iPhone Won’t Charge? The 4 Causes and Their Fixes (2026 Guide)
iPhone not charging, or detects the charger but will not charge? Cable, charging port, battery or software: the 5-minute diagnostic and what to do. Sub Tech Repairs Montreal.
Quick answer: when an iPhone will not charge, it is almost always one of four things — a faulty cable or adapter, a dirty or worn charging port, a battery at end of life, or a software freeze. Here is how to identify yours in 5 minutes, in order.
Step 1 — Test the cable and adapter
Try a different certified cable and power brick, then another outlet. Cables are the number-one cause — especially frayed ones near the connector. If another cable charges, you are done.
Step 2 — Force restart
A software freeze can block charging: press volume up, volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Then leave it plugged in for 15 minutes — a fully drained iPhone can take several minutes before showing anything.
Step 3 — Look at the charging port
Shine a light into the port: dust and pocket lint often block the contact. Never clean it with anything metallic — bring it to us for a safe, free cleaning at the diagnostic. If the cable feels loose or only charges at a certain angle, the charging port is worn and can be replaced.
“My iPhone detects the charger but will not charge”
Classic symptom: the lightning bolt shows, but the percentage does not climb (or drops). That is almost always a damaged charging port or a battery at end of life. Check Settings → Battery → Battery Health: below 80%, an iPhone battery replacement restores battery life and often fixes charging. Also try wireless charging: if it works but cable charging does not, the port is the culprit.
iPhone will not turn on at all?
Black screen, no response even after 30 minutes plugged in: after the force restart, it is usually the battery, the port, or a board component. We can diagnose it in the shop — often repairable the same day, depending on model, parts and damage.
When to come see us
If steps 1-2 did not help, the problem is hardware: a charging port replacement or a battery replacement — two fast, affordable repairs at Sub Tech Repairs. Free diagnostic, firm quote, 1-year warranty. Your data stays put. See also how much does a repair cost.
Frequently asked questions
Why will my iPhone not charge?
Four causes, in order of frequency: a faulty cable/adapter, a dirty or worn charging port, a battery at end of life, or a software freeze. Test another cable, force restart, then come in for a free diagnostic if it persists.
My iPhone detects the charger but does not charge — what is it?
Almost always a damaged charging port or a worn battery (Battery Health below 80%). If wireless charging works but the cable does not, the port is the culprit. Both are quick replacements.
How much does an iPhone charging port repair cost?
The price depends on the model and the part. The diagnostic is free and you get a firm quote before we start, at 757 Beaubien Est, open 7 days a week.
Sub Tech Repairs — 757 Beaubien Est, Montréal (Beaubien metro) · 438-938-6696 · Open 7 days a week, 8:30 to 21:00 · 🎓 Student & newcomer discount · 5,500+ Google reviews, 4.9★.