My Phone Charger Keeps Going On and Off: 15 Reasons and Fixes

Phone Charger that is charging the phone

With a staggering 120 million iPhone users in the United States according to Statista, it's obvious that keeping an iPhone charged is a daily task for many of us!


Super annoyingly, chargers can act up occasionally so if your iPhone charger keeps going on and off, it might be due to a range of different reasons.


If your iPhone charger starts off working and then stops, it's not only deeply frustrating but also a little bit confusing. After all, if the charger is plugged in and receiving power, why wouldn't it work?


Before we delve into the details, let's start with a quick answer so you can get back up and running asap!

If your iPhone charger keeps going on and off, there could be a problem with the charging port or the battery. You also might be using too much power. To fix the problem, try a new charger, clean out the charging port, or replace the battery. If all else fails, you may need to get a new phone.

Ok so with the mini brief nailed, let's discover a little more as to why it might be happening and thankfully, a few easy fixes!


Before you start, check your iPhone charger for any visible damage. If the charger is frayed or has exposed wiring, it’s probably time for a new one. Also, make sure that the charging port on your phone isn’t damaged. If you see any dirt or debris, use a can of compressed air to blow it out.


If you’ve checked for damage and you can't see any visible debris blocking the ports, then try our 15 reasons and hacks to get your iPhone charging like a pro again!

1. Your outlet is loose

If your outlet is loose, your charger's prongs may not be making a secure connection. This can cause your charger to repeatedly turn on and off as it loses and regains contact.


To fix this, try plugging your charger into a different outlet. If that doesn't work, check the outlet itself for loose screws or damage that could be causing the problem.

2. Your iPhone is damaged

If your iPhone is damaged, it may not be able to properly connect to your charger.


This can cause your charger to turn on and off as it loses and regains contact.


To fix this, first try using a different charger to establish whether it's your phone or the charger and If that doesn't work, take your iPhone to a certified technician for repair.


For more helpful hacks check out our other helpful article Why is my Phone Turning Off: 12 Helpful Hacks

3. There's something wrong with your charger

If there's something wrong with your charger, it may not be able to properly connect to your iPhone.


Similar to if your iPhone itself is damaged, a charger that's broken or malfunctioning can cause your charger to turn on and off as it loses and regains contact.


To fix this, try using a different charger. If that doesn't work, check the charger itself for damage or lose connections.

4. Your phone's battery is damaged

Another possible reason why your charger keeps turning on and off is that your iPhone's battery is damaged.


This can happen if you've dropped your phone or if it's been exposed to extreme temperatures. If you think this might be the cause, try replacing your battery.

5. There's a software problem

If your charger is plugged in and working properly but your iPhone still isn't charging, there may be a software problem.


Outdated firmware can sometimes cause charging issues. Make sure you have the latest version of iOS installed on your iPhone. To do this, go to Settings > General > Software Update.


There could also be a bug caused by a bug in the operating system. To fix this, try restarting your phone or resetting it to its factory settings.

6. You're not using the right charger

It sounds fairly obvious but makes sure you're using the charger that came with your iPhone or a phone's similar charger.


Using the wrong charger can damage your battery or cause your phone to charge more slowly.

7. Your port is damaged

If your port is damaged, your iPhone probably won't charge no matter what charger you use.


Take it to a repair shop to get it fixed.

8. Your battery is broken or malfunctioning

If your battery is not performing properly, it might not hold a charge or it might die quickly.


You can replace your battery, but it can be cheaper to just buy a new phone depending on your iPhone model.

9. You're using too much power

If you're using too much power, your battery will die quickly.


To conserve power, turn off features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you're not using them. Dim your screen and don't use your phone for long periods.

10. Your phone is old

As your phone gets older, the battery will start to die more quickly.


As phones age, their batteries tend to degrade. If you've had your phone for a few years, it's worth considering an upgrade.

11. You're in an extreme environment

Hot weather or cold weather can also cause your battery to die more quickly.


If you're in a hot environment, try to keep your phone in the shade, or if you're in a cold place keep your phone in your pocket to keep it warm.

12. You're using an app that is draining your battery

Some apps are more battery intensive than others.


If you notice that your battery is dying quickly after using a certain app, try uninstalling it.

13. You're not closing apps

When you're done using an app, be sure to close it.


Open apps can continue to run in the background and drain your battery.

14. You're not charging your phone often enough

If you only charge your phone when it's nearly dead, you could be damaging your battery.


Try to charge your phone more often, even if it's just for a few minutes at a time.

15. Too many devices plugged in simultaneously

Try unplugging any devices that may be drawing power from the same outlet, including your iPhone charger.

And finally... get a new charger!

If you’ve tried all of the above and your iPhone charger still keeps going on and off, then it’s probably time to get a new one.


You can buy a new charger from Apple or another retailer.


When you’re shopping for a new charger, make sure that it’s compatible with your iPhone.


You should also look for a charger with the correct wattage. For example, the iPhone 11 Pro Max requires a 12W charger, while the iPhone XS Max requires an 18W charger.


Using an iPhone case can help if your charger keeps going on and off if it's not making a good connection with your phone.


Look for a case with a charging port that's the same size as your charger.


This will create a snug fit and help keep your charger in place. You can also try using a wireless charger.


An iPhone case with a built-in charger is the best way to go if you are looking for complete protection and ease of charging.


This type of case will not only protect your phone from falls and scratches but will also allow you to charge your phone without having to remove the case.


Check out our store to find a huge range of iPhone cases for all models.

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