Try a known-working cable, compatible charger and wall outlet before changing settings. Inspect the connectors for damage. A temperature warning or charging limit can pause charging intentionally. The model checks below separate a power-source problem from a worn battery or a damaged charging connection.
Differential
Likely causes of “Apple iPhone with Lightning will not charge”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A dirty Lightning port
What separates it The cable has to be wiggled and charging starts and stops
How to confirm Inspect the port with the phone off. Arrange a port cleaning if debris prevents the plug from seating
- 2
A damaged cable or adapter
What separates it It charges with another cable
How to confirm Use a certified cable and adapter
- 3
A software glitch
What separates it The phone does not respond when plugged in
How to confirm Force restart
- 4
An under-powered charger
What separates it Charging is slow or falls under use
How to confirm Use a stronger charger
- 5
A battery or port fault
What separates it Nothing works and the port is clean
How to confirm Contact Apple
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which cable and adapter you used
- Whether wireless charging works
- Battery Health
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedTry another cable and adapter
ReversibleUse certified ones.
Clean the port
ReversibleIf packed debris prevents a firm connection, arrange a port cleaning before reconnecting the cable.
Test wireless charging
ReversiblePlace it on a Qi pad.
Force restart
ReversiblePress and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the side button until the logo appears.
Check Battery Health
ReversibleLook at the capacity and any service message.
Look for a charging screen
ReversiblePlug in and wait a minute for the battery graphic to appear.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Apple iPhone XS family will not charge or charges slowly
- If an iPhone XS, XS Max, XR or X will not charge, start with the cable and the plug: try another Lightning cable and a different adapter, and inspect the Lightning port for damage or packed debris. The phone also charges wirelessly on a Qi pad, which is a useful test: if it charges on a pad but not by cable, the port or cable is at fault. Hold the side button and a volume button to restart, or force restart. If the phone charges very slowly, the adapter may be weak; use a 5W or higher charger, and a 20W USB-C Power Delivery charger with a USB-C to Lightning cable for fast charging. A worn battery can also cause a phone to drop quickly or show a charge that does not hold.
- Charging
- Wired charging uses Lightning and wireless charging uses Qi.
- Fast charging
- Fast charging needs a USB-C Power Delivery charger.
- Connector
- The XS uses a Lightning connector.
- Lightning port care
- Pocket lint packs into the Lightning port and stops the cable seating. Switch the phone off and use a wooden toothpick to lift the lint from the bottom of the port, never a metal pin. Test a different cable and charger before concluding that the battery is at fault.
- Old battery signs
- A phone from 2018 may refuse to charge past a certain level or shut off at 30 percent. Check Battery Health and consider a battery replacement.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the iPhone X, iPhone XR.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If it will not charge on a certified cable and a Qi pad, contact Apple
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Charging steps, the 80 percent behavior and unsupported-accessory alerts.
Why charging is slow and how to speed it up.
Qi-certified chargers, up to 7.5 watts, centring the phone.
Force restart for an iPhone with Face ID and charging advice.
iPhone X battery, OLED display, A11 chip, IP67, Qi charging and iOS versions.
iPhone XS and XS Max batteries, A12 chip, IP68, Wi-Fi and iOS support.
iPhone XR battery, LCD display, IP67 and iOS support.
Table of Apple's out-of-warranty battery cost by iPhone model, from Apple's estimates as of November 2024.
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I force restart an iPhone XS?+
Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Does the iPhone XS charge wirelessly?+
Yes, on a Qi charging pad.
Can lint in the port stop charging?+
Yes. Debris can stop the plug from seating. Have packed debris removed before reconnecting the cable.
Which charger is best for an iPhone XS?+
A 20W USB-C charger with a USB-C to Lightning cable is the fastest.
Why does the iPhone XS say Not Charging?+
The cable, adapter or port may be at fault. Try another cable and the Qi pad.
Why does my iPhone XS charge only when held at an angle?+
The Lightning port may be packed with lint or worn. Clean it gently and try a new cable.
Is an uncertified cable safe for the XS?+
Cheap cables can damage the phone or charge poorly. Use Apple-certified cables.
How can I check the battery's health?+
Open Settings, Battery, Battery Health & Charging for maximum capacity.
Does the XS charge faster with USB-C?+
Yes, with a USB-C to Lightning cable and a Power Delivery adapter.
Why does the phone get warm while charging?+
Charging produces heat, especially fast or wireless charging. Remove the case if it gets hot.
How do I clean the port?+
With a wooden toothpick, phone off.
not charging: model differences
Also covered: Apple iPhone 11 family.