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. For older iPhone models, press and hold the power button along with the home button (or the volume down button for iPhone 7 and 7 Plus) until the Apple logo appears.
3. Reset settings: Resetting your iPhone’s settings can sometimes fix charging issues caused by software conflicts. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. Keep in mind that this will not erase your data, but you will need to reconfigure your preferences and settings.
If none of these steps resolve the charging problem, it is advisable to proceed to the next troubleshooting step or seek professional assistance.
Trying A Different Charging Cable And/or Power Adapter
If your iPhone is completely dead and won’t charge, it is worth checking whether the issue lies with the charging cable or power adapter. Sometimes, these accessories can become faulty over time, causing charging problems.
Start by trying a different charging cable. Borrow one from a friend or family member or purchase a new one if necessary. Make sure to use an original or certified Apple cable whenever possible as cheap third-party alternatives may not provide the same reliability.
If changing the cable doesn’t solve the issue, try a different power adapter. You can use the power adapter from another iPhone or iPad if you have access to one. Alternatively, you can purchase a new adapter.
By trying different cables and adapters, you can rule out any issues with your accessories. If your iPhone starts charging with a different cable or adapter, it means that the original ones were faulty. However, if the problem persists even with different accessories, you may need to explore other troubleshooting options.
Investigating Possible Hardware Damage
Hardware damage can be a potential reason why your iPhone is completely dead and won’t charge. There are a few hardware components that could be causing the issue. Firstly, check the charging port for any physical damage, such as bent pins or dirt accumulation. If you notice any debris or corrosion, use a soft brush or toothpick to gently clean it out.
Additionally, inspect the charging cable for any frayed or damaged wires. A faulty cable can prevent your iPhone from charging properly. Try using a different cable to see if that resolves the issue.
Another hardware component to consider is the battery itself. Over time, iPhone batteries can degrade and lose their ability to hold a charge. If you suspect this is the problem, consider getting the battery replaced by an authorized service provider.
If you have ruled out any damage to the charging port, cable, or battery, there may be an internal hardware issue. In this case, it is recommended to seek professional assistance or contact Apple Support. They will be able to diagnose the problem accurately and suggest appropriate solutions.
Seeking Professional Assistance Or Contacting Apple Support
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and your iPhone is still completely dead and won’t charge, it may be time to seek professional assistance or contact Apple Support. Apple’s technical support team is trained to handle various iPhone issues and they can provide expert guidance to solve your problem.
Before contacting Apple Support, make sure to have your iPhone’s serial number and other necessary details handy. Apple technicians will ask for this information to better understand your device and its warranty status.
To contact Apple Support, you can either visit the official Apple website and use the “Contact Support” page to initiate a chat, schedule a phone call, or request a repair. Alternatively, you can also utilize the Apple Support app directly on your iPhone.
Seeking professional assistance ensures that your iPhone is properly diagnosed and repaired by experts. They have access to advanced diagnostic tools and can provide solutions tailored to your specific situation. Remember to follow any instructions provided by the support team and keep your iPhone’s warranty in mind for possible repairs or replacements.
FAQs
FAQ 1: Why won’t my iPhone turn on or charge?
There could be various reasons for this issue. It could be due to a drained battery, faulty charging cable or adapter, a software issue, or a hardware problem. Follow the troubleshooting guide below to identify and fix the issue.
FAQ 2: How can I troubleshoot a completely dead iPhone?
To troubleshoot a completely dead iPhone, try the following steps:
- Check the charging cable and adapter: Ensure they are working properly and not damaged.
- Try a different charging cable and adapter: Use a known working cable and adapter to eliminate the possibility of faulty accessories.
- Hard reset your iPhone: Press and hold the power button and the home button together until you see the Apple logo.
- Connect to a computer: Connect your iPhone to a computer and see if it recognizes the device. If it does, it indicates a possible software issue.
- Visit an authorized service center: If none of the above steps work, it might be a hardware problem, and it’s best to seek professional assistance.
FAQ 3: What if my iPhone still won’t charge after troubleshooting?
If your iPhone still won’t charge after troubleshooting, it’s recommended to:
- Contact Apple Support: Reach out to Apple’s customer support for further assistance and guidance.
- Consider professional repair: If your iPhone is under warranty, contact Apple to organize a repair. If it’s out of warranty, explore authorized service centers or qualified technicians.
- Consider battery replacement: In some cases, a faulty battery might be the culprit. Consult with an expert to determine if a battery replacement is necessary.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are several potential reasons why an iPhone may appear completely dead and refuse to charge. This comprehensive troubleshooting guide has provided various solutions to address these issues, from simple fixes like cleaning the charging port to more complex ones like resetting the device. By following these steps and seeking professional help if needed, users can hopefully revive their iPhones and ensure uninterrupted use.